A Study On The Educational Concept And Practice Of "the Unity Of History And Geography " In The History And Geography Department Of Chekiang University In The Republic Of China

Against the backdrop of change and transformation in the period of the Republic of China,the history and geography department of Chekiang University proposed the distinctive educational idea of "the unity of history and geography",and carried out the relevant educational practices under the guidance of the idea,so as to exert the profound influence on the society at that time and provide some reference for the later generations.Therefore,by virtue of the relevant literature of the Republic of China and today,the research and discussion are conducted which mainly comprise of the following three parts:The first part analyzes the background and rich connotation of the educational concept of "the unity of history and geography" raised by the history and geography department of Chekiang University.During the course of the education of history and geography by the higher normal schools in the Republic of China,the "unity" and "separation" of history and geography showed the complex and tortuous development in terms of the specific subject setting and the relevant ideas and practices.Influenced by the above factor,the turbulent social situation and the collision of different thoughts at home and abroad,the history and geography department of Nanking Higher Normal School developed the educational idea and practice of "the unity of history and geography" in the comprehensive and systematic way while the history and geography research institute of Chekiang University inherited and and perfected the educational idea of "the unity of history and geography" because of its rich interpersonal relationship.For the latter,its connotation mainly includes the close relationship between history and geography,the gist of liberal education,the teaching method of history and geography,the teacher’s accomplishment about history and geography and other aspects,playing the guiding role in the practices.The second part discusses the educational practices of the history and geography department of Chekiang University based on the educational idea of "the unity of history and geography".In line with "the unity of knowledge and action",the scholars from the history and geography department of Chekiang University had always carried forward and practiced the concept of " the unity of history and geography",adhered to the integration of generality with specialty,and the "comprehensive" and "grouping" methods.On the one hand,it formulated and implemented the dual-track training program for "research-oriented personnel" and "teaching-oriented teachers".Many excellent teachers were hired to teach or lecture.So the creative and diverse teaching styles contributed to the quality and level of the routine teaching activities.On the other hand,a variety of extracurricular activities were carried out.And the history and geography department was set up to organize the academic reports and political speeches,and to actively assume the social responsibility by completing the relevant tasks assigned by the government.The third part analyzes the characteristics,contribution and revelation of the educational idea of "the unity of history and geography" raised by the history and geography department of Chekiang University.The educational concept has such distinctive characteristics as inheritance of tradition and integration of the Chinese and foreign ideas.By keeping up with the times and social development,it also set the example with its initiative spirit and big scale and had the close connection with normal colleges and normal education.With those characteristics,the idea had made an important contribution to the society at that time by showing the Chinese intellectuals’ firm nationalist stance and patriotism and reflecting the complex relationship between education,learning,society,and the times.At the same time,it also provides the theoretical and practical reference for the reform and development of history teacher education in colleges and universities.Because of its features and contribution,it becomes a typical case for reflection and a treasure for inheritance in terms of the reform and development of history education.