To thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), consolidate and expand the achievements of the education campaign focused on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deepen the study and implementation of General Secretary Xi Jinping's key expositions and instructions on the development of ideological and political theory courses, and align with the spirit of the National Conference on the Development of Ideological and Political Theory Courses in the New Era, the Open University of China (OUC) hosted a special seminar on the development of the School of Marxism within the educational system from 5-7 June 2024.

The event saw participation from thirty-two university leaders, including Xu Mingjun, deputy secretary of the Party Committee of the OUC, and Feng Lian, secretary of the Party Committee of Chengdu Open University.

Xu Mingjun emphasised that General Secretary Xi Jinping's critical directives on enhancing ideological and political theory courses have set a clear direction and provided essential guidance for deeply advancing the nuanced development of these courses at the Open University in the new era. The OUC educational system must profoundly respond to these new demands on this new journey, aiming to showcase fresh accomplishments and successes. It is crucial to further promote the reform and innovation of ideological and political theory courses at the Open University, continually forging a new path in educating students in this new era.

Firstly, it is essential to promote the incorporation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC into textbooks, classrooms, and minds. We must ensure the synchronous development of ideological and political theory courses and the dissemination of the Party's innovative theories, strive to effectively teach the course on Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, strengthen the construction of teaching teams for these courses, and enhance both the implementation of these teachings and the improvement of learning outcomes.

Secondly, we need to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping's significant speech on accelerating the establishment of a leading country in education, delivered at the fifth group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. This involves promoting the development of "comprehensive ideological and political theory courses" through digital empowerment, enhancing online education capabilities, exploring distinctive approaches to ideological and political work at the Open University, and making new contributions to building a society and country committed to lifelong education.

Thirdly, it is vital to deepen the study of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on comprehensive efforts to strengthen Party discipline. The School of Marxism and teachers of ideological and political theory education should lead in learning and educating about Party discipline. Ideological and political theory teachers should leverage their disciplinary and professional strengths, seamlessly integrating Party discipline learning into the development of ideological and political theory courses, and increasing the relevance of Party discipline education in their teaching.

Fourthly, strengthening the Party's leadership over the development of the School of Marxism is necessary. Party organisations at all levels within open universities should prioritize the growth of the schools of Marxism, enhance policy support mechanisms, take "the spirit of educators" as their guide, reinforce the building of ideological and political theory teaching teams, improve teacher growth incentives and evaluation mechanisms, and transform the schools of Marxism into a robust platform for education, teaching, research, publicity, and talent cultivation in Marxist theory.

Feng Lian outlined the basic profile of Chengdu OU, emphasising its close alignment with the urban development of Chengdu. The university is rooted in open education and adheres to the principles of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It rigorously implements the guidelines from the 20th National Congress of the CPC and General Secretary Xi Jinping’s directives on Sichuan’s initiatives. The university commits to the Party's educational policies across the board, taking on the essential role of cultivating moral values through education. It focuses on modernizing educational concepts, integrating intelligence in teaching, expanding international cooperation, and systematizing management practices. Through these efforts, Chengdu OU is dedicated to becoming a premier urban open university by integrating open degree education, adult degree education, community education, elderly education, and family education.

The keynote speakers at the exchange session included Chen Kun, vice dean of the OUC School of Marxism; Mao Dan, vice dean of the School of Marxism at Chengdu OU; Zhang Yajun, secretary of the Party Branch directly under the Teaching Affairs Department and the School of Marxism at Gansu Open University (OU); Luo Xiangyang, dean of the School of Marxism at Fujian Open University (OU); and Guan Jibing, dean of the School of Marxism at Hebei Open University (OU). They discussed their ongoing work and focused on the key tasks for the year at their universities. They emphasised the collaborative efforts of the educational system in reforming ideological and political theory teaching, developing unique resources for these courses, building and developing teacher teams, managing Party affairs, and enhancing enrollment publicity and talent cultivation for specialties in the era of artificial intelligence. This session facilitated exchanges and shared experiences for mutual learning.

The participants engaged in discussions on topics such as the high-quality development of the School of Marxism at the Open University in the new era, the connotative development of ideological and political theory courses, and innovation in reforming these courses empowered by new productive forces. They also discussed the integration of Party discipline learning into ideological and political theory teaching. Practical research and study on new productive forces were organised, and extensive learning sessions for Party discipline were conducted.

Nearly 150 representatives attended the event, including leaders responsible for Marxism schools and ideological and political theory instruction, teachers, and other relevant personnel from the School of Marxism and related departments at the headquarters, 44 branches, and 4 colleges.

During the event, the Research Institute of Comprehensive Ideological and Political Education in the New Era of Open Universities in Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle was also inaugurated.

 

By Qi Shu, OUC  Photos by Chengdu Branch