KSCB008 Contemporary Taiwan - Politics and Society

Faculty of Arts
Autumn 2024
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Bc. Denisa Hilbertová, M.A. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Mgr. Bc. Denisa Hilbertová, M.A.
Department of Chinese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Mgr. Bc. Denisa Hilbertová, M.A.
Supplier department: Department of Chinese Studies – Asia Studies Centre – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Wed 10:00–11:40 K24, except Mon 18. 11. to Sun 24. 11.
Prerequisites
This course explores the contemporary political and social landscape of Taiwan, focusing on its democratic development, cross-strait relations, identity politics, economic transformations, and cultural dynamics. Through a series of twelve lectures, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key issues shaping modern Taiwan.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is also offered to the students of the fields other than those the course is directly associated with.
The capacity limit for the course is 25 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/25, only registered: 9/25, only registered with preference (fields directly associated with the programme): 4/25
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
This course offers a comprehensive exploration of Taiwan's intricate political and social landscape in the modern era. Delving into the historical roots and evolving dynamics, students will examine key factors shaping Taiwan's governance structures, democratic institutions, and cross-strait relations. Topics include democratization processes, identity politics, economic development, and societal transformations. Through interdisciplinary perspectives, students will analyze contemporary issues, such as Taiwan's role in regional geopolitics, social movements, and the quest for national identity. By critically engaging with scholarly literature, case studies, and current events, this course equips students with a nuanced understanding of Taiwan's complex political and social development in the 21st century.
Learning outcomes
Understand the historical context of Taiwan's political development. Analyze the key political institutions and actors in Taiwan. Examine Taiwan's relationship with China and other global powers. Explore the social and cultural dynamics influencing Taiwanese society. Discuss contemporary challenges and opportunities facing Taiwan.
Syllabus
  • ecture 1: Introduction to Taiwan Overview of Taiwan's geography, demography, and historical background. Key milestones in Taiwan's modern history. Lecture 2: Taiwan's Political Evolution The transition from authoritarianism to democracy. Major political reforms and democratization processes. Lecture 3: Political Institutions and Actors Structure of the government and the role of the President, Legislative Yuan, and Judicial Yuan. Major political parties and their platforms. Lecture 4: Electoral Politics and Civic Participation Electoral system and voting behavior. Role of civil society and social movements in politics. Lecture 5: Cross-Strait Relations Historical context of Taiwan-China relations. Current state of cross-strait relations and key issues. Lecture 6: Taiwan in the International Arena Taiwan's diplomatic status and international recognition. Relations with major global powers (e.g., the US, Japan, the EU). Lecture 7: Economic Development and Challenges Taiwan's economic transformation and industrial policies. Current economic challenges and the impact of globalization. Lecture 8: Social Issues and Public Policy Key social issues: aging population, healthcare, housing, and education. Government policies addressing these issues. Lecture 9: Identity Politics and Cultural Dynamics Taiwanese identity and the impact of historical narratives. Role of language, culture, and media in shaping identity. Lecture 10: Environmental Issues and Sustainability Major environmental challenges facing Taiwan. Policies and initiatives for sustainable development. Lecture 11: Technological Innovation and Digital Society Taiwan's role in the global tech industry. Impact of digital technology on society and politics. Lecture 12: Future Prospects and Challenges Key trends and future challenges for Taiwan. Potential scenarios for Taiwan's political and social development.
Literature
    recommended literature
  • Jacobs, J. Bruce. Democratizing Taiwan. Brill, 2012.
  • Dittmer, Lowell, ed. Taiwan and China: Fitful Embrace. University of California Press, 2017.
    not specified
  • Rowen, Ian, ed. Transitional Justice in Taiwan: Law, Politics, and Power. Routledge, 2023.
Teaching methods
The course has a form of lectures
Assessment methods
Team project attandance class activity
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course is taught once in two years.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2012.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/phil/autumn2024/KSCB008