Advances in Politics and Economics ISSN 2576-1382 (Print) ISSN 2576-1390 (Online) Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape 132 Original Paper Research on the Value and Path of Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of CPC into College Ideological and Political Education Xiaoxin Huang 1a & Heng Lyu 1b* 1 Guangzhou Huali College, Guangzhou 511300, Guangdong, China a 1624798151@qq.com b 102357015@qq.com Received: April 18, 2023 Accepted: May 11, 2023 Online Published: May 26, 2023 doi:10.22158/ape.v6n2p132 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.22158/ape.v6n2p132 Abstract The great founding spirit of the Communist Party of China (CPC) inspires the Party to unite and lead the Chinese people to create miracles in the struggle over more than a century. The great founding spirit of the CPC is a valuable resource for conducting a series of ideological and political education courses in China. Integrating it into college ideological and political courses can help the students strengthen their ideals and beliefs, enhance their sense of responsibility, consolidate their sense of responsibility, and enhance their emotional and value identity of patriotism, loving the party, and loving the people. This paper aims to explore the value and practical path of integrating the great founding spirit of the CPC into ideological and political education, and it provides a reference for the study of integrating ideological and political education really into college campuses, teaching, and student’s mind. Keywords Communist Party of China, The great founding spirit of the CPC, ideological and political education, college students 1. The Necessity of Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into Ideological and Political Education Since modern times, for saving the nation and rejuvenate China, countless patriots have learned from the western countries but repeatedly hit the wall, failed to find a way to save the world. In 1921, the CPC emerged in the close combination of Marxism and the workers’ movement, which was a great www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 133 Published by SCHOLINK INC. event that opened a new era. In 2021, General Secretary delivered an important speech at the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, proposing the great founding spirit of the CPC of adhering to the truth, sticking to the ideal, practicing the original intention, assuming the mission, fearless sacrifice, brave struggle, and loyalty to the Party and not disappointing the people. The great founding spirit of the CPC inspires our party to become a mighty giant ship leading the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation from a small “red boat”. From August 2021 to present, through classroom surveys and exchanges with over 2,000 college students, it was found that almost all college students have heard of the great founding spirit of the CPC since General Secretary first proposed it. However, more than half of the students are not able to grasp the basic content and essential connotation of the great founding spirit of the CPC. Students expressed that college students in the new era must promote the great founding spirit of the CPC. However, understanding its value and significance is still not comprehensive and accurate enough. In a word, integrating the great founding spirit of the CPC into ideological and political course education is a very important and necessary task, and need actively explore the establishment of a systematic and long-term integration mechanism. 2. Significant Value of Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into Ideological and Political Education College students are the driving force and reserve force for social development, and universities as the main front for ideological and political education have the responsibility to guide students in inheriting and promoting the great founding spirit of the CPC. Ideological and political education is a key course for implementing the fundamental task of cultivating virtue and talent. Integrating the great founding spirit of the CPC into ideological and political education is precisely the mission and responsibility of universities to educate people for the Party and cultivate talent for the country, and it is related to the fundamental education task of what kind of people to cultivate, how to cultivate them, and for whom to cultivate them. The great founding spirit of the CPC is a precious red resource that has important significance in inheriting the red genes and continuing the red bloodline, as well as strengthening college students’ determination of their ideals and beliefs, enhancing their sense of responsibility and patriotism, and promoting their emotional and value identification with the Party, the country, and the people. 2.1 Beneficial for Strengthening the Ideal Beliefs of College Students Encourage college students to deeply pursue the ideal of “upholding truth and ideals” at both the cognitive and emotional levels. General Secretary Compare ideals and beliefs to “calcium”, without firm and ideal beliefs, the spirit will lack “calcium” and will suffer from “osteoporosis”. Therefore, the lack of faith can be very dangerous. As the “calcium” of the human spirit, ideal beliefs are the core of everyone’s spiritual world. Not only Communist Party members but also college students should “supplement calcium” spiritually. As a spiritual support, ideal beliefs play an important role in helping www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 134 Published by SCHOLINK INC. the students grasp the development situation at home and abroad in the new era and stage, understand the laws of human social development, and master the correct methodology. They also have the responsibility to carry forward the