In this class, which is intended for students of Chinese Studies, we will approach issues from different time periods in Taiwanese history through various media. These media include films, TV shows, novels, board games and music. How do the media under discussion deal with the past? Is the past always a major concern of popular culture? Students should have basic familiarity with Taiwan and be willing to contribute to the class in an active and engaged fashion.

Image credit: Yosifu Kacaw 優席夫, Can't Speak (https://homeruntaiwan.com/detail/article/496)
This class, intended for BA students of the Faculty of Arts, focuses on Taiwan in historical and anthropological perspective.
The first half is dedicated to archaeological records of prehistoric settlement and historical studies based on written records left over from the island’s various colonial periods.
Moving toward the contemporary period, in the second half of the semester we will turn to the 20th century and anthropological and sociological analyses of contemporary issues in Taiwanese society.
Cross-Strait relations will not be a central focus of this class, but they will feature prominently in a separate but connected lecture series.

No prior knowledge of Taiwan is required but I rely on a willingness to read about one academic source per week (typically around 20-30 pages) and contribute actively to class discussions.
International students welcome! The class is held in English.

Image credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/taipei-taiwan-city-night-view-2115887/.