Evaluating sources for academic research

Resource Review

Kan, F. And Vickers, E. (2002). "One Hong Kong, Two Histories: 'History' and 'Chinese History' in the Hong Kong School Curriculum." Comparative Education, Vol. 38, No. 1: 73 -- 89.

Scholarly Secondary Source -- Peer Reviewed Journal Article

A scholarly analysis of the origin, development, and current state of education in Hong Kong as pertains to the teaching of Chinese and world history as two distinct subjects.

Key Purposes

Explain the difference between the way history is taught in Hong Kong and elsewhere

Present the history of that phenomenon

Distinguish Hong Kong and mainland Chinese educational approach

This source will be useful because it provides an extremely comprehensive explanation about how the national political agenda has shaped education in Hong Kong.

Limitation: The only apparent limitation is that the thorough analysis pertains only to Hong Kong.

The most interesting aspects of this article is that Chinese and World history are taught as completely different subjects and that Hong Kong rejected the more general Chinese approach to political indoctrination through public education.

7. "There are two types of schools in Hong Kong, categorized as English medium and Chinese medium schools. English medium schools are often referred to as Anglo -- Chinese schools in which all subjects are taught in English except Chinese Language & Literature, and Chinese History. Chinese medium schools are commonly termed Chinese Middle schools where all subjects are taught in Chinese except English Language."

"In the past, Chinese studies in China tended to aim at producing arrogant and bigoted Chinese nationalists. This is not educationally sound and should be strongly discouraged in Hong Kong…Since the founding of the Republic, the Chinese

politicians have striven hard to unite the nation by appealing to the people's patriotism, narrow nationalism and racialism."

Source #2

Constitution of the People's Republic of China. Accessed online 11 June 2012, from:

http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/Constitution/node_2825.htm

1. Primary Source -- National Constitution of China.

2. The national constitution of the People's Republic of China. National Constitution of China, organized into 32 separate articles outlining the founding principles, government structure, and the rights of the individual in China.

3. Key Constitutional Purposes:

Acknowledgment of the previous accomplishments of the Chinese people.

Definition of basic obligations and authority of the State

Outline of legal obligations and rights of citizens of the State.

4. This source will be useful because it provides the original formal basis of the fundamental rules and outlines of rights and authorities of state entities and of the citizens of the People's Republic of China.

5. Limitations: The major limitation of this source is that the historical information provided is extremely subjective and the content and tone of the entire document is reflective of a nation whose authorities have a documented history of relying on propaganda.

6. The most interesting element of this source is that, unlike other national constitutions, the Constitution of the People's Republic of China provides a comprehensive outline of the State's version of the nation's history. Apart from its historical accuracy, this narrative gives insight into the image and ideals that Chinese authorities wish to define the nation in the eyes of the rest of the world.

7. "Great and earthshaking historical changes have taken place in China in the 20th century."

"The Revolution of 1911, led by Dr. Sun Yat-sen, abolished the feudal monarchy and gave birth to the Republic of China. But the historic mission of the Chinese people to overthrow imperialism and feudalism remained unaccomplished."

"The exploiting classes as such have been abolished in our country. However, class struggle will continue to exist within certain bounds for a long time to come.

The Chinese people must fight against those forces and elements, both at home and abroad, that are hostile to China's socialist system and try to undermine it."

Source #3

The United States Constitution. Accessed online 11 June 2012, from:

http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html

1. Primary Source -- National Constitution

2. The national constitution of the United States of America. National Constitution of the U.S. organized into seven separate articles outlining the founding principles, government structure, and the rights of the individual in the U.S.

3. Key Constitutional Purposes:

Establish the formal basis of a national charter based on specific ideals

Outline the fundamental structure and obligations of government bodies

Promote the explicit definition of fundamental rights of the People

4. This source will be useful because it provides the original formal basis of the fundamental principle and values embodied by the United States as a new nation and of the respective rights of citizens, states, and the federal government.

5. Limitations: The major limitation of this source is that it does not include the subsequent amendments, especially the first 10 amendments that constitute the Bill of Rights. Those amendments are even more important to understand the U.S. Constitution than the original document as first ratified.

6. The most interesting element of this source is that Article IV Section 2 originally contained a clause (Clause 3) that ratified the institution of slavery by including the rights of slave owners to reclaim their escaped slaves from other states where they sought refuge.

7. "Clause 3: No Person held to Service or Labour in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another, shall, in Consequence of any Law or Regulation therein, be discharged from such Service or Labour, but shall be delivered up on Claim of the Party to whom such Service or Labour may be due. Great and earthshaking historical changes have taken place in China in the 20th century."

Source #4

Chai, M. And Chai, W. "10 Chinese etiquette tips: How to bargain, when to smile, who to serve first at a banquet, and more. Budget Travel, (August 8, 2008). Accessed online 11 June 2012, from:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23615910/ns/today-travel/t/chinese-etiquette-tips/

1. Non-literary Prose - Informal Non-scholarly Website

2. An informal, non-authoritative website offering colloquial advice for foreign visitors to China and providing useful information about everyday interactions and corresponding Chinese cultural social etiquette.