Center for General Education

For students who were enrolled or newly admitted in the 105th academic year to the bachelor's degree programs, they are required to complete 15 credits of general education courses. Transfer students and those who have downgraded and transferred to a different department should follow the standards of the academic year in which they entered the new grade. Students who take a leave of absence in the first semester of the year of admission should follow the standards of the academic year in which they return to school.

The general education courses are divided into eight major areas: "Literature and Arts (A1)," "Historical Thinking (A2)," "World Civilizations (A3)," "Philosophy and Moral Reasoning (A4)," "Civic Awareness and Social Analysis (A5)," "Mathematics, Digital and Quantitative Analysis (A6)," "Physical Sciences (A7)," and "Life Sciences (A8)." The objectives and brief introductions of these courses are as follows:

 

A1: Literature and Arts

Objectives:
(1) To cultivate the ability to appreciate literary and artistic works.
(2) To develop the ability to express self-awareness and imaginative creativity.

Description:
Through the reading and analysis of literature and art, students are trained in critical thinking, imagination, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation. This aims to deepen their self-awareness and their multifaceted concern and reflection on the humanistic world.

Course Classification Diagram

A2: Historical Thinking
Objectives:
(1) To cultivate the ability to think historically, enabling students to think independently.
(2) To enhance students' reflective abilities on human conditions in different historical contexts, thereby fostering their concern for society.
(3) To establish the habit of reading classics to enhance cultural literacy.

Description:
Through the study of history or related disciplines, students analyze significant historical events or long-term historical changes, or by reading historical classics, to inspire historical awareness. This aims to develop their ability to think historically and guide them to establish connections between the past and present, reflecting on their subjectivity within the historical context.

Course Classification Diagram

A3: World Civilizations
Objectives:
(1) To cultivate students' ability to appreciate diverse cultures.
(2) To enhance students' understanding of their own cultural traditions.
(3) To analyze the similarities and differences between various cultures and religions, enabling students to respect and appreciate other cultures.
(4) To lead students to reflect on their relationship with the world.

Description:
Guiding students to understand the characteristics of civilizations around the world, broadening their horizons, and fostering respect and appreciation for the spirit of other cultures and religions. This aims to reflect on their position in the new era of global civilization dialogue.

Course Classification Diagram

A4: Philosophy and Moral Thinking
Objectives:
(1) To cultivate the ability to think and explore fundamental life issues.
(2) To train students in understanding and reflecting on basic philosophical issues.
(3) To develop students' moral reasoning and ethical judgment abilities.

Description:
Philosophy seeks wisdom and explores truths about life, society, the world, and the universe, including beauty, ideals, and the sacred. Moral thinking concerns how to live and the practical issues of life, with three fundamental questions: Why am I alive? How should I live? How can I live a life that I should live? This area offers foundational courses in philosophical literacy and life education, focusing on basic philosophical issues and the three fundamental questions of life.

Course Classification Diagram

A5: Civic Awareness and Social Analysis
Objectives:
(1) To promote students' understanding of the spirit of democracy and the rule of law, and the existence of differences within social groups.
(2) To develop a sense of mission to care for society and benefit humanity.
(3) To cultivate the attitude and ability to fulfill civic responsibilities.

Description:
Through the study of social science knowledge and the principles of democracy and the rule of law, students understand social science analysis methods and important contemporary social issues. This aims to explore the existence of differences within social groups, enhancing students' sense of mission to care for society and benefit humanity, and cultivating their ability to fulfill civic responsibilities.

Course Classification Diagram

A6: Mathematics, Digital Competence, and Quantitative Analysis
Objectives:
(1) To cultivate the ability for quantitative reasoning.
(2) To establish mathematical thinking methods.
(3) To develop the ability to appreciate the characteristics of mathematics.

Description:
Students are expected to understand quantitative reasoning and mathematical thinking methods as a foundation for learning various disciplines. They also learn the theoretical basis of commonly used analytical tools in daily life, such as statistics, and appreciate the spirit of simplicity governing complexity and the perfect structure inherent in mathematics.

