A New Era Begins 1975-78

enrollment in Anthropology courses f rom 129 to 532 in 1977 ， it is hoped that Anthropology wi ll become a major programme by 1980-81. Again, this wi ll be carried out w i th great caution, taking the response o f the students and the demands of the community into primary consideration. Theoretically, anthropology should embrace four subdisciplines: cultural/social anthropology, linguistics, archaeology and physical anthropology. A t present, the major emphasis is on cultural/ social anthropology. Courses concerning linguistics and archaeology would be offered in due time. Development of physical anthropology, however, has to be postponed, awaiting the progress o f the new Medical School. The new Board could make valuable contributions to Hong Kong, i f the sight finding is focused on the topics relevant to the com- mun i t y. The following topics are excellent illustrations of the validity to the statement: (1) Rural Community Development and Folk Culture Studies 一 It will contribute to Government's concern to integrate rural communities into the urban industrial net work. (2) Study of Ethnic Relations——It will t hrow light on how the various ethnic groups coexist peacefully w i th each other in Hong Kong, which is setting up an example for other parts of the world. (3) Archaeology——A study of the archaeological treasuries in mainland China and field work in Hong Kong and the neighbouring countries will put theory into practice and may unearth invaluable findings. The potentials of such a programme are both challenging and rewarding. Perhaps the most interesting development in the Faculty of Social Science has been a group research project on Chinese Communes carried out by the staff of the Board of Studies in Sociology under auspices of the Social Research Centre. The research group made a trip in December 1976 to Canton to visit two Communes. It is perhaps the first sociological group-research project of the communes. The group intends to do exploratory work examining these vital organizations in the Chinese social fabric. The project is also intended to serve an educational purpose by relating theoretical knowledge to social reality. The Chinese University is perhaps the only University that enjoys such a vantage point: geographical proximity, absence of language barrier and preoccupation w i th the understanding of China and its various facets through an objective and empirical approach. Developments in Arts The English Board made further progress in its programme of English Language Studies and would begin to offer new programmes in the Graduate School in 1978-79. The Board has further affirmed its commitment to comparative studies in English/Chinese Literature and two new members o f staff were successfully recruited in 1977-78. The 39