COLLEGE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Graduate Institute of American Studies
Degrees Offered: M.A., Ph.D..
TO Webpage:
Chair:Kleykamp David Lee
The Institute
As Taiwan's oldest established graduate program in American Studies, Tamkang University's Graduate Institute of American Studies has steadily enjoyed a reputation for excellence since it was first founded in 1973. In 1983, for example, the ROC Ministry of Education rated the Institute as No.1 in the field of international studies in the country. And in 1992, the Institute's primary publication on American Studies was acclaimed the best of ten university journals by the same governmental agency.
Designed to prepare students for teaching and professional jobs in the broad area of American studies, the program offers courses of academic preparation leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Interdisciplinary by definition as well as practice, the Institute prepares students to become knowledgeable specialists via a broad range of classes and seminars focusing on American history, literature, politics, law, culture, economy, diplomacy, education, mass communications, foreign and defense policy, social issues, as well as training in modern social-science methodology. Conducted largely within an English language setting, the Institute enables students to gain a panoramic view of America as a nation and as a civilization, its place in history, and its impact on the world. Graduates from the Institute have successfully pursued careers in education, research institutions, business community, and government ＆ foreign service.
The Master of Arts( M.A.)degree in American Studies requires the completion of 33 lecture ＆ seminar credit hours, plus a 4 credit hour thesis. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in American Studies requires the completion of 30-36 additional lecture ＆ seminar credit hours, plus a 6 credit hour dissertation seminar. The number of students annually recruited for the M.A. program is approximately 17, and for the Ph.D. program 3. Students who have graduated with an M.A. in fields related to American Studies from other accredited universities are welcome to apply to the Institute’s Ph.D. program. Overall, the objective of both degree programs is to graduate well-prepared, socially conscious men and women for the country's future.
In recent years, the Institute has assisted numerous M.A. ＆ Ph.D. andidates by sending them to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and other American universities, for conducting scholarly research during the summer vacation. In particular, since 1989 the Institute has begun sending its most promising Ph.D. candidates overseas for a full semester with fellowship support. Opportunities such as these, we believe, have contributed significantly to our students' genuine appreciation and understanding of the complexities of American thought and culture.
Faculty
Professors
Tai, Wan-chin ; Chen, Edward I-hsin ; Trimarchi, Anthony
Associate Professor
SHEEN, Marshall
Assistant Professors
Huang, Alexander Chieh-cheng ; Chan, Mignonne Man-jung
Professors Emeritus
Lee, Thomas B. ; Chen, Philip Ming
Degree Requirements
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Requirements for M.A. degree:
Successful completion of 37 credits of courses, including 33 credits of required courses and 4 credits of thesis.
Comprehensive examination is required before passing the proposal review. Students are also required to submit a written master’s thesis completed under the supervision of a faculty member, and pass an Oral Examination. - Requirements for Ph.D. degree:
Successful completion of 30- 36 credits of courses, including 24 -30 credits of required courses and 6 credits of thesis.
Students are required to pass qualifying examination, publish at least one research paper in academic journal, submit a written doctoral dissertation completed under the supervision of a faculty member, and pass an oral examination.
Course Descriptions
Master's Program
A1039 Readings in American Culture (3/0) A study of America in the 1950s: challenges to the traditional values.
B0114 The American Economy (3/0) A general introduction to American economic policy and practical case study. It observes the operation of the American economic system, analyzes contemporary economic problems, and explores possible solutions to those problems.
M0246 U.S. Constitutional Law (0/3) An introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of American Constitutional Law focusing on major Supreme Court decisions dealing with individual rights and Congressional commerce powers.
M0216 American Foreign Policy (3/3) An introduction to the theories of international relations. A study of the origin, principles and practices, administration, policies, and historical events in policy-making from President Washington to the present. It also assesses American power and responsibility today.
M0229 Readings in Modern American Culture II: Social Problems and Society (0/3) A cultural approach is used to understand social problems in America. We examine the entertainment industry, business and the market system, and education--its moral and technical dimensions--and its impact on society.
T0067 Social Science Research Methods (3/0) This course passes the training for the research approach of social science, let students possess the ability to observe the social phenomenon and explain the social concern, and by reading relevant materials, discussing and studying the course on the spot that train the ability which students study independently.
T0270 American Founding Fathers and Democratic System (2/0) A study of American founding fathers and democratic system.
T0429 The United States & Asia (3/0) The course is designed to provide students an introductory understanding of the relations between the United States and major countries in the Asia-Pacific region. A series of study of bilateral relationship will enable students to understand not only the commonalities and differences of America's relations with different Asian countries, but also the challenges and opportunities in American foreign policy toward Asia as a whole.
