School of Journalism and Communication Hosts Second “Excellence Cup” Graduate Academic Paper Competition Sharing Session

By Yang Xinzhuo

Translated by Guo Yishun

Photography by Yang Xinzhuo

Layout by Yang Xinzhuo

Reviewed by Yan Yining, Li Lun

On the evening of November 28, the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) hosted the second “Excellence Cup” Graduate Academic Paper Competition Sharing Session online. The event aimed to foster graduate students’ passion for research while highlighting the impact of award-winning academic work. Professor Yan Yining, Vice Dean of SJC, served as the moderator, with Associate Professor Xu Deya from East China Normal University’s School of Communication as the guest commentator. Nine award-winning students were invited to share their research insights and reflections.

The session began with a warm welcome from Dean Wu Ying, who expressed her gratitude to the faculty and students in attendance. She congratulated the award winners and encouraged all participants to draw inspiration from the event to advance their own academic journeys.

Following the opening speech, the award-winning students presented their research projects, offering a deeper look at their methodologies, challenges faced, and key takeaways from the research and writing process.

Diao Wencong analyzed Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2022 Twitter communications through the lens of mediatization theory, exploring how social media logic intersects with modern public opinion warfare.

Chen Sitian used discourse analysis to examine how People’s Daily has shaped the collective identity of Chinese international students since the founding of the People’s Republic of China, highlighting how this identity has evolved in response to changing historical contexts.

Wang Jiayu investigated media portrayals of women’s cinema during the Republic of China period, providing a historical lens on the cultural and social impact of women in film, while also addressing contemporary issues of gender equality.

Wei Duanduan explored People’s Daily reports on Hollywood films, analyzing the complex cultural and political relations between China and the United States and offering strategies for China’s cultural engagement globally.

Lyu Sheng applied emotional labor theory to study Live Action Role Playing (LARP) hosts, revealing how they connect with participants through emotional work and creating a deeper understanding of this unique form of labor.

Wu Wenjing examined the Sora Model’s impact on the boundary between virtual and real worlds, considering the ideological and social consequences of generative imagery on human perception and society.

Zhang Cheng explored the representation of Chinese civilization in traditional cultural programs, proposing solutions to the challenges of showcasing Chinese symbols in media.

Zeng Huanru analyzed how Western media frames the United Nations Security Council and its member states in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering new insights into international media coverage.

Zou Menghan summarized research on China’s image and perception in Russia, highlighting the key areas of focus, gaps in existing research, and future directions for study.

After the presentations, Associate Professor Xu Deya addressed common challenges faced by students, such as selecting appropriate research methods, identifying valuable topics, and managing sources effectively. Drawing on her own research and teaching experience, she provided tailored suggestions for each presenter, encouraging them to continue refining their work and pursue further academic exploration.

Showcasing the academic rigor of the graduate students, the special seminar also sparked greater interest in scholarly research among the attendees.