變法運動と京師大學堂

Abstract

The National University was the successor of the Imperial University, the Academies, and the Institute of Languages, and directly incorporated the official Library of the Peking Society for Education. Sun Chia-nai 孫家鼐 was appointed President and W. A. P. Martin Director of Studies. Its purpose, according to the Statutes, was to direct Universities in each province, achieve world-wide respect and produce men of ability. It was founded in 1898 in Peking, but actual instruction did not begin until 1906. The actual course of instruction comprised thirty subjects, of which ten were called "ordinary subjects, " five were foreign languages, and fifteen were "special subjects." Students progressed to the special subjects after completing the ordinary curriculum. Instruction went on ten hours daily, with provision made for examinations. Auxiliary facilities included a Library, a Museum, and associated elementary schools. The budget included 350, 000 taels for construction, funds for additional building, and 1800, 000 taels yearly for operation, including salaries for instructors and scholarships for students. The staff comprised 41 professors, 0f whom 22 were Chinese, and 41 administrators, total 82. Professors were to be selected for their knowledge of American and European affairs, this being the responsibility of the Director. Entering students were divided into two classes : Sons of high officials, and graduates of middle schools. The total enrollment was set at 500, divided into six levels on the basis of academic achievement. The purpose of the National University was to develop men to cope with national emergencies, men of whom much was expected. Thus, the avenues of official life were open to its graduates, of whom the best were sent abroad for study.