Bulletin Spring‧Summer, 2008

The Making of All-Round Intellectuals: General Education T he western ideal of the Renaissance Man, best exemplified by Leonardo da Vinci, refers to a person who has broad intellectual interests and accomplishments in both art and science. In ancient China, Confucius wanted his students to be versatile. He required them to master six basic arts, namely, rites, music, archery, chariot driving, literature and mathematics. However, modern times have seen an increasing rigidification of disciplinary boundaries, which has resulted in strict compartmentalization in universities. Since its inception in 1963, the Chinese University has set much store by general education (GE). The aim is to offer a balanced education by introducing students to knowledge beyond their majors and instilling in them an understanding of the values of different academic disciplines. The University General Education Programme is coordinated by the Office of University General Education. Introduced in 2004, the current curriculum consists of two parts: University General Education and College General Education. Currently, University General Education has over 200 courses for It is obvious that general education does not play a supplementary role, but epitomizes the essence of university education. Prof. Cheung Chan-fai Director of University General Education From Freshman to Renaissance Man   Chinese University Bulletin Spring • Summer 2008