Bulletin Autumn 1976

Development of Anthropology Programme The years after WWII have seen rapid development in the study of Anthropology, especially i n the west. The reasons behind this development are: (1) the study of cultures, especially those of non-occidental countries, tallies with the broadened world outlook of the west, which has developed as a result of advanced communication systems and frequent contact with foreign cultures; and (2) interdisciplinary approach has become the most common approach in academic research, and anthropology, being an all- embracing discipline, is very much in line with this trend. Nowadays, nearly all well-established universities in Britain and America have included Anthropology in their programmes of study and it has become a compulsory course for most university students. Traditionally, Anthropology comprises four sub- disciplines: cultural/social anthropology, physical anthropology archaeology and linguistics. It can be seen that although Anthropology is generally regarded as a branch of social sciences, its scope i s much wider, embracing other disciplines in th e fields of humanities, fine arts, biology and even natural sciences. Thus, Anthropology may very well be developed in a young university like the Chinese University by making full use of the existing resources and manpower and soliciting the support and cooperation of the various disciplines. Anthropological courses of this University were first introduced in 1973-74 at New Asia Colleg e with two lecturers: Dr. Chiao Chien and Dr. John T. Myers. The world-renowned Anthropologist, Professor Francis L. Hsu, joined the University as Visiting Professor in Anthropology in 1975-76. During the year, student enrolment greatly increased, and the proposal to launch a minor programme in Anthropology as from 1976-77 was finally approved. But the tempo of development has to be slowed down as a result of the resignation of Dr. John T. Myers and the return of Professor Hsu to the University of Northwest, where he has been Professor for some time. The implementation of the minor programme has thus to be postponed for one year. However, with the arriva l of a new Lecturer by the end of 1976 ， and other visiting staff, it is hoped that the implementation of the development plan may go ahead. The Anthropology programme is launched b y stages: the initial development will be focused on cultural/social anthropology, but courses on archaeology and linguistics will also be introduced. Development of physical anthropology will need to wait until the University's new Medical School is set up. Our ultimate goal is, of course, to establish a full-fledged Anthropology department. The Anthropology Department will not only be responsible for the offering of major and minor courses at the University, but will also endeavour to serve the local community through its research: Folk Culture Studies In to-day's China, Hong Kong is the only place where a little of the Chinese folk cultures and relics is still preserved, and in the study of traditional Chinese culture, popular relics and