ZHOU Liming—An idol in the eyes of his students

The course has concluded, but students linger, forming a long line—not for a fleeting chance at a celebrity’s autography, but for the signature of their professor. 

What’s this revered course? Students’ comments abound: “A real gem,” “It drew me into the world of law,” and “It meets every great expectation I had for a general education course.”

This course is Theory and Practice of Economic Law, taught by ZHOU Liming, an associate professor from the School of Economics at Zhejiang University.

What makes this course so popular?

When talking about Theory and Practice of Economic Law, those who have taken the course always describe it as a blend of enchantment and enlightenment: “It’s like attending a storytelling session, yet brimming with practical knowledge.” This magical feeling lies in ZHOU Liming’s exceptional ability to unravel real cases with a storyteller’s flare, narrating key parts with vivid language. His teaching transforms legal theory from dry text into an engaging narrative, creating a classroom atmosphere that is both relaxed and intellectually stimulating.

One of the well-quoted words from ZHOU Liming is “I never watch TV dramas because my lawsuits are far more bizarre and twisted.” In the nearly two-and-a-half-hour session, students are not only introduced to the charm of law but are also invited to witness the light and darkness of life through a legal lens. As various slices of real life are interpreted from a legal perspective, students find themselves laughing, cheering, or sighing. The course morphs from a mere introduction to law into a vivid exploration of human experience, where hope, warmth, tears, and confusion converge in compelling case studies. 

ZHOU Liming’s focus on practical knowledge, ranging from employment and entrepreneurship to consumer rights, adds a legal dimension to students’ academic and professional journeys. Assignments like drafting a contract or a civil complaint are designed not just to teach but to equip students with tools to safeguard their rights and seize opportunities in their lives.

The bond between ZHOU Liming and his students extends beyond the classroom. When facing legal issues, students resort to him for help: when encountering the infringement of rights in online shopping, they contact the China Consumers Association or industrial and commercial departments for resolution; when dealing with disputes with a subletter, they employ their newfound legal knowledge to protect their rights.

Though a semester might be fleeting, the bond between ZHOU Liming and students is long-lasting. At the close of each semester, his heartfelt bow and words, “I hope I will always be your friend,” resonate deeply, leaving students with a lasting appreciation for both the teacher and the lessons learned.

How to start an extraordinary course?

An exceptional course is more than just engaging content; it’s a symphony of an inspiring teacher, dynamic class interactions, practical relevance, and imaginative assignments. The course Theory and Practice of Economic Law exemplifies this harmony. ZHOU Liming never calls the roll, but students arrive hours in advance just to secure front-row seats. Though it’s a general education course, it has inspired many to embark on a legal career.

Since 1995, ZHOU Liming has taken over the elective course Economic Law from LU Jianping. “I spent an entire summer vacation preparing for the course, but I was still very nervous in the first session,” ZHOU Liming recalls. “I knew that dull legal articles alone couldn’t attract students,” so he paid special attention to combining theory with practice to ignite students’ interest in economic law and deepen their understanding of the subject. That initial encounter 29 years ago was a prelude to the story of a great course and an inspiring teacher.

As ZHOU Liming transitioned to becoming a part-time lawyer, he began incorporating more real-world cases into the course: disputes over property rights between spouses, inheritance disputes within families, real business conflicts. This practical and intriguing course has grown ever more popular.

To cater to students’ needs, with strong support from Zhejiang University’s Undergraduate School and the School of Economics, the course’s enrollment capacity has gradually expanded. Today, Theory and Practice of Economic Law accommodates nearly 500 students each quarter.

Even after 29 years, ZHOU Liming describes the actual content as “always fresh”—over the years, with the evolving socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, the teaching content themed around economic law has continually expanded, and the “case library” discussed in class has been updated accordingly. “My course offers something new every academic year,” says ZHOU Liming.

Considering the course’s emphasis on practical content, ZHOU Liming renamed the course to Theory and Practice of Economic Law in 2017. The online version debuted in September 2019 on two platforms—the Chinese University MOOC and Zhihuishu. So far, it has been held six times and adopted by more than 100 universities nationwide, with over 80,000 enrollees. In 2023, the course earned distinction as a national-level first-class undergraduate course.

The hidden aspects of a great course

Creating an exceptional course transcends mere classroom interaction; it delves into the realm of implicit education, where passion and dedication quietly shape learning.

Despite his busy schedule, ZHOU Liming has never missed a single class in his 29 years of teaching. He always prioritizes his role as a “teacher”. “This course is my ‘life course,’ and I cannot afford to miss any session. Teaching is my true calling; no matter how busy I am, I must respect my students by being present. Many eagerly anticipate each week’s lesson, and I owe it to them to deliver.”

In class, ZHOU Liming intertwines theory with practical examples drawn from his legal practice and life’s observations. He has a habit of clipping and curating relevant news stories to enrich his teaching, ensuring that the once-dry legal texts become vivid and accessible. This dedication mirrors his relentless pursuit of “extreme passion.”

The course Theory and Practice of Economic Law revolves around the keyword “economic law,” integrating economics and law. ZHOU Liming’s academic journey—undergraduate studies in law, a master’s in economics, and a doctorate in legal economics—provides profound insights into this interdisciplinary blend. “Such integration broadens students’ horizons. Viewing legal issues from through an economic lens reveals that law, too, bears costs.”

In addition to inspiring students to broaden their thinking in class, ZHOU Liming often encourages them to follow their hearts and relish their educational journey, as evidenced by his parting words when signing: “Learning is the greatest joy.”

With law as its foundation and economics as its outline, the fusion of theory and practice embodies a teacher’s heartfelt commitment and the joy of learning. This long-running scroll, named Theory and Practice of Economic Law, will continue to evolve, adding new dimensions to its ever-expanding narrative.