T0430 Contemporary U.S. Social Issues (3/0) This course contains two main segments: (1) to introduce students with the U.S. Constitution, which embodies the words that Americans live by, and to understand the debate on civil liberties in an age of anti-terrorism; and (2) to identify, evaluate and analyze current U.S. social issues with a thematic approach. All sides of views on a social theme are to be explored and discussed.
T0431 Economic Impacts on U.S. Politics (3/0) This course has two major goals: (1) to review the U.S. economic history from the mindset of America power rooted in wealth creation; and (2) to understand the U.S. trade policy in light of economic development, manifested against the backdrop of globalization. Growth in the U.S. trade deficit, job losses, and declining competitiveness of some U.S. industries have focused public attention on U.S. position in global economy. Many politicians and analysts have turned to trade policy as solution to domestic economic problems. Political players such as interest groups, congressional committees, bureaucrats and top administrative officials play a major role in translating political and economic interests into trade policy. This course focuses on domestic aspect of trade policy, examining how domestic policy process affects trade policy outcome.
T1249 American History and Civilization to the Civil War (3/0) A graduate-level survey course beginning with Columbus' discovery of America and ending with the 19th century Civil War era.
T1250 American History and Civilization After 1865 (0/3) A graduate-level survey course focusing upon the paramount historical events and personalities from the post-Civil War period up to the present time.
T1384 Challenges to American Political Culture (3/0) A critical investigation of recent challenges to America's conventional values and political culture. The course focuses on "politically correct" issues such as language censorship and multiculturalism. And in addition, it examines a troubled legal system, problems of alienated voters, and the distressful triumph of subjectivism and ethical relativism in both education and politics.
T1486 Negotiation Theories and Cases in American Diplomacy (0/3) Introduction of major negotiation theories. Analysis of major cases of American diplomatic negotiation.
T2419 American Urban Studies (0/3) This course focuses on the angles of history, politics, economy and society, and explores the past, now, and the future of the cities of U.S.A.
Ph.D. Program
A1571 The Issues on and Problems of American Social Events (3/0) The lectures will focus on the causes and impact of the following issues: alcohol and drugs, single parent family, street crimes, sexual abuses, school problems, social welfare system, illegal immigrants, etc. Students may select a topic to study and research.
M0211 American Ethnic Groups (3/0) This course observes the various ethnic groups or minority groups and their problems in America.
M0231 American Government (3/0) An exploration of the separation of powers, executivelegislative relations, presidents and parties, sources of presidential powers, and decision-making process in the U.S. government.
M0245 U.S. and Southeast Asia (2/0) This course discusses the relations between the U.S. and Southeast Asia.
M0218 U.S. Foreign Policy Decision Making Process (0/2) This course discusses the process of US foreign policy decision-making. Relevant theories are introduced and case studies are supplemented to show the formulation of foreign policy.
T0357 Political Power and Bureaucratic Politics in the USA (3/0) The United States of America is often considered a great democracy and a great power, the world's remaining "superpower." Americans and their leaders take pride in their advocacy of and regard for freedom, morality, and enterprise-a way of sharing and disseminating the ideas of the famous Jefferson dictum, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Peoples and nations around the world see the USA as a source of inspiration. On the other hand, it is also a target of animosity and hatred. The September 11, 2001 attacks on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. is the very recent example of that phenomenon.
T0426 The U.S. Intelligence and Security System (3/0) American Intelligence System puts emphasis on its organizations and functions of the intelligence community with special attention on the CIA and the Office of Director of National Intelligence with respect to national security.
T1262 American Politics and Foreign Policy (2/0) Lectures and discussion in a roundtable seminar in American politics and diplomacy: political culture, party politics, the battle to govern, the U.S. and international politics, the formulation of foreign policy, the U.S. foreign policy toward Asia.
T1280 American Public Opinion and The Think-Tanks (0/3) The lectures will focus on organizations, functions of think-tanks, and the nature and practices of public opinion.
T1281 US Policy Toward East Asian Countries (0/3) Contemporary U.S. policies for East Asian Countries are becoming increasingly complex and contradictory. There is gradual agreement that the most important issues for the East Asian countries today are economic. This course examines the background of the economic development of those countries in the shadow of U.S. influence. The course also focuses on the issues of the linkage of U.S. and the countries in the region.
T1484 History of America’s Great Depression and The New Deal (0/3) Historical analysis of the chief political and economic causes of America's Great Depression. The course also examines principal architects of the government's response to the crisis, including Hoover, Roosevelt and his advisers, as well as the vocal critics of the New Deal administration.
T1831 The Decision-Making Process of U.S. Policy Toward China (0/3) A comprehensive examination of American foreign policy toward both sides of the Taiwan Strait, focusing on the process of decision-making and theoretical application in case studies.
T1971 U.S.-R.O.C. Relations since 1949 (2/0) A comprehensive historical examination of the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the R.O.C. since 1949, encompassing the Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, and Clinton Administrations.