historical mission of the society. Noble ideal beliefs can help the students establish lofty goals, courageously shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the times, combine their dreams with the Chinese Dream, plan the blueprint for their life dreams, and contribute to the Chinese Dream. Ideological and political education should guide college students to consciously connect their personal dream ideals with the future and destiny of the country from the cognitive and emotional levels. However, firming ideal beliefs is not a one-time effort. Universities should actively guide their students to regard firming ideal beliefs as a long-term compulsory course, form an effective and feasible long-term mechanism through the main channel role of ideological and political education courses, help college students to supplement the “calcium” of ideal beliefs, and cultivate a new generation of people who bear the heavy responsibility of national rejuvenation. 2.2 Beneficial for Enhancing Sense of Responsibility of College Students Strengthening college students’ practical spirit and sense of responsibility to “Stay True to the Original Aspiration and Take on the Mission” in their actions. In the modern practice of exploring salvation, history, and the people called for a thoroughly advanced political party representing the interests of the broad masses of the people that was anti-imperialist and anti-feudal. Therefore, the establishment of the CPC was historically inevitable, and the original mission of seeking happiness for the people and rejuvenation for the nation has been the thread that runs through the party’s century-long arduous struggle. the CPC has no special interests of its own and always upholds everything for the people and relies on the people. History and the people are the “test paper makers,” and the CPC is the “test taker.” Our party has answered one satisfactory test paper after another in practice for history and the people. From the sense of responsibility that “the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of everyone,” to the practical actions of “to live or die for the country,” all reflect a strong sense of responsibility and inspire generation after generation to struggle hard, overcome difficulties one after another, and achieve one victory after another. As a young group with knowledge, strength, and capabilities, college students should be cultivated with a sense of responsibility to dare to take on the responsibility, and they should have a high degree of consciousness of “I am responsible for my success and the strong country needs me.” They should shoulder the responsibility and historical mission of achieving national prosperity, national rejuvenation, and the people’s happiness. The ideological and political education should use the great founding spirit of the CPC to cultivate them. 2.3 Beneficial for Inspiring Fighting Spirit of College Students Inspire college students’ fighting spirit of “fearless sacrifice, brave struggle” in their spiritual character. Chairman Mao once said revolution is not a dinner party, essay, painting, or embroidery. It cannot be so refined, leisurely, and gentle, temperate, kind, courteous, restrained, and modest. Revolution is an insurrection, an act of violence by which one class overthrows another. Communist Party members in China were steadfast and unyielding, using their precious lives to write their faith and perseverance in www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 135 Published by SCHOLINK INC. revolution, sacrificing tens of thousands of revolutionary martyrs on the eve of the founding of New China to preserve the revolutionary spark and establish a new China. According to incomplete statistics, in the 28 years of bloody struggle, the revolutionary forces led by the CPC had more than 3.7 million martyrs. The cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics cannot be achieved by banging drums and gongs, it is achieved through persistent and arduous struggle. The unremitting struggle is the political background of the CPC in its great practice in various historical periods of the Chinese revolution, construction, and reform. Only with the spirit of unremitting struggle, tenacious hard work, perseverance, and the more setbacks, the more courageous, can a strong leadership core be formed and can unite and lead the Chinese people to continue to advance bravely for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Youth is for fighting, and struggle is the most brilliant background of young college students. In ideological and political courses, telling the stories of heroes and martyrs well, and inspire the students in the new era with vivid and touching stories to develop the qualities of not being afraid of sacrifice and daring to fight. 2.4 Beneficial for Cultivating Patriotism of College Students Cultivate college students, patriotism with the belief of “being loyal to the Party and not disappointing the people” in terms of their values. Marx stated in The Communist Manifesto that communists have no interests separate. Which is the fundamental principle that has enabled the Party to grow from just over 50 members to over 96 million members today. On June 28, 2021, General Secretary emphasized in his signed article The People’s Republic Belongs to the People and the People Are the Foundation of the Country” in People’s Daily, “I will be selfless and not let down the people. I am willing to achieve a state of ‘selflessness’ and devote myself to China’s development,” and called on all Party members and comrades to keep their original mission in mind, always maintain close ties with the masses, and continue to work tirelessly to fulfill the people’s aspirations for a better life and to strive for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Loyalty to the Party and wholehearted service to the people are the essential requirements for Chinese Communists to integrate into their blood and soul, which is the lifeline of the Party. Incorporating the great founding spirit of the CPC into ideological and political education can guide students to integrate their individual goals with the country’s overall development and the people’s cause, solidly learn professional skills, and be loyal to the Party and the people in different positions, thus contributing their youthful energy to building a modern socialist country in all respects. 