Vice Principal Dao Thanh Truong expressed his sincere thanks to the two Professors.
At the reception, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong shared: With the mission of being a pioneer in training high-quality, highly qualified human resources; researching, creating and disseminating knowledge about social sciences and humanities, over nearly 80 years of history, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has been promoting the development of basic faculties and expanding to applied sciences. With nearly 96 undergraduate and postgraduate training programs, the structure of VNU-USSH's majors is always being improved, aiming at the quality of international universities.
According to the Times Higher Education announcement in October 2023 on the ranking by field - World University Ranking by Subjects 2024 (THE WUR by Subjects 2024): The Social Sciences field of VNU increased its ranking to the top 501 - 600 in the world. Also in November 2023, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities also completed the 358th AUN-QA accreditation program for 03 training programs, bringing the total number of training programs that have been accredited by AUN-QA to 12.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dao Thanh Truong sent his warmest thanks to the two professors for devoting their time and affection to the students and the School of Humanities. The professors' classes not only brought Japan closer to the students of Humanities, but also served as a bridge to strengthen the relationship between Vietnam and Japan.
Prof. Dr. William M. Bodiford shares beautiful memories during his short time teaching at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Prof. Dr. William M. Bodiford shared: the enthusiasm, friendliness and deep understanding of the students create quality and exciting lessons. The two professors hope that in the future they will have the opportunity to work and research with lecturers and scientists at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, not only in the fields of Buddhism and Japanese studies.
At the meeting, Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thi Kim Oanh - Head of the Department of Religious Studies had further in-depth discussions on Buddhism and some common research directions in the future.
Prof. Dr. Matthias Hayek (Institute for Advanced Study (EPHE), Republic of France) is a specialist in the history of Japanese beliefs and sociology; the history of modern Japanese intellectual society (17th-19th centuries). Graduated with a BA in Philosophy from the prestigious University of Toulouse Le Mirail, University of Paris IV-Sorbonne, and a PhD from the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, France (INALCO), he has published many scientific research works, directly contributing to the preservation and retention of cultural and historical values of Japan. Some of his prominent works are widely known: "Reviewing knowledge and practical learning in the first half of the Modern Era - focusing on Baba Nobutake - the scholar of Kyoto" (Forum Nichi Bunken 2017; "Initial globalization of the concept of yokai - Focusing on yokai of Southern France" ("yokai": monster).
Japanese studies topics taught by Prof. Dr. Matthias Hayek include:
Session 1: “Know-Choose-Abstain: Japanese divination culture in the Modern Era”
Session 2: “Discourse and Interpretation on Natural Changes (Guest Stars) and Earthquakes (Earthquakes) in the Second Half of the 17th Century and the Beginning of the 18th Century”
Session 3: “Discovering “Superstition” in the Early Modern Period”
Prof. Dr. William M. Bodiford (Department of Asian Languages and Cultures, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), USA) is considered a leading expert on Japanese Buddhism. His research focuses on Japanese History and Religion (History of Japan: Medieval, Early Modern and Modern; Religion of the Tokugawa period, especially aspects of Japanese culture related to handwriting, printing, secrecy, education and conversion. In addition, he is also an expert on Tendai and Vinaya Buddhist Traditions, Shinto, folklore, popular religion, Japanese martial arts and traditional approaches to physical culture and health.
Japanese studies topics taught by Professor William M. Bodiford include:
Session 1: Japanese Religion in Transition (1): Modernization - The Birth of Zen Master Dougen
Session 2: Japanese Religion in the Transition Period (2): The Modern Renaissance Movement - Anrakuritsu School and Chinese Buddhism
Session 3: Japanese Religion in the Transition Period (3): Medieval Times - Ise Shrine and Buddhism.
These are activities under the project "Promoting academic exchange between Vietnam - Europe - United States on Japanese studies" sponsored by the Toshiba International Exchange Fund (TIFO, Japan) for the University of Social Sciences and Humanities with the main activity being a series of lectures on Japanese studies by Japanese research experts from universities and research institutes in Europe, the United States, and Canada for students, trainees, lecturers and researchers of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Some pictures at the reception
