Reported by: XIA Dan
Translated by: DENG Ke
Edited by: Patti Broderick
February 28TH, hosted by Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) School of Foreign Languages, Professor Robert Burkinshaw, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Trinity Western University (TWU), Dean of TWU’s Syllabus Editorial Committee, and former President of the Canadian Society of Church History, offered two lectures to English Department faculty and students: the first regarding Canadian ethnicity and religion and the second on Writing Syllabi. Professor Burkinshaw’s published works include scholarly books, essays and articles. HIT and TWU have executed a cooperative education agreement. The inaugural two students arrive at TWU in the fall to study for one year.
Professor Burkinshaw clearly and insightfully introduced Canadian ethnicity and religion. He discussed the experiences of five different ethnic groups in Canada: the indigenous Aboriginal people and four immigrant groups (French, British, Ukrainian and Chinese) comparing and contrasting their experiences, challenges and triumphs to give insight into how Canada developed into the country it is today.
Chinese immigration to Canada began in the 1870s with the need for workers on the Transcontinental Railway, but fears of an Asian influx led to restrictions being imposed in the 1880s and not being fully lifted until 1967. Chinese immigrants were only given full citizenship rights in 1947. In 2006, the Canadian Prime Minister, on behalf of the Government of Canada, made formal apology for the head tax paid by Chinese immigrants, calling it a “grave injustice” and offering compensation to families. Chinese are today the largest Asian group in Canada with 3.4% of the national population. There is much evidence of the success of Chinese immigrants in modern Canadian life. They have the highest rate of university entrance at nearly double the national average and experience much success in the areas of science, technology, business and politics.
Professor Burkinshaw pointed out the strong influence which religion has had in Canadian culture and discussed some recent trends in Canadian religion and how they relate to ethnicity. Finally, he patiently answered student and faculty questions. The lecture, funded by HIT’s Cooperation & Exchange Fund, broadened the audience’s understanding of Canadian ethnicity and religion.
The second lecture addressed the components of a well-constructed syllabus. Both lectures were well received by the faculty and students in attendance.
Professor Robert Burkinshaw, Dean of TWU Humanities and Social Sciences, lectures.
English Department faculty and students listen to Burkinshaw lecture.
2006, Government of Canada formally apologizes for the head tax paid by Chinese immigrants.