3. The Practical Approach of Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into Ideological and Political Education Exploring the practical approach of integrating the great founding spirit of the CPC into ideological and political education and establishing a systematic and long-term integration mechanism is conducive to strengthening and improving the approaches and methods of ideological and political education, enhancing the ability and level of its work for college students, and cultivating reliable successors for www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 136 Published by SCHOLINK INC. the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics. 3.1 Incorporating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into Curriculum Teaching Fully incorporating the great founding spirit of the CPC into the curriculum of major ideological and political courses. For example, in the “Basic Principles of Marxism” course, detailed interpretations of Marxist truth and the great ideals of communism, and how the CPC has changed the world under the guidance of Marxism theory, can be integrated to strengthen students’ lofty beliefs in Marxism and communism. In the “Introduction to Mao Zedong Thought” course, detailed interpretations of the theoretical system of new ideas, new concepts, and new viewpoints that combine Marxist truth with China’s specific practices, as well as how the party inherits, develops, innovates, and leaps forward in theory, can be incorporated. In the “Outline of Modern Chinese History” course, the century-long struggle history of how the CPC fulfilled its mission, upheld its original aspirations, was unafraid of sacrifice, and fought heroically, can be taught to clearly explain the “Four Choices” of history and the people, and how our Party has united and led the people to achieve the “Four Great Accomplishments.” In the “Ideological and Moral Cultivation and Fundamentals of Law” course, loyalty to the Party, not betraying the country and the people, and guiding students to establish correct worldviews, outlooks on life, and values, inherit the Party’s fine traditions, promote the Chinese spirit, pursue lofty ideals, firm lofty beliefs, and create extraordinary lives. In the “Principles and Policies of Governance” course, guiding students to understand and grasp current political affairs and major domestic and international events, and integrating historical and current comparisons, use a broad historical perspective to view the relationship between reality, the past, and the future, and guiding students to deeply understand how the CPC has changed the future and development direction of the Chinese nation, taking the cause of the Chinese nation to new heights. In incorporating the spirit of the Great Party Building into the teaching of ideological and political courses, it is necessary to avoid rigidly applying the same approach to all courses. Instead, we need to combine the actual content of each course, reflect high-level thinking while being grounded, and make it easy for students to accept and understand, to achieve the intended effect. 3.2 Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into Practical Activities Practical education is one of the important approaches to ideological and political education in universities. Universities should use practical activities as a carrier to broaden the main battlefield of classroom education, guide students to step out of the classroom, feel the essence of the great founding spirit of the CPC in practical activities, and achieve the effect of “integrating knowledge with action”. By using extracurricular social practice activities, universities can guide students to fully exercise their subjectivity. Firstly, broaden the ideological and political classroom and guide students to “go out”. Make full use of local red education resources and let the students physically experience and understand the great founding spirit of the CPC. Organizing students to visit red education bases such as the revolutionary former residence, revolutionary museums, and martyrs’ memorial parks according to the actual www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 137 Published by SCHOLINK INC. situation, guiding students to feel historical figures, understand historical events, comprehend historical thoughts, remember history, deepen students’ patriotic sentiments, and strengthen ideological awareness. Secondly, broaden the path and “introduce” the spirit of great party building. For example, carry out themed education on the great founding spirit of the CPC, invite veteran party members, descendants of revolutionary martyrs, or relevant experts and scholars to give theme lectures, theme reports, ideological and political classes, and hold symposiums and exchanges to enrich students’ knowledge of red culture. Thirdly, expanding mutual assistance and communication and jointly building propaganda bases for the great party building construction. Based on local red resources, deeply carry out mutual assistance and exchanges between strong universities and regions, building red education demonstration bases, and establishing a long-term mechanism for the spirit of great party building. Finally, combing