The Department Of History And Geograghy Of National Chekiang University(1936-1949)

The History Department of Zhejiang University,distinguished by its time-honored tradition and far-reaching importance,has a distinctive stage as History and Geography Department of National Chekiang University,which could be regarded as the brilliant page in the history of Department,of Zhejiang University and even of Chinese higher education.The study of its history,therefore,is of high academic value and practical significance.The History and Geography Department was created by Chang chi-yun in 1936,and in 1949,after the liberation of Hangzhou,the history group in the department was suspended,while the geography group,independent as Geography Department then,became a part of School of Science.The Research Institute of History and Geography,meanwhile,was renamed as Research Institute of Geography.Among the 13 years of development,History and Geography of Department,a place gathered groups of celebrated scholars and excellent students,had published a wealth of works with longevity and thus been renowned as an authority in history and geography studies.This article explores the institutional and academic origins of History and Geography Department,tracks its conditions in creation period,including funds,faculties,resources as books and equipment etc.,and studies the education and scientific researches in the stage.The main part of this research has dealt with the explanation of its success,which is analysed in three aspects as the atmosphere of studies,support of principle Zhu Kezhen and development strategies of department.Finally,some disputes in department history have been discussed,including combination or separation of history and geography,the development of practical science and humanities,the dialectical relationship between scholars,scientific research and politics.