University - Freedom. Autonomy and Control

Author: Zhang Binxian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: In the history of modern Chinese university education development, there has never been a period like the present where the study of university history holds such direct and significant practical significance. Since the establishment of the Imperial University of Peking, the development of modern Chinese university education has spanned over a century. In the nearly hundred years since, while the development of Chinese university education has achieved historic accomplishments, it has also experienced twists and hardships. One important reason for this is the one-sided and inaccurate understanding of the nature, role, and functions of university institutions. Mistakes in macro or micro decisions regarding university education development largely reflect the limitations in our understanding of the nature of universities and the superficiality in our grasp of the logic of university development. In China, university education is facing a new period of adjustment and development opportunities, making it necessary to deeply contemplate and explore the essence of universities and the characteristics of their development. In the history of modern Chinese university education development, there has never been a period like the present where the study of university history holds such direct and significant practical significance. Since the establishment of the Imperial University of Peking, the development of modern Chinese university education has spanned over a century. In the nearly hundred years since, while the development of Chinese university education has achieved historic accomplishments, it has also experienced twists and hardships. One important reason for this is the one-sided and inaccurate understanding of the nature, role, and functions of university institutions. Mistakes in macro or micro decisions regarding university education development largely reflect the limitations in our understanding of the nature of universities and the superficiality in our grasp of the logic of university development.