Course Classification Diagram

A7: Physical Sciences
Objectives:
(1) Through learning about relevant topics and knowledge in the natural world, students understand the sustainable relationship between humans and nature.
(2) To guide students in learning the thought patterns of scientific exploration and mastering methods of reasoning, verification, and problem-solving.
(3) To inspire students to actively explore the development of technology in society and enhance dialogue between technological and non-technological communities.

Description:
Through the study of physics, chemistry, astronomy, earth and environmental sciences, engineering, and related knowledge, students recognize scientific knowledge. The focus is on developing a rational, critical scientific attitude and sustainable ethics, as well as core abilities in innovation, communication, presentation, and dialogue.

Course Classification Diagram

A8: Life Sciences
Objectives:
(1) To promote students' understanding and appreciation of the mysteries of life.
(2) To stimulate students' initiative to explore the impact of biotechnology on humanities and society.
(3) To cultivate students' ability to respect life and actively protect nature.

Description:
Through the introduction of biology and life sciences, students are guided to understand the origin of life and the mysteries of the biological world. Students are expected to learn correct concepts of life sciences, explore the impact of biotechnology on humanities and society, and cultivate a spirit of respecting and protecting nature.

Course Classification Diagram

General Education Credit Requirements and Offset Regulations are as follows:

• Students should take general education courses in the areas designated by their departments as announced in the "General Education Course Area List for Each Department (After 96)" by the Common Education Center. After completing courses in 3 designated areas, the remaining courses are open for free choice. If a general education course covers 2 areas, students can choose to count it in either area. International students are not subject to these restrictions.
• Communication, Expression and Career Development courses can be taken to offset general education credits, up to a maximum of 6 credits.
• First-year Chinese courses can be offset with general education courses in "Literature and Arts (A1)," "Historical Thinking (A2)," "World Civilizations (A3)," and "Philosophy and Moral Thinking (A4)," up to a maximum of 3 credits.
• Professional foundation courses approved and announced by the Common Education Center's Course Committee can be counted as general education credits. However, if they are the same as the compulsory courses of the student's department at the time of graduation or are courses offered by the student's department, they cannot be counted as general education credits.
• Professional courses of departments (or programs) recognized as general education courses or "Communication, Expression and Career Development Courses" (formerly basic skills courses) (indicated by a '*' after the area code) are counted for the same number of credits as the original professional courses.
• Excess or non-eligible general education courses or "Communication, Expression and Career Development Courses" (formerly basic skills courses) are counted as elective credits. If the department of graduation has other regulations, those regulations apply.

General education course requirements for students who entered in or before the 95th academic year:

