The history of East Asian learning in Canada

What is it about?

What is it about? For much of the 20 and 21 centuries, Canadians have habitually maintained a keen interest in China. Unlike its more powerful southern neighbour, Canada had always de-emphasized ideological differences while dealing with Beijing. We may exemplify this by learning the history of sinology in Canadian universities. Throughout the 1960s, Canadian universities vastly expanded their China Studies programs. Among them were York University and the University of Guelph. Why did the former succeeded and became a leading center of East Asian learning and research while the latter failed to take off? This paper offers a thorough examination. Why is it important? This paper offers an in-depth account of the nuts and bolts of introducing new university programs. It gives a critical reminder to future university administrators of the need to exercise reasonable collegial prudence.

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Photo by qi xna on Unsplash

Photo by qi xna on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Canadian universities are a latecomer in developing East Asian Studies programs. Only after World War II did courses on China be offered on a large scale. Readers will learn the experience of East Asian learning through the experiences of two unique postwar institutions: York University and the University of Guelph. They will also discover the importance of the University of Toronto on their respective developments.

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