In this article, the contents of authorized world history textbooks published under the 1st-7th national curricula were analyzed in terms of Chinese popular movements. Generally speaking, in the Chinese history, popular movement is a very important ...
In this article, the contents of authorized world history textbooks published under the 1st-7th national curricula were analyzed in terms of Chinese popular movements. Generally speaking, in the Chinese history, popular movement is a very important ingredient. The understanding and appraisal of the influence which the popular movements had on the Chinese history have been changing. It can be also said in Korea. And these changing perspectives were thus reflected on the high school world history textbooks.
The evaluation of peasant rebellions(wars) in the narratives in the textbooks was changed from negative to objective and positive. About, from the third national curriculum, such changes occurred. After then, the contents and quantities of narratives about popular movements in textbooks have grown richer and more diverse. Especially, in the sixth national curriculum, such trends can be confirmed. They were caused by the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and China, and the change of domestic political situations. But, in the seventh national curriculum, narratives on the Chinese popular movements were withdrawed compared with the sixth in the aspects of the diversity of the contents and the quantity. That trend is thought to be deeply related with the current political, social and economical situations and the interest in this field was decreased.
From now on, narratives on the folk secret religion groups and the rebellions related with them should be changed. History scholars" interest and participation will be needed in the research and development of standards for the authorization of the highschool world history textbook.