A Study Of University Motto

The motto of a university, as an important part of the university culture, has significant effects on construction and development of the university and instructing the university students as well. Based on the historical, documentary, comparative and case-analytical research methodology, this thesis aims to analyze the motto of the university systematically and comprehensively, reveals its connotation, characteristics and historical development path. In addition, this thesis elaborates the relationship and distinction between the motto of Chinese University and the motto of the Western University, discusses the basis and the principles of design of the motto and the roles played by the university presidents. Moreover, this thesis analyzes some characteristic mottos systematically so as to acquire the cases of motto with rich cultural connotation and the factual evidence.The motto of a university is regarded as the oriented and invigorative words for all members of an organization, and the basic principles and requirements of the university in the process of nurturing talents, exploring advanced knowledge and serving society. It is also the embodiment of the idea, culture and spirit of the university. The motto of a university has characteristics of unifying stability and revolution, simplicity and abundance, tradition and innovation, and orientation and convention.From the perspective of the vertical development, the motto of university experienced six phases, which have respective characteristics; from the perspective of horizontal comparison, not only the forms but also the contents between Chinese and the western motto are quite different. On the aspect of content, the motto of Chinese university embodies the pursuit of knowledge, the moral perfection, and emphasizes stability and harmony, while the motto of the Western university not only demonstrates the pursuit of truth and knowledge, but also emphasizes autonomy and freedom, and has strong religious feature. On the aspect of form, the motto of Chinese university is characterized as " Two Sentences, Eight Words", or "Four Sentences, Eight words". The verb phrases are widely used in a motto, while the form of western university motto is more flexible and various, and the noun phrases and sentences are used.On the basis of discussion of the above issues, the thesis also researches the designing of motto, presents the idea of the university is the theoretical foundation of motto designing, the orientation of the University is the factual basis of it, the national cultural traditions and the culture of the university are sources of it. The motto of University should be designed briefly, simply, and time, humanities and characteristics should be considered. In addition, the president of university, as a leader who leads to construct, develop and boost the university, is also closely related to the design of motto. The idea of teaching, professional background, characteristics and personality of president are important factors in the process of designing the motto of university.