A Rural Private School in the Mid-1880s : A Study of Curriculum Revision at Chōzenkan in Niigata Prefecture

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  • 1880年代半ばにおける農村の私塾 : 新潟県西蒲原郡長善館における教則改定をめぐって
  • 1880ネンダイ ナカバ ニ オケル ノウソン ノ シジュク ニイガタケン ニシカンバラグンチョウ ゼンカン ニ オケル キョウソク カイテイ オ メグッテ

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The purpose of this study is to reveal the unique practices of secondary education at one shijuku (private school) of distinction in Niigata Prefecture and its foundation in the region. The shijuku was a secondary school that could respond to the educational demands of local leaders, and kept its curriculum relatively autonomous, not complementary to or a substitute for, the public secondary education system. At first, only Chinese classics (Kangaku) were taught at Chozenkan. In 1885, Western, particularly English Studies (Eigaku) and mathematics, were added to the curriculum. The study of Eigaku was based on translations of original texts or lectures in Japanese by the teacher. This method was referred to as "Hensoku-Eigaku," irregular English Studies. The revised curriculum could not be positioned within the formal articulation system, but the level of content was equal to formal secondary education. In addition, the revised curriculum was determined after negotiation between teachers and local leaders who supported Chozenkan. After the revision, the children of local leaders went to Chozenkan. Chozenkan was recognized as a secondary school by local residents. However, Chozenkan faced many challenges due to changes in students' personality and demands as well as a series of resignations by Eigaku and mathematics teachers. Despite these troubles, Chozenkan was accepted as a secondary school capable of preparing students to attend higher secondary schools in Niigata and Tokyo.

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