On Some Vital Issues in the Development and Reform of Higher Education in the People's Republic of China.

Overview & Synopsis

The development of higher education in China since the founding of the People's Republic is discussed, along with higher education reforms to meet the needs of socialist modernization. The reorganization of higher education, which was largely influenced by the Soviet model, is assessed, including experiences with engineering education. Efforts to increase study of the humanities and social sciences, including management, have been undertaken. Short-cycle (2-3 year courses) and two-year vocational universities are being promoted. Additional developments concern unified national college entrance examinations, greater autonomy in university decision making, and expanding international exchanges. Data are provided on: undergraduate and graduate enrollments by field of study; the number of institutions, total enrollments, new entrants, graduates, teachers and staff, 1947-1983; adult student enrollments and graduates by year, 1949-1983; the total state budget, expenditures for higher education and general education, and the average expenditure per college student, 1950-1983. Adult education enrollments include correspondence and evening schools, radio and television universities, and inservice courses. (SW)