作为跨学科组织的研究中心:以康奈尔大学东南亚研究中心为例(1950-1975)

Centers of Area Studies as An Interdisciplinary Institute:A Case Study on the George McT. Kahin Center for Advanced Research on Southeast Asia at Cornell University

第二次世界大战后,地区研究在多重动力作用下于美国大学兴起,促生了诸多以学科互涉和学科整合为宗旨的区域研究机构。作为美国大学地区研究组织的典型案例,康奈尔大学东南亚研究中心形成以区域为认同基础和研究对象、以跨学科为共同导向和特性、覆盖东南亚所有国家的研究和教学制度体系,成功解决了教师聘任和学位授予权缺失的问题,创建了高度灵活的体制和独特的组织文化,成为富有包容性和凝聚力的学术共同体。跨学科活动带来大学组织形式的变革,研究中心成为美国社会科学在跨学科的制度化和组织建设方面的重要代表。

After World War Ⅱ,while area studies were emerging in American universities with multiple dynamics, the relevant institution-building proceeded with the emphasis on interdisciplinarity. As a salient example of area studies organizations, the George McT. Kahin Center for Advanced Research on Southeast Asia at Cornell University evolved progressively and made substantial intellectual and organizational achievements, successfully creating its teaching and research system which comprehensively covers the entire Southeast Asia. It gave birth to an area identity of Southeast Asian studies and as well a deep-rooted orientation of interdisciplinary cooperation.It not only effectively overcame the lack of tenured teachers and degreeawarding rights,but also developed a highly flexible system and unique institutional culture,which led the center to a cohesive academic community.The interdisciplinary academic activities of the Center have also contributed to the internationalization of the Cornell University and corresponding adaptive adjustment of management. The case of Kahin Center exemplifies the extent to which Area Studies represents a major development of interdisciplinarity and professionalization of American social science, and an initiative in post-war American higher education.