Taiwan and China: Roles in Global Affairs

Course Description

Summary

China has long leveraged its status as a major power to marginalize Taiwan on the international stage, combining diplomatic pressure with military intimidation. It has also sought to collaborate with countries such as Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran to promote renminbi-based trade as a way to circumvent U.S. dollar sanctions. However, Taiwan’s global leadership in high-tech industries has made it indispensable to the world economy. At the same time, its vibrant democracy, strong human rights record, and status as the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage stand in sharp contrast to China’s authoritarian system and economic slowdown. Coupled with robust U.S. restrictions on China’s access to advanced technologies from Taiwan and other countries, positioned along the First Island Chain, Taiwan plays a pivotal role in an evolving global landscape.

Building on these contemporary dynamics, this course examines the roles of Taiwan and China in global affairs through authentic materials, including news reports, policy analysis, videos, and other media. Each unit integrates targeted vocabulary and key grammatical structures to support students in engaging with complex, real-world topics in Chinese. Through discussion, analytical writing, and research-based assignments, students develop advanced proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

The course combines two hours of weekly instruction with two hours of independent research. Students undertake individual research projects, submit weekly progress updates with instructor feedback, and participate in small-group discussions every two to three weeks. In Week 7, students present their first project; in the second half of the course, they pursue a new topic and repeat the research and presentation process.

Designed as a small seminar for advanced learners, including students with six to seven semesters of Chinese and native speakers, the course emphasizes advanced reading, critical analysis, and independent research conducted in Chinese.