A New Era Begins 1975-78

preoccupied w i th Western civilization, its history and intellectual tradition. At The Chinese University “general education" must be developed in the context of the distinctive mission of the University—— the integration and blending o f Chinese and Western cultures. The responsibility for developing such a programme presents an enormous challenge to the creative powers of the academic staff. The institutional effort to provide the elements of liberal education, it should be noted, is not confined to the student's first year, but continues throughout the four years of the degree programme. Specialized Education and Interaction The third element in the pattern of undergraduate education is, of course, an intensive study of a particular academic discipline or professional field. Here the academic standard is the appropriate international state-of-the-art standard of excellence. But here, too ， the distinctive mission of blending Chinese and Western cultures applies to as many fields of study as possible, requiring a continuous effort to introduce new curriculum content. The Chinese University responds to Hong Kong's needs for persons highly trained in technical or professional fields, and will continue to respond as new needs become evident. But The Chinese University expects its graduates to bring to their community responsibilities not only the necessary specialized competence, but also certain qualities o f mind which will enable them to interact effectively in all Chinese-Western relationships. International Character The last objective which must be included among the enduring goals of The Chinese University is its international character. This aspect of the University is described in detail in a subsequent section o f this Report. For present purposes we may note the summary statement in the Introduction to The Emerging University, 1970-1974: “ I n bridging East and West, The Chinese University has endeavoured to be an international university in the fullest sense. Like Hong Kong itself, the University is at the crossroads of the academic world. The intellectual climate of the campus is free and cosmopolitan; many different cultural perspectives and approaches to education are represented in the Faculty. The University maintains fruitful relations w i th government agencies and associations in various countries, and conducts a wide range o f cooperative projects w i th universities in many parts of the world. The University has been significantly assisted in its aspirations by private foundations committed to the advancement of international higher education. Within this network of relationships, The Chinese University has given particular attention to its regional identity and role among Southeast Asian institutions of higher education.” 14