Book Description

Peking University and the Origins of Higher Education in China Appropriately renowned as one of the most distinguished universities in the world, Peking University (PKU) has since its inception been at the forefront of higher education in China. In fact, its roots arguably date to the origin of Chinese higher education. This book-written by historian, erstwhile administrator at Peking University, and current vice minister of education in China, Hao Ping-traces the intricate evolution of the university, beginning with the preceding institutions that contributed to its establishment and stretched from the fi rst Opium War of 1839 through the fi rst of several eye-opening defeats for the then-isolated Middle Kingdom to the Xinhai Revolution and the early days of the Republic of China. Hao Ping chronicles the contentious debates between reform-minded leaders who championed Western models of learning and Conservatives who favored the traditional schooling and examination system, providing readers with fascinating details about the workings of the imperial court as well as the very individual offi cials and scholars involved in Chinese educational reform. This authoritative history of the founding of Peking University defends its claim to be the fi rst modern university in China and offers insight into the origins of higher education as it exists in China today. Born in the People's Republic of China's Shandong Province, vice minister Hao Ping received his masters from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and his PhD from Peking University's School of International Relations. He has been both a professor and academic administrator and has held such offi ces as the vice president of Beijing University and president of Beijing Foreign Studies University. He is currently the vice minister of education and the author of several books, including Sun Yat-s en's Revolution and the United States and An Unfortunate Ending: John