CO129-594-1 Rehabilitation of Hong Kong University. For extracted photographs see CN 3-45- Advisory Committee report 29-3-1946 - 3-7-1946 — Page 184

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staff would be essential for the purpose of comparative studies undertaken in conjunction with the Departments of English Language and Literature of Social Sciences and of Philosophy.

Department of Social Science:

J

Studies in mathematics, languages, history, philosophy and geography underlie and facilitate the special work of this Department which will be the comparative study of the social philosphies and social institutions of the Far East and the Atlantic areas, especially in their economic and political aspects. More especially it would study those of China, Britain and the British Commonwealth. China has a long history in which such matters are very adequately recorded, and has made her own contribution/especially in social ethics. It is reasonable to assume that studies could very fruitfully be pursued close

and that (parative contact would be maintained with the Departments of English, History and Philosophy wherein the staff at the beginning will have a majority of British members, and with the Department of Chinese which will be staffed exclusively by Chinese. The Department of Social Science might aim at an early distribution of posts equally between Chinese and british holders. This should not be too difficult of attainment because this is a field in which Chinese have long been interested, and in which many have had Western training,

The Departments of liistory, Philosophy, Geography and

Mathematics.

In these Departments with the exception of Mathematics, the syllabuses and rode of approach will be similar in some respecta to those described above. Thus, in the Department of liistory it is sugested that the Professor would be con- cerned with Far Eastern history. In the Department of

Philosophy, besides the philosophy of Europe, Hindu and Buddhist philosophy would be studied with special reference to their influence din Chinese philosophy. Geography would obviously be specialised to some extent along similar lines. It is thought that the well-known aptitude of many Chinese students in Mathematics right lead to the early development of an Honours School there. In addition this Department would teach the basic mathematics required for statistical applications. In addition, of course, the Department would have an important part in the teaching of students in the Faculty of Science and Engineering.