ideological and political classes with classroom teaching. According to the requirements of practical course assignments for various subjects, arranging some practical course assignments related to the spirit of great party building for students, further guide students to study seriously, and understand the spiritual qualities of the predecessors and martyrs who were not afraid of difficulties, dared to struggle, were willing to dedicate themselves to serving the people, were loyal to the party, and undertook their missions, find the right role models, and learn from them. Through the channels of social practice education, deepen college student’s understanding of the Chinese national conditions, deepen their value and emotional identification with the CPC, draw strength for their struggles from the great founding spirit of the CPC, and strive to become a new generation of youth with a sense of mission, responsibility, patriotism, and dedication to the country. 3.3 Integrating the Great Founding Spirit of the CPC into College Management In 2018, General Secretary pointed out in his speech at the National Education Conference that ideological and political education is the lifeline of all work in schools. Party committees at all levels, education authorities at all levels, and school Party organizations must firmly grasp it. Universities should strengthen the construction of the ideological and political work system, and school daily management plays an important role in the comprehensive education. Ideological and political education should be done in daily life and in people’s minds. Firstly, universities should use the Internet to grasp the main position of cultural propaganda. By utilizing the Internet, innovative methods and carriers for ideological and political education dissemination can be developed. For example, playing red-themed movies in the form of weekend cinemas can not only enrich students’ campus life but also ease the tense atmosphere of weekday study. Advanced deeds of the great founding of the Party can be disseminated through official websites, public accounts, as well as popular social media such as Weibo, class QQ groups, short videos, and WeChat groups. Secondly, the great founding spirit of the CPC should be integrated into campus culture construction. For example, by strengthening the use of main places such as student dormitories, leisure areas, dining areas, libraries, and sports venues, students can be influenced by the essence of the great founding of the Party through various forms such as campus radio stations, Party building www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 138 Published by SCHOLINK INC. magazines, posters, publicity columns, and art design. Thirdly, the great founding spirit of the CPC should be integrated into school competitions. Activities such as the Red Song Competition, Speech Competition, Theme Essay, Debate Competition, and Creative Poster Competition can promote the main theme of the great founding of the Party. Finally, a team of specialized teachers for ideological and political courses in universities should be built and strengthened. The key to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation lies in talent, and the key to talent development lies in teachers. Teachers play a leading role in education and teaching, so the construction of a team of ideological and political teachers in universities is of great importance. At the same time, the active promotion of the collaborative and interactive role of counselors, class teachers, and other subject teachers in promoting the great founding spirit of the CPC is also necessary. Universities should fully utilize management mechanisms to integrate the great founding spirit of the CPC into teaching, research, culture, network, management, service, funding, organization, and other aspects, forming a joint force effect in comprehensive education. 4. Conclusion The era shapes great spirits, and great spirits guide the development of the era. The great founding spirit of the CPC embodies the party’s original aspirations and essential characteristics. Guided by this spirit, the party has led the people of all ethnic groups through a century of hardships and struggles, achieving the “four greats” and entering a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, creating a great miracle in the development of the socialist cause. As an important place to cultivate socialist reliable builders and successors, colleges and universities have the obligation and responsibility to shoulder the mission bravely, fully tap the valuable educational resources in the great party building spirit, actively explore and establish a long-term educational mechanism, and integrate the great party building spirit into school education, teaching, and management. Strictly implement the fundamental task of strengthening moral education and cultivating people, guide college students to consciously inherit and carry forward the great spirit of party building, help the students nourish their original heart, inspire their fighting spirit, firm their direction, work hard, and contribute to the cause of the party, the people and the Chinese nation。 Acknowledgements Family Education Project of China Intelligent Engineering Research Society; Project Name "Artificial Intelligence Helps Economic and Social Transformation and Upgrading" (No.: ZHGC50162) Economic Research Center, Institute of Regional Reform and Development, Chinese Academy of Management Sciences, Research on Artificial Intelligence and Economic Innovation Research (No.: JJYJ00105) www.scholink.org/ojs/index.php/ape Advances in Politics and Economics Vol. 6, No. 2, 2023 139 Published by SCHOLINK INC. References Cai, Z. Q., & Yuan, M. X. (2021). 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