The Inaugural Rewi Alley Professor Teaches at Peking University

17/07/2023 --- The New Zealand Centre proudly announces the successful conclusion of the English course “Visual Communication for a Global World” taught by the inaugural “Rewi Alley Professor” Professor Laurence Simmons in the International Summer School of Peking University. Over the course of two weeks, Prof. Simmons equipped 24 diverse students from both home and abroad with insight and essential skills in visual analysis and communication, fostering their visual literacy and analytical capabilities from the perspective of New Zealand academic stuides.

The Rewi Alley Professor Programme of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University was launched on 28 June, in the presence of New Zealand Prime Minister His Excellency Chris Hipkins, the Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Mr. Wang Xiaolong, New Zealand Ambassador to China Mr. Grahame Morton, Chairman of Peking University Council Professor Hao Ping, President of Peking University Professor Gong Qihuang, and Director of the New Zealand Centre at Peking University Professor Liu Shusen. Professor Laurence Simmons has been appointedas the inaugural professor of the Rewi Alley Professorship. From July 3 to July 14, he guided a group of 24 students through an exploration of visual culture, enabling them to effectively analyze and communicate through various visual media forms. The students are from Peking University and universities in Hongkong, Maco, U.S., France, Singapore and Holand. Assisting in this course were TAs Huilin He and Yunhao Li both are undergraduate students from Peking University.

Professor Simmons Teaches at Peking University

Drawing upon his extensive expertise in New Zealand studies, Prof. Simmons, an established professor of arts at the School of Humanity, University of Auckland, delved into the intricate practices, technologies, and knowledge underlying visual imagery construction. The course, "Visual Communication for a Global World," aimed to empower students by equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate and critically engage with diverse visual forms assisted with examples from all over the world including New Zealand and China. Through a comprehensive examination of visual elements such as brands, logos, photographs, films, architecture, and digital images, participants developed their visual literacy and analytical capabilities.

With a primary focus on the significance of visual communication, the course covered various topics, including the physiology of seeing, theories of visual communication, principles of visual composition, and the role of visuals in truth, knowledge, and pleasure. The latter half of the programme delved into different “regimes” of visual representation, including painting, photography, film, television, and advertising from the perspective of .New Zealand academic studies. 

Throughout the course, students were encouraged to reflect on their culturally specific visual competencies while addressing broader issues of visual textuality, composition, identity, ethnicity, nation, class, gender, and communicative inter-relationships. Engaging discussions held during dedicated sessions allowed students to exchange perspectives and deepen their understanding of visual communication.

Students from Peking University and International Universities

In addition to the classroom instruction, students embarked on a memorable visit to the Tsinghua University Art Museum, immersing themselves in captivating artworks and enriching their appreciation and understanding of visual culture. The course concluded with a dynamic presentation session, where students collaborated in groups to showcase their newly acquired knowledge and skills.

The dedication and enthusiasm demonstrated by both students and faculty underscored the resounding success of this pioneering course, which is a demonstration of Peking University’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural collaboration. The collaboration between China and New Zealand through the New Zealand Centre further strengthens Peking University’s dedication to promoting in-depth cooperation in higher education.

Rewi Alley Professor Programme at The New Zealand Centre at Peking University aims to promote in-depth cooperation in higher education between China and New Zealand and to develop expertise in New Zealand studies. The launch of this project also marks the official opening of a new high-level academic collaboration between China and New Zealand. 

Group Photo at the End of the Course

The great success of the inaugural Rewi Alley Professor’s course owes much to the well-planned organization and management of New Zealand Centre team headed by associate Professor Liu Hongzhong and teaching assistants Huilin He and Yunhao Li. 

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