Group photo of campers at the opening ceremony.

From January 27th to 30th, 2024, School of Continuing Education successfully organized the 2024 National Youth Subject Start-up Camp (1st Session) at Renmin University of China. Participants in this camp came from 16 provinces across the country. At the end of the year, the campers engaged in various educational activities, including subject lectures, practical guidance, teacher-student exchanges, campus visits, external lectures, sharing of experiences by outstanding college students, and career planning. They gained a more intuitive understanding of university subject majors, obtained a deeper insight into the latest developments and cutting-edge achievements in various subject areas, and experienced the talent development methods in the university education stage. While immersing themselves in the campus environment and atmosphere of Renmin University, they were able to ignite their enthusiasm for learning, broaden their knowledge horizon, and enhance their overall qualities.

Opening Ceremony

Speech by Dean Han Xiaoning

On January 28, 2024, Han Xiaoning, the Dean of School of Continuing Education at Renmin University of China, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech. Dean Han Xiaoning warmly welcomed the campers, providing an overview of Renmin University of China, including its historical evolution, cultural traditions, discipline development, talent cultivation system, and employment directions for graduates. He emphasized the high importance School of Continuing Education places on the Youth Subject Start-up Camp, highlighting its role in cultivating future talents with a global perspective, leadership skills, and a sense of responsibility. The Youth Subject Start-up Camp aims to help young individuals understand the university's discipline development, acquire introductory knowledge of academic majors, experience the university campus atmosphere, and plan their future professional directions. The opening ceremony was presided over by Li Peng, the Deputy Director of the Educational Development Center at School of Continuing Education, Renmin University of China.

Lecture Delivery

Lecture on the Development and Application of Artificial Intelligence

Associate Professor Hu Di from Gaoling School of Artificial Intelligence at Renmin University of China presented a special lecture on 'The Development and Practice of Artificial Intelligence' for the campers. Professor Hu started by delving into the development and practical applications of artificial intelligence, exploring fundamental cognitive phenomena in humans, and investigating their underlying mechanisms. He analyzed the mysteries of information perception and understanding in the human brain. Building upon this foundation, he scrutinized and discussed the current flourishing developments in artificial intelligence technology. Together with the participants, Professor Hu delved into the mysteries behind artificial intelligence, offering an opportunity to envision an intelligent future and enjoy the benefits of intelligence.

The artificial intelligence robotic dog 'Dada' came to the classroom to interact with the campers.

Lecture on 'Public Speaking: Theory and Practice'

Associate Professor Gong He from School of Journalism and Communication at Renmin University of China presented a special lecture on 'Public Speaking: Theory and Practice' for the campers, followed by practical guidance in debating. Professor Gong emphasized the importance of abandoning utilitarian values and understanding the 'measure' in interpersonal relationships. He underscored that communication should adhere to the principle of 'people-oriented' interaction.

Lecture on 'Legal System and Foreign Legal Governance.'

Associate Professor Zhang Wenliang from the Law School at Renmin University of China delivered a special lecture on 'Legal System and Foreign Legal Governance' for the campers. Through case studies, Professor Zhang provided the participants with a more intuitive understanding of the legal system.

Lecture on 'Information Resources and Digital Humanities.'

Teacher Yan Chengxi from the School of Information Resource Management at Renmin University of China delivered a special lecture on 'Information Resources and Digital Humanities' for the campers. This enabled the students to gain foundational knowledge and insights into the development stages of information resources and digital humanities. The participants were exposed to new conceptual ideas and acquired various problem-solving methods.

Camp participants are listening carefully.

Development Guidance - Career Planning

Teacher Sun Jiansheng teaches career planning.

Teacher Sun Jiansheng from the School of Continuing Education at Renmin University of China taught 'Career Planning' to the camp participants. This allowed the participants to gain early insights into the five elements of professional and career planning: self-awareness, understanding the external environment, decision-making, setting goals, and taking action. Through this, the participants learned about the impact of different disciplines on future careers.

