ABSTRACT
This chapter documents and examines the origin, evolution, and debates about Chinese studies in Australia. Having developed from the Sinological tradition in Britain and Europe, Chinese studies has been playing an important role in higher education in Australia. In recent decades, there have been changes in thinking of and approaches to Chinese studies due to the shifting socio-political environment for Australian universities. A proper appreciation of the underlying scholarly principles laid down by the founding fathers of Chinese studies in Australia leads to reflection on the challenges and directions of the subject in higher education. The chapter highlights the dedication and contributions of pioneering scholars to the promotion of education in Chinese studies and to the understanding of different cultures and traditions. It argues that these scholars engendered a remarkable new Antipodean school of research and teaching of Chinese studies and that should be valued and maintained in the new contexts at home and in the region.
