Chronicle of Tsinghua Humanities

Author: Qi Jiaying
Editor-in-Chief: Xu Baogeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1999-01-01
Features:
Content Summary
The humanities at Tsinghua University in history gathered numerous scholars who were knowledgeable in both ancient and modern studies as well as in both Chinese and Western academia. Whether in academic thought, academic style, or academic achievements, they held an important position in the history of Chinese academia in the 20th century. This book chronicles the significant events in the humanities education and academic research of Tsinghua University's departments and research institutes from 1925 to 1952 in a chronological order. It includes the establishment and development of the departments and research institutes, staff composition and mobility, curriculum design, academic activities, key academic achievements, teaching and research activities of professors, academic practices, and more. This book provides systematic and reliable documentary materials for researchers of Chinese education history, academic history, and intellectual history, as well as for overseas Chinese studies and Sinology researchers. Cultural workers and college students concerned with the construction of contemporary Chinese thought and culture can also benefit from it.
Excerpt:
On February 22, Wu Mi, holding the appointment letter from President Cao Yunxiang, appointed Liang Qichao as a professor at the Tsinghua College of Chinese Studies and discussed the regulations and procedures of the Research Institute with him. On February 22, Wang Wenxian delivered a lecture at the Young Men's Christian Association titled "Religion and Intellect" (), with a full house of listeners. Wang Wenxian's speech was "calm in demeanor, fluent in English, full of profound and insightful remarks, and delivered with great eloquence. The conclusion was particularly moving, leaving the full house deeply impressed" (as reported in 《》Issue 337). In February, Wu Mi translated "Bokde's Discussion on the Cultures of Europe and Asia" and "On the Benefits of Adherence to Rules and the Dangers of Indulgence," which were published in 《》Issue 38. On March 6, the university council approved the 《Research Institute Regulations》. The purpose of the regulations was "to conduct advanced academic research and train specialized talents"; the organization was: "The Research Institute is a part of Tsinghua School, with its funding and facilities not yet separately allocated. The President of Tsinghua School oversees all affairs of the Research Institute." The subjects were: "The Research Institute plans to gradually add various subjects based on funding and needs. For the inaugural year, it will establish the Department of Chinese Studies, covering Chinese language, history, literature, and philosophy, with the aim of cultivating the following two types of talents: (1) those who dedicate their lives to writing. (2) teachers of Chinese studies in various schools." The regulations also outlined provisions for professors and lecturers, stating: "Several scholars with extensive knowledge and specialized expertise will be appointed as full-time professors." "Scholars with specialized research in certain fields may be appointed as visiting lecturers by the Research Institute at any time." The regulations also made several provisions regarding students and research methods. The regulations were drafted after Wu Mi discussed them with Liang Qichao and consulted with others such as Wang Guowei. A 《Preface to the Research Institute Regulations》 was also written, which stated: "Academia is an endless endeavor. For humanity, it is eternal; for a nation, it is eternal; for an individual, it is eternal. Those who provide higher and specialized education today merely provide the necessary preparation and show the path to future advancement, enabling them to pursue further studies later. Therefore, universities in Eastern and Western countries establish graduate schools above undergraduate programs to provide research opportunities for graduates. In recent years, Peking University has also established research institutes. Our school has been in operation for over ten years, and this year we have newly established a graduate division. Given that our school is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, with convenient transportation and free from the distractions of the city, we propose to establish a Research Institute simultaneously. This is because the annotations of Chinese classics from the Han Dynasty to the present day are relatively complete, but due to incomplete materials and insufficient methods, they still await correction and supplementation by future generations. Moreover, the ancient historical materials of modern times are vast and still require meticulous comparative research. In terms of human affairs, such as the conditions of life in different dynasties, the evolution of language, the changes in customs, and the rise and fall of morality, politics, religion, and arts; as well as in nature, such as the migration of rivers and lakes, the classification of flora and fauna, all records by previous scholars require specialized research. As for European academia, which has recently arrived from the West, without in-depth comparative studies in philosophy, literature, and other fields, it is impossible to grasp its essence and make informed choices. In essence, scholars must delve deeply and broadly, only then can they be qualified to guide society and promote cultural enlightenment. However, such endeavors cannot be achieved by individuals or ordinary schools alone, which is why the establishment of this Research Institute cannot be delayed. Recognizing this, our school has decided to establish a Research Institute, initially focusing on the Department of Chinese Studies, inviting renowned scholars, expanding facilities, and recruiting outstanding talents from across the country. Graduates from domestic and international universities, as well as those currently engaged in educational work or self-studying with comparable academic abilities, will be admitted to study in specialized fields, with the hope of contributing to world culture. The task is arduous and significant, and I dare not shirk it. It also reflects our school's commitment to serving the nation and society."
Postscript:
Over the past decade or so, working in the Tsinghua University Library, I have spent my days wandering among the books, gradually gaining an understanding and interest in the works of the predecessors. I am grateful to Professor Xu Baogeng for his trust in entrusting me with the task of compiling 《A Chronology of the Humanities at Tsinghua University》, which has given me the opportunity to systematically study and organize this glorious history. Reading through hundreds of volumes of books and periodicals covered in decades of dust has been a laborious task, but as the work progresses, it has also brought its own joy. I would also like to thank Professor Sun Dunheng, a specialist in Tsinghua University history, who carefully reviewed this 300,000-word manuscript and offered valuable suggestions. Professor Hu Weixi has recently dedicated himself to the study of the "Tsinghua School," and the paper he wrote specifically for this book is undoubtedly helpful to its readers. The respected and venerable Elder Gu Yuexiu, over 90 years old, inscribed the title for this book, adding to its prestige. All of this deserves my heartfelt gratitude. The history of the humanities at Tsinghua University and the "Tsinghua School" are undoubtedly one of the important chapters in the academic and educational history of the 20th century in our country. The editor hopes that this book can provide a systematic entry point for scholars and peers who are interested in researching the history of modern academic thought and education. Although efforts have been made to ensure rigor, completeness, and objectivity during the compilation process, the historical records involved are so vast, the disciplines so broad, and the figures so numerous that gaps are almost unavoidable. I sincerely hope for the criticism and corrections of the knowledgeable.
Editor, May 1997