Practical Guidance - Outdoor Classroom

Associate Professor Tao Quyong from the School of Liberal Arts at Renmin University of China led students in the activity 'Walking the Central Axis - Understanding Beijing City.' This involved a combination of sightseeing and cultural explanations, connecting the 'City History' and 'University History' through the central axis. It not only showcased Beijing's rich historical and cultural heritage but also highlighted the achievements of modern civilization built upon this foundation. The experience captured both the charm of the ancient capital and the contemporary spirit, while emphasizing the unique development characteristics and educational features of Renmin University, which has always been closely linked with the development of the Party and the country.

Associate Professor Chen Tao from the School of Liberal Arts guided the participants on a visit to the Film Museum. Through films, they gained insights into the brief history of Chinese cinema, the filmmaking process, and the developmental trajectory of contemporary Chinese culture. The participants had the opportunity to experience firsthand both the front and behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking during the on-site visit.

Campus Visit

Camp participants taking a group photo in the school library.

As part of the campus visit activity, camp participants toured the Lide Building, Century Stadium, the sports field, Yishao Pond, Baijia Corridor, Mingde Square, and the library. This allowed them to experience the university's environment and atmosphere in advance, inspiring the participants' motivation for learning.

Visiting Guidance

Participants visiting Zhongguancun Artificial Intelligence Science and Technology Park.

Participants' Interaction – Experience Sharing by Outstanding Undergraduate Students

Wu Runhao, an undergraduate student from the School of Philosophy, Class of 2020.

Wu Mengyang, an undergraduate student from the School of Journalism and Communication, Class of 2021.

Outstanding students from Renmin University of China shared their experiences in academics, preparing for the college entrance examination, the application process, and university life. After the sharing session, camp participants engaged in interactive discussions, asking questions to the experienced seniors. The participants gained valuable insights and felt motivated, further fueling their enthusiasm for learning.

Closing Ceremony

Speech by Secretary Wo Xiaojing.

On the evening of January 30, 2024, the closing ceremony of the National Youth Subject Start-up Camp at Renmin University of China was held. Wo Xiaojing, the Secretary of the Party Committee of the School of Continuing Education at Renmin University of China, attended the closing ceremony and presented the camp participants with certificates of completion. Secretary Wo emphasized that the camp was an unforgettable journey, and the closing was not an end but a new beginning. She expressed the hope that the participants would carry the knowledge and friendships gained here, continuing to explore the unknown world and bravely scaling academic peaks.

Summary

The conclusion of the National Youth Subject Start-up Camp at Renmin University of China leveraged the university's disciplinary strengths and characteristics. The goal of the event was to cultivate the ability of young people to think independently and solve problems, inspire their academic interests, optimize the connection between basic education and university education, and promote communication and collaboration among young individuals to enhance their comprehensive qualities and social adaptability.

The lecture sessions of the camp featured experts and scholars from various fields, providing students with cutting-edge disciplinary knowledge and practical learning methods. The outdoor practical guidance classes allowed students to personally experience the practical application of disciplinary knowledge, deepening their understanding of the subjects. Throughout the process, camp participants attentively listened to lectures, actively participated, and engaged in discussions, gaining in-depth insights into the latest developments and cutting-edge achievements in different disciplinary areas. While experiencing the university teaching environment and atmosphere, they honed their innovative thinking and teamwork skills, broadened their knowledge horizons, and enhanced their overall qualities. Importantly, the participants formed connections with like-minded peers, collectively pursuing excellence. Through this learning experience, the participants not only improved their disciplinary literacy but also underwent spiritual baptism and elevation.

The School of Continuing Education at Renmin University of China wishes all participants of the National Youth Subject Start-up Camp a future filled with a continued passion for knowledge and life. May they strive to become young individuals of the new era with ideals and a sense of responsibility!