The HNU-ASU Joint International Tourism College of Hainan University (HAITC) organized an offline lecture under the theme "Contemporary Science Fiction and Utopian Imagination" on April 12.

Teachers and undergraduate students at the HAITC participate in the lecture. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

The event featured Jin Bing, vice-dean of the School of International Studies and director of the Center for English and American Literature Studies at the University of International Business and Economics, as the keynote speaker.

Jin began with tracing the history of science fiction (sci-fi) literature and laid out the concept of utopia in contemporary sci-fi novels, decoding the utopian ideas presented by many renowned authors in their works.

Engaging in interactive discussions with students, she cited famous sci-fi novels from both China and abroad to examine the historical evolution of the concept of utopia.

Jin delivers a lecture under the theme "Contemporary Science Fiction and Utopian Imagination" on April 12. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

During the lecture, Jin explained the intrinsic correlation between sci-fi literature and scientific paradigms, delving into the development trajectory of sci-fi literature since the Victorian era.

She also shared insight into the rise of steampunk since the 1980s and guided students in contemplating the relationship between machines and human beings.

Using numerous examples of both Eastern and Western sci-fi literature, Jin compared and analyzed the contrasting viewpoints on utopia and dystopia and elucidated their dialectical relationship in contemporary Western sci-fi novels.

Jin delivers a lecture under the theme "Contemporary Science Fiction and Utopian Imagination" on April 12. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

Jin interacts with the attending faculty and students. [Photo/WeChat account: HAITC]

As a council member of the China Association of Foreign Literature and a Fulbright Senior Scholar at Columbia University, Jin has published numerous academic papers in authoritative domestic and international journals, including Foreign Literature Review and Foreign Literature.