據目前相關史料的探析，最早在中國的大學裡開設中國新文學課程並留下文學史講義者，當是朱自清1929-1933年在清華大學為「中國新文學研究」課撰寫的《中國新文學研究綱要》。此作雖只是講授新文學時的綱要，每一課題只有三言兩語，但內容詳盡繁多，大致勾勒新文學運動以來的發展輪廓，其開創性與特殊的體例也就格外引人注意。朱氏在寫作此作時，採取先總論文學大勢而後分論各文體的方式。講述的重點，以小說與新詩為核心，大量且客觀的評析了當時的作家、作品，在新文學學科初立之時，為學生提供了文學批評與文學史學習的需要。從今天的角度來看，此作固然疏漏，卻也為我們保留了新文學完整的樣貌。

According to relevant historical data, the earliest academic who had university lectures on Chinese modem literature and passed down lecture notes in China is Tzu-ching Chu. He wrote the Research Schema on Modern Chinese Literature History for the "Research on Modem Chinese History" class, at National Tsing Hua University during l929~l933. Although intended to be schema for lecturing modem literature, with every topic only touched on briefly, the content of Research Schema on Modern Chinese Literature History is, however, detailed and comprehensive. It mainly outlined development silhouette of the modern literature movement; its pioneering and unique style has drawn a great deal of attention. When Chu was writing this paper, he adopted the method of first discussing the overall trend of literature, followed by examining individual style of writing. The main focus of the discussion is centered on novels and new poems, objectively reviewed writers and writings. During initial development stages of new literature subject, the reviews were invaluable for students in terms of literature criticism and modem literature history. From a contemporary point of view, Research Schema on Modern Chinese Literature History may not be perfect; it nevertheless provided accurate and comprehensive preservation of modem literature.