Cultural Studies and Languages

Are islands only geographic, or can they be social?  Can a community be an island, the way an island can be a community?  For almost two centuries, linguists have used the metaphor of “speech islands” to describe groups of people speaking one language who live surrounded by speakers of another.  These communities may be

Tai-Chi (Taiji) is a Chinese martial art and meditation system. The symbol of Tai-Chi is the famous Chinese Yin and Yang symbol also called Taiji.

In this course, students will get some practical experience with Tai-Chi martial art and

Tai Chi (太极拳) is a Chinese martial art and meditative system. Its symbol is the well-known Yin–Yang (太极) diagram, representing balance and harmony.

This course is designed not only as a way to relax the body, reduce anxiety, and improve overall physical health, but also as an opportunity to learn the

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

Taiwan was the first country in the region to legalize same-sex marriage, the first to elect a female president, and today women make up about 42% of its national legislature.

All this goes to show that Taiwan's global influence far exceeds its size. Known as “Formosa” (“beautiful island”), it attracts visitors with its landscapes, rich food culture, and personable

In this course, students will explore contemporary Taiwanese society, one of Asia’s safest, happiest, and most progressive, through audio, video, and print media. They will examine everyday life, social trends, and Taiwan’s political landscape, including women’s 42% representation in the legislature, the rise of single women keeping pets, and Taiwan as the first Asian

Taiwanese films are characterized by a distinctive human warmth, a grounded and realistic portrayal of everyday life, and a strong sense of place conveyed through natural landscapes and local settings. Many films focus on the perspectives of ordinary people, addressing social issues and expressing concern for real-life experiences. Themes often explore identity, gender, and

The study of foreign languages and cultures is a crucial asset. For some, it is a life-saving necessity. For others it represents a powerful tool in a toolkit for antiracism, social justice, and intercultural understanding. In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of language and culture teaching to young children and

In this course we will practice translating from French into English. We will work on developing a mindfulness about language use as well as a comparative eye focused on English and French’s stylistic and structural preferences. Grammar and lexical development will also be on offer and will highlight

This course introduces students to two foundational texts in Chinese thought: The Twenty-four Stories of Filial Piety, which highlight the Confucian ideal of devotion to one’s parents, and the Tales of Zhuangzi, which reflect Daoist values of spontaneity, naturalness, and freedom. By reading these works in translation and in modern Mandarin at the student’s language level,