End of the last semester at NCCU
The end of this semester marked my completion of the coursework requirements in the Master’s of Taiwan Studies program at NCCU (國立政治大學). The classes I took this semester were Political Development of Taiwan and International Relations of Taiwan. They were both great classes — Taiwan presents a vast amount of rich subject matter on these topics.
In International Relations I gave a presentation on “Taiwan and the Pacific Island Nations”. This topic is very worthy of further research, particularly looking at Taiwan’s relations with the Solomon Islands and the effects of China’s growing influence in the region.
On Monday I presented my thesis proposal to my thesis committee. The thesis looks at the current situation of indigenous rights in Taiwan based on a case study of the Smangus Beech Tree Incident. The proposal was passed and now I need to work hard on writing my thesis over the summer.
Although the semester is over next week there is a conference of the Society for East Asian Anthropology of the American Anthropological Association at Academia Sinica. A group of students from the Taiwan Studies program are presenting posters with the theme of “Latitude 121° East: Locality in Our Time”. My poster is titled “Indigenous Rights in Taiwan and the Smangus Case”.
Semester 2 at NCCU
Another semester begins at NCCU
End of semester at NCCU
End of semester at Shi-Da
Reading about Taiwanese History
Posted: June 26th, 2009 under Taiwan, Taiwan Studies.
Tags: anthropology, nccu, smangus
Comments
Comment from David Reid
Time June 30, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Fili, yes the time certainly did go fast. There are good and bad points about the course. It is difficult to give a general recommendation because it really depends on an individual’s circumstances and goals as to whether they should consider the course. I think the adage that you get out of it what you put into it is also important to remember. If anyone has more specific questions about the course they are welcome to contact me by e-mail.
Comment from Homer Kuo
Time July 3, 2009 at 4:07 pm
David: That’s great!
What’s the next?
Hopefully you’ll stay in Taiwan.
You haven’t been in our house in TaoYuan yet!
Congratulation!
Homer.
Comment from Ed
Time July 12, 2009 at 3:54 am
So what’s next? What does the degree lead to?
Comment from Fili An
Time June 30, 2009 at 7:47 am
Oh wow, that went fast!
Congratulations and good luck with the thesis.
Would you generally say that you recommend the program for international students interested in Taiwan related studies in English?