Three Historical Methodology Textbooks Under the Republic of Vietnam (1954-1975)

Abstract

Phương pháp sử học (Historical Methodology) by Nguyen Phương (1964), Sử học nhập môn (Sử học phương pháp luận) (Introduction to Historiography - Historical Methodology) by Chau Long and Le Kim Ngan (1970), and Nhập môn Phương pháp sử học (Introduction to Historical Methodology) by Nguyen The Anh (1974) are three historical methodology textbooks used in the higher education system in the South under the Republic of Vietnam administration (1954-1975). They were written by highly-regarded historians with widely known historical works, who were also professors teaching at various educational institutions during this period. Given the methodological nature of these works as well as the prominent positions of their authors, these three textbooks have the capacity to reflect the historiography formed and developed within the academic institutions of the Republic of Vietnam—a topic that still invites exploration by researchers seeking a comprehensive and thorough understanding of this period. Through a case study of the three textbooks, this article offers several observations on the trends shaping the landscape of Republic of Vietnam historiography in higher education institutions and the factors influencing historical thought. It also examines the relationship between East Asian and Euro-American traditions in Republic of Vietnam historiography within the context of the modernization of historical studies.

Received: 7^th July, 2026; Revised: 21^st September, 2026; Accepted: 25^th September, 2026