Center for General Education

Chinese

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1.  Enhance humanistic thinking and cultivate humanistic values through close reading, analysis, and interpretation of various canonical texts.
2.  Acquire basic analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to articulate and express their knowledge or experiences.
3.  Expand their knowledge of different literary genres and gradually master writing skills through hands-on exercises and discussions.
4.  (Varies by course content.)

 

Description

Since the academic year 2020, Chinese courses have been structured around in-depth reading and writing training designed to help students enhance their language skills and cultivate humanistic values. To encourage students to pursue their interests, the courses are divided into four tracks based on course design: “College Chinese: Literature Appreciation and Writing,” “College Chinese: Culture, Thought, and Writing,” “College Chinese: Reading and Writing,” and “College Chinese for Overseas Chinese Students and International Students.” The courses are further categorized into seven topics:

• Self and Others (therapeutic writing, relationships, altruism) 
• Humanity and Nature (nature writing, the environment, sustainability)
• Individual and Society (non-fiction, social concern, equity and justice)）
• Fantasy and Creativity (science fiction, myths and fables, technical writing)
• Creation and Performance (art, theater, adaptation)
• Interpretation and Memory (historical writing, collective memory, ideas and concepts) 
• Mobility and Senses (food writing, travel, material culture)

With diverse topics and reading materials, the courses aim to enhance students’ comprehensive writing skills. Students will be guided to appreciate, discuss various literary classics, and express their opinions. The writing training will shape students into keen observers who can explore diverse themes, think critically, and communicate, honing their practical, critical, and expressive language skills. Students will deepen their understanding of self, learn to engage in dialogue with the other, and foster their humanities literacy.

 

Notes for Course Selection

Starting from the academic year 2016, students are required to complete a total of 18 credits across College Chinese and General Education courses. Up to three credits of the College Chinese requirement may be substituted with General Education courses in areas A1-A4. Students may choose one of the following paths to complete the 18 credits:

1.  3 credits of College Chinese + 15 credits of General Education courses
2.  6 credits of College Chinese + 12 credits of General Education courses

If a student chooses path 2, the student is required to take at least one General Education course in two of the areas designated by the student’s department. The student is free to complete the remaining credits by taking General Education courses in any area.

 

Notes for Exemption

Students who meet the criteria listed in the National Taiwan University Directives for the Implementation of Undergraduate College Chinese Exemptions and have passed the exemption examination will be exempted from College Chinese courses and receive the required credits toward graduation. If an exempted student still chooses to take a College Chinese course, the earned credits can be applied as General Education credits.

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Notes for Undergraduate Overseas Chinese and International Students

Please refer to the National Taiwan University Regulations for the Implementation of Undergraduate College Chinese Courses for Overseas Chinese and International Students

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English or Foreign Languages

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1. Hone their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in foreign languages through practical and diverse class materials.
2. Develop strong language intuition.
3. Cultivate a deeper appreciation for foreign cultures.
4. Foster independent and critical thinking skills by conducting research, analysis, presentations, and group discussions in foreign languages.
5. Build good writing habits, including adhering to standard formatting styles, proofreading, and self-editing.
6. Lay the foundation for lifelong learning in foreign languages.

 

Description

The objective of English and Foreign Language Courses is, first, to train students in the four basic skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, through relevant, engaging materials. This training will aim not only to cultivate basic language proficiency, but also to sharpen linguistic sensitivity, so that students are able to use language with greater precision and awareness. The training will also focus on improving students' skills in the areas of critical thinking, library and Internet research, thought organization, oral presentation, group discussion, correct format, revision, and careful proofreading. Ethical issues such as plagiarism, personal honesty, and responsibility will be emphasized. It is the ultimate goal of all courses to guide students toward independent and lifelong learning.

 

Notes for Course Selection

Starting from the academic year 2008, students may fulfill the six-credit requirement of English and Foreign Languages by taking language courses offered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures or the Department of Japanese Language and Literature. However, all six credits must be completed in the same language. Individual department regulations take precedence where applicable.

 

Notes for Exemption

Freshmen may apply for an exemption from Freshman English in August, prior to the start of their first semester at the University. Qualified students will be exempted from Freshman English (six credits) and Online English Program (I & II). During their time at the University, students who have not applied for an exemption or do not qualify for an exemption can choose to take the examination held by the Foreign Language Teaching and Resource Center (FLTC) or any English proficiency tests approved by the FLTC. Those who pass the test can apply for an exemption from Online English Program and will be permitted to withdraw from Freshman English courses they are currently taking, exempting them from completing the courses in the second semester.

