48
Cory
Jor
(23)
1.
The Vice-Chancellor of Hong Kong University has
criticised the existing University regulations which requires
every Chinese intended for matriculation (unless specially
exempt) to pass in an examination in Chinese language and
literature, which involves the study of the Chinese classics
and ability to write in classical Chinese.
2.
Against this he urges the following objections:-
(a) It imposes too serious a strain, and lengthens
unduly the school course.
(b) it is unfair on local Chinese candidates who
cannot, like outsiders, get exemption.
(c) It prevents local candidates from attaining the
same proficiency in other subjects, particularly English,
outside students.
(a) It is particularly hard on candidates for such
courses as engineering.
(e) It is inconsistent with the present trend of
higher education in China, which is away from, rather than
towards, classical studies.
as
(f) Success in the test, severe as it is, does not
prove fitness for the existing University course in Chinese,
owing to the fact that proper arrangements are not and cannot
be made for the school teaching of classical Chinese.
(g) The existing University Chinese course is
unpopular because it only leads to a diploma and to poorly
paid posts
3.
(h) The compulsory test is locally unpopular.
In these circumstances, the Vice-Chancellor, though
a believer in classical education, proposes that classical
Chinese should be compulsory only for those who propose to
take Chinese as a University course. For other candidates,
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