China’s History School Curricula and Textbook Reform in East Asian Context

Abstract

History textbooks have generated considerable debate and diplomatic frictions since the 1980s in East Asia due to their perceived close relation with state politics and crucial role in socializing the next generation of national citizens, regardless of differing political systems in the region. Whereas Japanese textbooks usually draw most public attention, this chapter focuses on the less well-known case of Chinese history school curricula and their development since 1949. After a brief outline of the development of the Chinese history teaching system, textbook production, and examination system, more recent attempts at pluralization and limitations of “reforms” in practice are discussed. Beyond textbooks, state policies in history education also extend to other media which therefore are given some consideration.