Program
1.Emphasis on the interdisciplinary integration of specialized curriculums
The department offers various fundamental courses. For example, political thought, comparative politics, international relations, and administration and policy. Those courses emphasize on the interdisciplinary integration. The course development emphasizes both theories and practices. The curriculum module is implemented under the courses of original four major areas to promote interdisciplinary courses. In the future, the department will offer new courses. For example, theories and practices of congress, urban governance, Asian studies. In addition, the department also concerns the research on the political, economic, social reformation and development of China.
2.Strengthening international academic exchange
The department has invited numerous distinguished scholars to make public speech and build academic discourse with students and professors for several years. From now on, the department also plans to invite more foreign visiting professors to give lectures. On the other hand, the department offers students to apply for exchange students and visit foreign universities. For instance, Institute of Political Studies (I.E.P.) of Lyon, University of North Texas, and Aichi University.
3.Diverse curriculums
The department has founded Curriculum Planning Committee since 1994.The committee is mainly responsible for designing curriculums and selecting lecturers. According to students’ course response and social trend, the committee evaluates and the current curriculums regularly. Besides, the department offers various courses, like China course, congress and election, and urban governance for the purpose of promoting interdisciplinary integration and multiple learning resources.
4.Improving English ability
The department offers courses in English, for example, voting behavior, political development of Taiwan and democratic transition, theories and practices of negotiation, international protection of human rights: Asia, analysis of international affairs, theories and practices of public management, and global public policy.Moreover, for improving students’ English ability, the department sets up two graduation thresholds including the English proficiency requirement and selecting one course in English. The department also provides scholarships for students who get high score in English proficiency tests.
5.Integrating theories and practices
For assisting students to understand political related practices and operation, the department arranges for students to visit many government offices and non-governmental organizations every semester. The department has implemented summer internship programs since 2006 and offered overseas internships since 2016.In addition, interdisciplinary learning is set to be compulsory courses for encouraging students to participate in academic activities actively. Through inviting numerous industry lecturers and visiting professors to give lectures, students can absorb more different knowledge and integrate theories and practices.
6.Capstone course
The department sets the capstone course for improving students’ practical ability and competitiveness and integrating what they have learned before graduation. Students can finish their theses and research papers by various ways. For instance, study abroad, field survey, shoot a microcinema, and service-learning. After students finish theses and research papers, they also hold the learning presentation.