Introduction to Contemporary Taiwan (Online course / Asianet) (2cr)

Objectives (course unit)

This online course will enable students to understand and analyse Taiwan, one of the most complex and contentious places in East Asia. By the end of the course, students will be familiar with the key aspects of contemporary Taiwanese society and politics, including Taiwan’s national identity debates, its contested relationship with the Chinese mainland, and its socio-cultural mix of Indigenous, Chinese, Western, and Japanese influences. By introducing the main dynamics of Taiwan’s socio-political situation, this course provides a valuable complement to other courses on China and the East Asian region.

Content (course unit)

Six thematic modules: 1. Introduction – What is Taiwan? 2. An Overview of Taiwanese History 3. The Taiwan Question and Cross-Strait Relations 4. Identity, Nationalism, and Taiwanisation 5. Taiwan’s Political System and Party Politics 6. Social Issues and Cultural Trends in Taiwan Today

Prerequisites (course unit)

Basic knowledge about China and/or the East Asian region.

Assessment scale

0-5

Learning materials

Recorded online lectures, reading materials, online materials.

Further information

REGISTRATION Students from the University of Turku, and the other member universities of the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies can register for this course through the Peppi or Sisu systems. This course has a maximum intake of 40 students. Students are selected in the order of application. The places are divided evenly between the member universities of the Network. STARTING THE COURSE On the first day of the course, you will receive a welcome message from the teacher, including a link to the course webpage. The course is offered through the Finnish University Network for Asian Studies https://www.asianet.fi/.