International Graduate Lectures in Sinology, NCCU

中國近代歷史與文化/Modern Chinese History and Culture This course, conducted over three hours, will first examine the emergence of industrialization and modernization in the Western world, exploring the meaning of “modernity” for humanity, as well as major historical interpretations of this process—including Max Weber’s analysis in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism and Marxist historical interpretations. It will then turn to the question of how premodern China (from the mid-Qing to the Republican era) encountered the so-called “high-level equilibrium trap” (as described by Mark Elvin) and the constraints it imposed—such as population pressure leading to involution and even civil war. The course will further consider how China sought to address and overcome this “trap.” Finally, by adopting a global history perspective, the course will situate China’s historical experience in a comparative framework, highlighting both its particularities and its broader significance.

東亞危機時代下的知識份子與思想/East Asian Intellectuals and Thoughts during the times of Crisis This course, under the theme of “moments of crisis,” explores how intellectuals—from historiography to literature and philosophy, from the Left to liberalism and conservatism, and across mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the broader Sinophone world—responded to historical upheavals through their intellectual choices, political actions, and the consequences they bore. Revisiting the mid-twentieth century transformations of scholarship and the humanities from a contemporary perspective, the course not only reflects on the complex and winding paths of intellectual inquiry but also excavates the subtle connections between past and present.

日本的中國論：日中關係史與中國近現代史研究/How Japanese recognized China: Studies of Chinese Modern History and History of Sino-Japanese Relations This course invites Professor Yujiro Murata of Doshisha University and his former student, Professor Motoya Nakamura of the University of Tokyo, as well as Professor Hironori Morikawa of Kwansei Gakuin University, to deliver lectures and co-teach. The course covers research on the history of the Republic of China, modern Chinese history, and Sino-Japanese relations, situating these studies within the broader context of international Sinology. In addition to deepening understanding of modern Chinese history and Sino-Japanese relations, the course emphasizes fostering interaction between local and international students and facilitating collaboration between domestic and foreign faculty. By engaging in this course, participants are offered the opportunity to create a cross-regional academic environment, acquire relevant knowledge, and engage in mutual exchange and dialogue, thereby opening up broader perspectives.

近代東亞文明新秩序/New Civilizational Order in Modern East Asia Since the mid-nineteenth century, East Asia has faced mounting challenges from Western powers. Both the Qing Empire and Japan were compelled to accelerate reforms in order to adapt to the new international order. This course, led by expert scholars, will analyze from multiple perspectives how East Asian states engaged with Western nations during their transition into modern international relations, as well as the dynamics of competition and cooperation among themselves. A central focus will also be how East Asia’s traditional political, economic, cultural, and social systems responded to the emerging global order. By situating present issues—such as the U.S.-China trade war—within this broad historical framework, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of international relations.

近代台灣歷史與文化/History and Culture of Modern Taiwan This course introduces Taiwan’s trajectory from the premodern era to modernization. It examines the vertical inheritance of historical and cultural traditions, including Han Chinese and Indigenous cultures, as well as the horizontal transplantation of influences from Japan, China, and the West, thus highlighting Taiwan’s plural and multifaceted cultural landscape. At the same time, the course explores Taiwan’s experience of colonialism and modernity, its passage through authoritarian rule, and its eventual achievement of becoming one of Asia’s leading societies founded on freedom and democracy.

近代西方思想在中國和台灣/Modern Western Thought in China and Taiwan This course is co-taught by Professor Emeritus Li Hung-chi of the Department of History, City University of New York. Over the span of nine weeks, totaling 18 hours and divided into nine units, the course introduces the ideas of representative modern Western thinkers and examines how their thought was transmitted to China and Taiwan. Each unit will focus on one or two thinkers, providing a concise explanation of their intellectual contributions and significance, followed by a discussion of which of their major works were introduced to China or Taiwan, and which influential figures were shaped by their ideas. Thinkers to be covered include Dante, Machiavelli, Boccaccio and Cervantes, the three luminaries of the Renaissance, Martin Luther and John Calvin, Montesquieu and Rousseau, Adam Smith, Locke and Jefferson, Kant and Hegel, Darwin and Spencer, as well as Spengler and Toynbee. The primary instructor will endeavor to personally lead all 18 hours of lectures, though guest lecturers may be invited if necessary. Each session will allocate approximately three-quarters of the time to lecture and one-quarter to discussion. PowerPoint presentations will be used to enhance student engagement. A short list of Chinese-language references will also be provided. Additionally, each week selected students will be assigned to consult bibliographies and identify significant Chinese studies, translations, or introductory works on the featured thinkers.

華夷之間：近代東亞的族群問題/Between Hua and Yi: Ethnic Issues in Modern East Asia Throughout successive dynasties, China was in fact situated within a historical context of continuous interaction with surrounding peoples and civilizations. This course, led by distinguished scholars, will focus on the cultural and ethnic exchanges between Central Asia, Northern Asia, and East Asia and the Central Plains. It will analyze the historical phenomena of cross-cultural and interethnic challenges and responses, thereby providing a more diverse perspective for understanding the hybridity and multiplicity of what is called “Chinese civilization.” At the same time, the course will shed light on the long-term historical dynamics between the so-called core and peripheries of Asian civilizations.

國民黨的歷史與發展/History and Development of KMT Throughout successive dynasties, China was in fact situated within a historical context of continuous interaction with surrounding peoples and civilizations. This course, led by distinguished scholars, will focus on the cultural and ethnic exchanges between Central Asia, Northern Asia, and East Asia and the Central Plains. It will analyze the historical phenomena of cross-cultural and interethnic challenges and responses, thereby providing a more diverse perspective for understanding the hybridity and multiplicity of what is called “Chinese civilization.” At the same time, the course will shed light on the long-term historical dynamics between the so-called core and peripheries of Asian civilizations.

近代東亞醫療與科技/Medicine, Science and Technology in Modern East Asia This course, from the perspectives of global and regional history, explores the challenges and transformations faced by medicine and technology in modern East Asia. Science and technology have long been closely intertwined with state institutions and cultural change, while medicine has played a vital role in safeguarding human life and enhancing social well-being. The course will guide students to reflect on how medicine and technology became driving forces in the making of modern East Asian civilization, as well as the enduring influence of their intellectual legacies on today’s world.