Launch of Interdepartmental Courses on Chinese Philosophy and Culture at the Ionian University

The Ionian University announces the launch of its first interdepartmental courses on Chinese philosophy and culture, a significant milestone in the academic development of the institution and of the internationalization procedure of the Greek public universities.

The interdepartmental courses, organized by the Hellenic Sinology Center, with the support of the Department of Foreign Languages, Translation, and Interpreting (DFLTI), are the result of a unique collaboration with the Beijing Language and Culture University. This collaboration highlights the Ionian University's commitment to promoting intercultural cooperation and understanding.

Following the offering of free Chinese language courses to the Ionian University’s academic community, the courses on Chinese Philosophy and Culture are offered since October 9th, 2024, by the distinguished Visiting Professor and Executive Director of the Hellenic Sinology Center, Dr. Elena Avramidou, a leading researcher in Chinese studies with extensive teaching and research experience at prominent universities in China. Dr. Avramidou's expertise adds a valuable international perspective to the Ionian University's curriculum, further enriching its academic capabilities.

Designed as a bridge of knowledge between Greek and Chinese thought, the courses are fully integrated into the official academic schedule of the Ionian University as interdepartmental elective courses and cover a wide range of topics, from ancient Chinese and Greek philosophy to contemporary cultural practices. Our students have the opportunity to deeply explore Chinese philosophical concepts, history, and culture through a comparative approach with Greek philosophy and culture, gaining a broader understanding of China's global role and influence.

The Hellenic Sinology Center, the organizer of these courses, aims to promote the study of the Chinese language, philosophy, and culture in Greece. Through this initiative, the Ionian University continues to enhance its reputation as an innovative and outward-looking institution, cultivating interdisciplinary studies and pursuing international collaborations systematically and effective. With the launch of this program, the Ionian University becomes the first Greek university to formally incorporate Chinese philosophy and cultural studies into its academic curriculum, setting a precedent for further intercultural academic initiatives in Greece.

For more information about the Hellenic Sinology Center, visit: https://sinology.ionio.gr.