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Intellectuals, Academic Freedom, and University Autonomy in China

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Part of the book series: International and Development Education ((INTDE))

Abstract

This year marks the centennial anniversary of the Revolution of 1911. Also known as the Xinhai Revolution, it overthrew the last imperial dynasty in China, established a republic, and promoted democracy. However, even with the passing of one hundred years, academic freedom and university autonomy are still viewed as problematic in China, when benchmarked against Western norms and values. To a large extent, Chinese universities remain the state’s educational and research arm for national development. Compared to their Western counterparts, Chinese universities appear to be more responsive to national and local development needs, embracing a close articulation between institutional strategic planning and national and local development plans. In fact, the majority of Chinese scholars appear to be content with—and even actively and deliberately seek—a high level of articulation between their academic pursuits and the national interest, rather than seeking to be independent and functioning as a critical voice in national or global affairs.

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Authors

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Hans G. Schuetze William Bruneau Garnet Grosjean

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© 2012 Hans G. Schuetze, William Bruneau, and Garnet Grosjean

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Zha, Q. (2012). Intellectuals, Academic Freedom, and University Autonomy in China. In: Schuetze, H.G., Bruneau, W., Grosjean, G. (eds) University Governance and Reform. International and Development Education. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137040107_14

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