Modern Media Studies

MMS, Vol. 1, No. 2, 2025, pp.323-331.

Print ISSN: 3078-3151; Online ISSN: 3104-5049

Journal homepage: https://www.mmsjournal.com

DOI: Https://doi.org/10.64058/MMS.25.2.16

Post-Theory, Interdisciplinarity, and the Contemporary Possibilities of Comparative Literature:A Review of Jiang Yuqin's  Depth and Transcendence: Post-Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies in Comparative Literature

Li Shunning（李舜凝）

Abstract: Depth and Transcendence: Post-Theory and Interdisciplinary Studies in Comparative Literature investigates the disciplinary transition of comparative literature in the post-theory era. To address the dilemma of theoretical excess and blurred disciplinary boundaries, the book proposes reconstructing the critical and practical dimensions of literary studies through interdisciplinary research. Theoretically, it offers a dialectical analysis of post-theory, arguing for the construction of a localized discursive system while drawing on Western theoretical resources. It further points out that theory today is witnessing a revival and a trend toward global integration. Methodologically, through the exploration of space studies, cyborg and posthuman theory, the book offers new approaches and perspectives. Practically, it delves into the reevaluation of humanistic values in the technological age with analysis of science fiction written by Liu Cixin and Liu Yukun. The volume provides vital theoretical critiques and methodological insights for comparative literature in the age of artificial intelligence, revealing the discipline’s potential for further development within a globalized context.

Keywords: Post-theory; Disciplinary Construction of Comparative Literature; Science Fiction

Author Biography: Li Shunning, a doctoral student at Nanjing University. Research

interest: English literature and comparative literature. E-mail: 602025090004@smail.nju.

edu.cn.

标题：后理论、跨学科与比较文学的当代可能性——评江玉琴的《纵深与超越：后理论与比较文学跨学科研究》

摘要：《纵深与超越：后理论与比较文学跨学科研究》探讨了后理论时代比较文学的学科转型问题。面对理论过剩与学科边界模糊的困境，本书提出通过跨学科研究重构文学研究的批判性与实践性。在理论层面，本书辩证分析了后理论思潮的脉络，主张在吸收西方理论资源的同时构建本土话语体系，指出21世纪理论呈现星丛式复兴与全球化融合趋势。在方法论上，本书通过空间研究、赛博格理论和后人类美学等跨学科案例，展示了比较文学研究的创新路径，特别是对旅行文学与乌托邦/异托邦话题的探讨具有启发性。在实践层面，本书以刘慈欣、刘宇昆等科幻作家作品为例，深入分析了技术时代人文价值的重估问题，既关注科幻叙事中的情感救赎，也反思后人类主体性带来的伦理挑战。全书为人工智能时代的比较文学研究提供了重要的理论参照与方法论启示，展现了该学科在全球化语境下的发展潜力。

关键词：后理论；比较文学学科建设；科幻文学

作者简介：李舜凝，南京大学博士研究生。研究方向：英语文学与比较文学。电子邮箱：602025090004@smail.nju.edu.cn。

Received: 12 Oct 2025 / Revised:10 Nov 2025 / Accepted: 12 Nov 2025 / Published online: 30 Nov 2025 / Print published: 30 Dec 2025