Course Descriptions

With a picturesque 69-hectare campus offering an inspiring backdrop, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) provides an ideal environment for students eager to learn Chinese. Conducting classes solely in Mandarin, the Chinese Language Center (CLC) at NSYSU focuses on developing comprehensive language skills, fostering an immersive experience that extends beyond linguistic proficiency to encompass the rich tapestry of Chinese and Taiwanese culture. 

Courses

All students are required to take the Discover Kaohsiung and the One-on-one Tutorial classes, as well as two electives selected from the choices below. All students have twelve hours of classes per week plus co-curricular activities. Elective course offerings are based, in part, on a minimum enrollment of three students. The maximum enrollment for all courses is ten students. 

Discover Kaohsiung (漫遊高雄) (Required)

The program’s namesake course, Discover Kaohsiung provides an in-depth exploration of the culture and lifestyle of Kaohsiung. With a history spanning centuries, Kaohsiung is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The course allows students to interact with local residents, visit historical sites, and explore the city’s unique attractions. Students spend three hours per week in the classroom, delving into the rich history and contemporary life of Kaohsiung. They spend extra time per week participating in excursions to various locations, engaging with local Taiwanese citizens. Excursions may include visits to cultural landmarks, local markets, and the thriving arts scene in Kaohsiung. After each excursion, students present their findings and experiences in class. 
  Three hours per week plus co-curricular activities 
  Text: A variety of primary and secondary sources of the instructor’s choosing under the supervision of the Program Director.

One-on-one Tutorial (一對一獨立研究) (Required)

The One-on-one Tutorial is designed to enhance the student’s language skills through in-depth exploration of a topic of the student’s choosing. Students engage in discussions, exchange ideas with their teachers, and conduct research on their chosen topic. The selection of materials and the conduct of classroom instruction are individualized to match each student’s language level. As students’ progress, they are expected to discuss their subject with increasing fluency and depth. Students are also required to give oral presentations on their subject. Instructors may arrange off-campus trips and invite guest speakers to enhance the learning experience. 
  Three hours per week.
  Text: Materials prepared by the instructor under the supervision of the Program Director.

Business Chinese (商務漢語) (Intermediate)

This course introduces students to specialized vocabulary, grammatical structures, and expressions encountered when doing business in Taiwan. The class takes a case study approach, covering topics such as the local business environment, economic policies, and cross-strait business relations. The aim is to equip students with the language skills needed for work or internships in a Taiwanese business setting. The class also works to build students’ overall Chinese language proficiency. If enrollment and differences in students’ language level permit, the class may be divided into two sections to address specific linguistic needs. 
 Three hours per week.
  Text: Materials prepared by the instructor under the supervision of the Program Director.

Newspaper Reading (新聞中文) (Intermediate)

In this class, students engage in reading and discussing news articles to enhance their language skills and deepen their understanding of current events. The focus is on improving students’ ability to speak and write accurately, fluently, and with sophistication about current issues in Taiwan and the wider world. Class discussions cover a range of topics, including social issues, politics, economics, and cultural trends. Readings are drawn from newspapers and online sources, providing students with real-world language exposure. If enrollment and differences in students’ language levels permit, the class may be divided into two sections to target specific linguistic needs.
  Three hours per week.
  Text: Materials prepared by the instructor under the supervision of the Program Director.

Picture Books & Contemporary Issues   (繪本與當代議題)  (Intermediate)

This course invites students to read picture books and related materials as a way to explore language, storytelling, and global issues. Through group discussions, thematic activities, and cross-cultural exchanges, students will strengthen their vocabulary, narrative skills, and critical thinking. They will learn to recognize linguistic and structural features of picture books, apply effective reading strategies, and connect stories to real-life and international contexts. By engaging with diverse themes, students develop clear and coherent expression while broadening their global vision and multicultural awareness.
  Three hours per week
  Text: A selection of picture books and supplementary readings chosen by the instructor under the supervision of the Program Director.

Taiwan in International Relations (台灣的國際關係)  (Intermediate)

This course examines Taiwan’s role and position in the international community through close reading of assigned texts, supplementary materials, and independent research. Students participate in group discussions, interviews, and online investigations to strengthen oral presentation skills and cultivate global awareness. Emphasis is placed on developing academic and professional oral expression, expanding vocabulary and grammar proficiency, and analyzing how international relations shape Taiwan’s future. By integrating readings with reports, data collection, and critical discussions, students deepen their understanding of Taiwan’s international relations while enhancing their ability to express ideas clearly in both oral and written forms.
  Three hours per week
  Text: Selected academic articles, policy documents, and supplementary readings chosen by the instructor under the supervision of the Program Director.

Classical Chinese (古文) (Advanced)

This course combines the content of Classical Chinese I and Classical Chinese II into one comprehensive offering. Students will delve into wenyanwen (文言文), the written language of traditional Chinese, emphasizing comprehension of literal and metaphorical meanings of short wenyan texts. The course includes grammatical analysis and translation from Classical Chinese into modern Chinese. Students will explore the grace, economy, and beauty of classical written language and gain insight into the common body of knowledge shared among educated Taiwanese. Discussions and instruction will be conducted entirely in modern Chinese. 
  Three hours per week.
  Text: Language of the Dragon, Cheng & Tsui, vol. 1 & 2.

Cross Strait Relations (兩岸關係) (Advanced)

Cross-Strait relations constitute the most crucial and controversial foreign bilateral relationship for Taiwan. This relationship profoundly impacts various aspects of life on the island, from the economy, to society/culture, politics, diplomacy, and security. Regardless of individual stances on reunification or independence and ideological beliefs, Cross-Strait relations, remain an unavoidable issue. This course delves into the developments of Cross-Strait relations since 1987 and their profound effects on Taiwan’s internal dynamics and external relationships. Through in-depth discussions, students will gain an understanding of the significant controversies and core research issues within Cross-Strait relations. Due to the use of authentic materials, students below the intermediate high level are encouraged to consider alternate elective courses. 
  Three hours per week.
  Text: A variety of primary and secondary sources of the instructor’s choosing under the supervision of the Program Director.