Sino-USA University Mottoes And Curriculum

The thesis is aimed at making a deep study on the mottoes of Chinese and American universities from cross-cultural perspective and how is the motto spirit reflected in curriculum design.In China’s modernization,building world-class universities has become a strong call and practical action for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.University motto as a part of university culture not only embodies the spirit of university,but also reflects the main characteristics of educational thoughts in native culture.Previous scholars have achieved some results in university motto,but there is still room to be improved in research method and depth.To get a further understanding on the differences between Chinese and American university mottoes,this research adopts empirical study method and takes the mottoes of Chinese and American top 10 universities in 2017 as the objects to find out their similarities and differences;then,the general education curricula of Fudan University and Stanford University are selected to study how are university mottoes reflected in curriculum design.The research answers 2 major questions: What are the similarities and differences between Chinese and American university mottoes? How are university mottoes reflected in the curriculum designs of Fudan University and Stanford University? The second research question examines the motto spirit in general curriculum of Fudan University and Stanford University,and the similarities and differences in their realization.The comparative study found that Chinese and American university mottoes are similar in emphasizing learning knowledge and that both inherit traditional culture.While the main differences lie in the following four aspects:1.In terms of origin,Chinese university mottoes absorbed Confucian educational thoughts;American university mottoes were influenced by ancient Greek-Roman and Christian cultures.2.In terms of content,Chinese university mottoes center around “morality”;American university mottoes give priority to the pursuit of knowledge and academic freedom.3.In terms of goal,the highest goal of Chinese university mottoes is serving the motherland;American counterpart is seeking real knowledge.4.In terms of value orientation,Chinese university mottoes appreciate moral education,showing an ethical orientation;American university mottoes treasure real knowledge,showing a scientific orientation.To a great extent,those characteristics of Chinese and American university mottoes are realized in the general education curriculum design:1.On the objectives of general education,Fudan University takes “humanistic feelings” and “moral cultivation” as the primary goal;Stanford University takes “to own knowledge” as the prior target.2.In curriculum composition,Fudan University sets up many compulsory courses and political theory courses;Stanford Universiy gives students much freedom in choosing courses and stresses on students’ thinking ability.3.In the core curriculum of general education,Fudan University highlights humanities courses and values classics reading;Stanford University keeps a balance between natural sciences and humanities and offers various courses of scientific study method.Traditional culture affects the development of education.Confucianism,Christianity,ancient Greece and Rome culture can be used to explain the differences between Chinese and American university mottoes and their realization in general curriculum design.The study results may help to enhance the cross-cultural communication between Chinese and American universities and provide some inspirations for higher educational workers and foreign learners.