Abstract  As the crystallization of the traditional culture, American university motto embodies the core values in American higher education and the society in general, thus constitutes important research topics. However, a review of the current status quo shows that most of the studies concerned are either static, or sectional, hence unable to offer a fair panorama of American university mottoes, even less how they have evolved in the history of American higher education. 55667

Therefore, the present study focuses on the core values of American higher education and the different characteristics as reflected in each stage of higher education development. Statistics show that historically the core values embraced by the American university mottoes include knowledge, belief, science and so on, but there are differences in different stages. In the colonial period, the core values are the belief in God and the pursuit of a bright life. In the period from War of Independence to the Civil War, besides of religion, core values as reflected in American university mottoes are mainly democracy, freedom and knowledge. From the Civil War to World War II, on the basis of emphasizing knowledge, universities also lay much stress on scientific research and the concept of equality. After World War II, science and knowledge become main streams in universities. By referring to available, suitable and perspective parts of American university mottoes, Chinese universities can improve and reform their mottoes, making universities play a greater role in the development of China.

Key words: America; university motto; university value; different stage 

摘要  作为传统文化的积淀，美国大学校训反映了高校的价值理念和美国的价值体系，也是许多学者研究的重要课题。但是目前的相关研究大多属于静态的，阶段性的，无法概括美国大学校训的全貌，更无法揭示其演进的本质。

本研究的重心在于美国大学校训所反映的核心价值以及在不同阶段的特点。数据分析表明，整体看来美国大学校训所反映的核心价值观念包含知识，信仰，科学等，但在不同的历时阶段有各自的特点。在殖民地阶段，主要表现为信仰上帝，追求光明的生活；独立战争到内战期间，其主要为民主，自由，重视知识教育。内战至二战时期，在重视知识教育的基础上，大学还强调科学研究和平等观念。二战过后，科学知识在大学成为主流。通过借鉴美国大学校训中有用的，适宜的,前瞻性的部分，中国大学能够与时俱进，充分发挥大学在国家发展中的作用。

毕业论文关键词：美国；大学校训；大学价值理念；不同阶段

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Literature Review 1

3. Research Methods 2

3.1 Data Collection 2

3.2 Data Analysis 3

4. Findings 3

4.1 Core Values 3

4.2 Characteristics of American University Mottoes In Different Stages.. 5

4.2.1 College Values in the Colonial Period 5

4.2.2 University Values in the Period from War of Independence to Civil War................7

4.2.3 University Values in the Period from Civil War to World War II 10

4.2.4 University Values in the Period after World War II 13

5. Conclusion 16

Works Cited 18

1. Introduction

University motto is an important part of the cultural system of the university. It reflects the value what a university pursuits during a certain time. Although the history of USA is not long, it can be pided into several important stages. Important events that happened in each stage gave birth to dominant values. Under the guidance of dominant values, American university values have achieved continuous development.