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Online English Program

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1.  Enhance their English speaking, writing, listening, and reading proficiencies, with the goal of reaching the CEFR B2 level.
2.  Sharpen advanced critical thinking skills and learn to communicate smoothly in technical, academic, and other professional settings through practical course designs.
3.  Equip themselves with comprehensive English abilities applicable to diverse real-world scenarios.
4.  Choose courses based on their academic interests and needs, as courses are categorized by skills, topics, and difficulty levels. Students will develop habits of self-reflection to foster continuous improvement and lifelong learning abilities.

 

Description

The Online English Program curriculum comprises five main course tracks, including skill-oriented Online English Program (Listening) and Online English Program (Speaking), as well as comprehensive courses such as Online English Program (General Critical Thinking), Online English Program (General Technology), and Online English Program (General Academic). With no mandatory placement tests or scores for enrollment, students are free to select courses based on their self-assessed English proficiency, personal interests, and needs. Utilizing engaging course designs that leverage multimedia resources, technology-assisted learning, and blended learning, the curriculum focuses on enhancing students’ academic English, presentation skills, writing and speaking abilities, and communication skills across diverse scenarios. The curriculum also aims to cultivate humanistic values and social awareness, and to broaden students' horizons and cultural experiences. To foster proactive learning, continuous language improvement, and lifelong learning habits, the curriculum offers tailored listening and reading tests. Undergraduate students are eligible for two free testing attempts, and those who achieve a passing score will be granted an exemption from the program.

 

Notes for Course Selection

In accordance with Article 3 of the National Taiwan University Regulations for the Implementation of Online English Program, undergraduate students must successfully complete the Online English Program requirements to qualify for graduation.

 

Notes for Exemption

Students who meet the criteria outlined in Articles 7 and 8 of the National Taiwan University Regulations for the Implementation of Online English Program can apply for exemptions from the Online English Program.

Students who hold any of the following test scores may apply for exemptions from the Online English Program:

1.  A passing score on the exemption examination held by the FLTC (held twice a year, typically in January/February and June/September, no registration fee)
2.  A passing score on the first stage of the high-intermediate GEPT test
3.  A score of 72 or above in the TOEFL iBT
4.  A grade of 6.0 or above in the IELTS Academic test
5.  A score of 70 or above in each English written section of the FLPT
6.  A passing grade in the Cambridge English Qualifications FCE test
7.  A total score of 785 or above in the TOEIC test
8.  CEFR B2 level or above on listening, reading, speaking, and writing tests of the BESTEP
9.  A passing score on other English proficiency tests approved by the Online English Program Planning Committee and the Center for General Education

 

Others:

Students who meet the following criteria may also apply for exemptions from the Online English Program:

1. Having completed a total of 12 credits of EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction) courses approved by the University's Office of Academic Affairs. Each course must be worth 3 credits or more and be completed with a grade of A- or above.
2. Meeting the criteria stipulated in the University's Directives for the Implementation of Undergraduate Freshman English Exemptions and qualifying for exemption from Freshman English.
3. Holding a degree issued by a tertiary educational institution in an English-speaking country listed in the Database for the Reference List of Foreign Universities by the Ministry of Education.

Physical Education

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1.  Understand the importance of regular exercise to a healthy life.
2.  Equip themselves with fundamental and advanced athletic skills, and a deeper appreciation for specialized sports.
3.  Develop the habit of active participation and regular exercise.

 

Description

Students are required to take PE courses, which are divided into Health Related Physical Fitness  and Specialized Sport Courses   . Health Related Fitness aims to help freshmen build a sense of community within their departments, cultivate teamwork, establish exercise habits, and improve physical fitness. Specialized Sport Courses guide students to sharpen their athletic skills, become team players, embrace collaboration, and develop a sense of sportsmanship. Beyond the core requirements, students can further hone their skills through elective courses of PE, enhancing their physical and mental well-being while building stronger social connections with peers.

 

Notes for Course Selection

Students are required to complete a total of 4 credits in Physical Education. This requirement comprises one credit of Health Related Physical Fitness scheduled by their departments and three elective credits from Specialized Sport Courses. To accommodate diverse student needs, the University offers specialized options, including Adapted Physical Education for students with special needs, and Varsity Sport courses for advanced student-athletes who are passionate about sports.

Both undergraduate and graduate students who have already fulfilled their PE requirements may also enroll in Adapted Physical Education.