📚【Public Lecture｜Open to All】Qian Mu's Former Residence Su Shu Lou Lecture Hall – Cultural Reading Series: "Reading Lü Simian: Seven Textbooks on Chinese History for Middle Schools by Mr. Lü Simian", Professor Fu Kechang, May 23, 2026
🚪Any door of registration website:
https://www.beclass.com/rid=30525e169be38033bf73
Mr. Lu Simian (1884-1957) was an important historian and educator in modern China. He was rigorous in his academic research and read the Twenty-Four Histories many times, but he was not satisfied with the Qianlong and Jiaqing textual research, but was committed to integrating it into his own thinking. He advocated that learning should be combined with reality and opposed academic pursuit for the sake of academic pursuit. However, he stayed away from politics and lived a simple life. He once said: "In conducting myself, I always take the ancient sages and scholars as my role models", but he also said that he was "deeply convinced" of Marxism-Leninism. However, it is well known that Mr. Lu is diligent and honest in his studies and is undoubtedly a scholar with his own unique ideas. Therefore, these seemingly tortuous thoughts and attitudes mentioned above actually reflect a specific context of the times and also demonstrate a transcendent life type.
The seven secondary school textbooks and review materials on Chinese history collected in volumes 20 and 21 of the Complete Works of Lü Simian were compiled between 1924 and 1944. These twenty years coincided with the establishment of the modern Chinese education system and the turbulent years of continuous war. By examining these textbooks, which fully reflect the characteristics of the first half of the 20th century, we can observe Mr. Lü's intellectual trajectory in the face of the educational situation and academic trends of the time. He was considerate of the hardships of teachers and students in teaching and learning, and changed the original classical Chinese narratives to vernacular Chinese to eliminate the language barrier. As historical research became more in-depth, he also demonstrated the scholar's open-mindedness of "being confident that today's views are right and yesterday's views are wrong," and frankly revised his past views. In order to cooperate with the Ministry of Education in issuing curriculum standards, he understood the policies and devoted himself to planning the revision of chapters. When supplies were scarce in the later stages of the War of Resistance against Japan and schools had no books to use, he personally wrote lecture notes during the lulls in the fighting and printed them for students.
However, despite the changes in systems, war situations, and academic styles, Mr. Lü's original intention for history education and his rigorous academic attitude remained consistent. Several key characteristics of his textbooks never wavered. He focused on the historical significance of social structures and daily life, insisted on the citation of sources and the evidence-based narration, emphasized the use of maps and charts, and always considered the practical use by teachers and students. Therefore, for today's readers, these materials remain accessible introductory materials to Chinese general history. A careful examination of the editor's selection of historical materials and the balance of narrative can further enhance one's historical knowledge and understanding.
In this session of the Su Shu Lou Lecture Series, we sincerely invite you to join Professor Fu Kechang in exploring the context of these seven "Secondary School Chinese History Textbooks" to understand Mr. Lü's wisdom and composure as a historian and educator, who maintained his discernment and steadfastness amidst change. For those of us living in another era of dramatic change, facing countless complex narratives and heated debates, comparing contemporary voices with the writings of our predecessors may help us distinguish between rhetoric shaped by the times and enduring questions worthy of our lifelong reflection.
📆Lecture Time: May 23, 2016 (Saturday), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
🏡Lecture Location:
Room C508, 5F, Qinpu Building, Boai Campus, Taipei City University (No. 1, Aiguo West Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City)
"Qian Mu's Former Residence - Open Course Channel" (Live Online Broadcast)
https://www.youtube.com/@chienmu.house.classroom
👨🏫Lecture Speaker: Professor Fu Kechang
🔔Lecture Fee: Free admission
🚀Online lecture information:
After the lecture begins, the live stream link will be announced on the "Qian Mu's Former Residence YouTube Channel" and the "Qian Mu's Former Residence Facebook Fan Page". Feel free to leave comments and participate in the discussion!
—————
# Lü Simian # Republic of China Textbook
# History Education # Educational Transformation
# New Education System Senior High School Textbooks: National History
# Fu Hsing Senior High School Textbook: National History
# National History Review Outline
# High School Review Series: National History
# Junior High School Standard Textbook: Chinese History
# Supplementary Reader on National History for Junior High School Students
# Update: National History Textbook for Junior High Schools
# New Education # Textbook Research
# Historical Narrative # General History of China
# Lü Chengzhi # Lü Simian Complete Collection
# physical course # online course
# Free Event # Classic Guide
# Fu Kechang # Qian Mu's Former Residence # Su Shu Lou Lecture Hall
—————
📚【Public Lecture｜Open to All】Qian Mu's Former Residence Su Shu Lou Lecture Hall – Cultural Reading Series: "Reading Lü Simian: Seven Textbooks on Chinese History for Middle Schools by Mr. Lü Simian", Professor Fu Kechang, May 23, 2026
