Sinology is a compulsory course at the university but what's the purpose? The truth of the matter is that some of contents of this course simply copy the contents of what I learned in senior high school and impresses me even less. We have been studying Chinese for entrance tests from primary schools, middle schools and even senior high schools, in a way of pure utilitarianism rather than pragmatic education.
Although "an all-round educational development" has been advocated for years, students are still rated only in accordance with the grades from their courses. Therefore, it is imaginable that university students have to make up what should be learnt in the period of senior high schools.
Some students' English level are even better than their Chinese level, and yet many, including me, must spend a lot of time learning English. This is a more practical pursuit to prepare for future employment. As a result, China's education system is in crises under the impact of globalization.
To add a Chinese course to the university curriculum will have no practical value. If we want to change this situation, we need to make a fundamental change in the test-oriented education system.
Lin Jun
June 7, 2007 |