• General education courses were originally divided into four major areas: "Humanities (G1)," "Social Sciences (G2)," "Physical Sciences (G3)," and "Life Sciences (G4)." Starting from the 96th academic year, general education courses were expanded to eight areas. Therefore, the recognition of general education courses taken from the 96th academic year onwards is as follows:
• Courses in "Literature and Arts (A1)," "Historical Thinking (A2)," "World Civilizations (A3)," and "Philosophy and Moral Thinking (A4)" can be classified under the "Humanities (G1)" area.
• Courses in "Civic Awareness and Social Analysis (A5)" can be classified under the "Social Sciences (G2)" area.
• Courses in "Mathematics, Digital, and Quantitative Analysis (A6)" and "Physical Sciences (A7)" can be classified under the "Physical Sciences (G3)" area.
• Courses in "Life Sciences (A8)" can be classified under the "Life Sciences (G4)" area.
• There are two ways to select general education courses, and students can choose either:
• Apart from the area belonging to their department, students must take courses from the other three areas.
• Apart from the area belonging to their department, students must choose two areas from the other three, and take at least 4 credits in each area.
• For the department's affiliated area, please refer to the "List of Departments and Their Affiliated Areas (For Students Who Entered in or Before the 95th Academic Year)."
• Taking general education courses in the department's affiliated area (e.g., students in the Chinese department, which belongs to the "Humanities (G1)" area, taking courses in "Literature and Arts (A1)," "Historical Thinking (A2)," "World Civilizations (A3)," and "Philosophy and Moral Thinking (A4)") does not count towards general education credits.
• If a course covers more than two areas, students can choose to count it in any one of the areas. When taking more than one cross-area general education course, including the department's affiliated area, only one course is recognized as general education credits.
• If a general education course is a professional course offered by a department (or program) (indicated by a '*' after the area code), the credits are counted as follows:
• If it exceeds 2 credits, each course (a full-year course counts as one course) is only counted for 2 credits.
• If a course is the same as the compulsory or elective subjects designated by the student's original department, it cannot be counted.
• Starting from the 96th academic year, common mandatory subjects such as "History," "Constitution of the Home Country," and "Civic Education" are no longer offered. Students taking courses in the "Historical Thinking (A2)" and "World Civilizations (A3)" areas can offset them as common mandatory "History" courses; courses in the "Civic Awareness and Social Analysis (A5)" area can be offset as common mandatory "Constitution of the Home Country" or "Civic Education" courses.
• The credits of general education courses are included in the minimum graduation credit requirements for students. However, whether excess or non-eligible general education course credits are counted as elective credits is determined by the department the student is graduating from.

The Communication, Expression and Career Development course (formerly known as the Basic Skills course) is designed to strengthen students' foundational abilities. These skills are transferable to various contexts for continuous application, and the course aims to train students in analytical, logical, and integrative thinking abilities.

Students can take the Communication, Expression and Career Development course (formerly known as the Basic Skills course) and count it towards their general education credits, for up to 6 credits.

Communication and Expression

Objective:

To cultivate students' ability to present complex and professional concepts and information in a concise and organized manner using different languages, achieving effective communication goals. The course also aims to stimulate diverse and rich perspectives during the learning process, fostering creativity.

Description:

True academic competence involves not only the development of knowledge in one's field of expertise but also critical thinking, integration, oral communication, and written expression skills, which are indispensable basic abilities. This type of course is designed to train students in relevant skills for communication and expression. During the learning process, students are trained to effectively integrate and utilize resources, thereby developing their abilities in analysis, critical thinking, and organizing and constructing adaptive strategies. These skills can be practically applied in everyday life both inside and outside the campus, and also in their career planning, such as further studies, job hunting, etc.

course classification diagram

Starting from the 96^th academic year, the mandatory common courses at our university include five major areas: Chinese, Foreign (English) Language, Advanced English, Physical Education, and Service Learning. The aim is to establish a solid foundation in students' language abilities and humanities literacy, physical fitness, and the spirit of social service.

Among these, the Chinese and Foreign (English) Language courses are foundational courses for language skills and humanities literacy.

Chinese Language Area
Objectives:
1. To enhance students' humanistic thinking and cultivation through in-depth reading, analysis, and interpretation of various representative texts.
2. To enrich literary knowledge with a focus on issues, enabling students to become familiar with the themes, structures, and rhetorical methods of various types of literature.
3. To gradually master the key points of various types of writing, such as argumentative, explanatory, descriptive, narrative, or lyrical, through practice and discussion.
4. To train students in basic skills of logical reasoning and issue analysis, and to familiarize them with the ability to articulate and express knowledge or everyday experiences.

Description:
Starting from the 109^th academic year, the Chinese language courses have been clearly positioned as in-depth reading and writing training, emphasizing the enhancement of language skills and humanities literacy. To facilitate students' course selection based on interest, the courses are divided into four major areas: "University Chinese: Literature Appreciation and Writing," "University Chinese: Cultural Thought and Writing," "University Chinese: Specialized Reading and Writing," and "Chinese for Overseas and International Students." Under the diversity of teaching materials and themes, comprehensive writing training is strengthened. The teaching process focuses on leading students to read various classic works, from observation, discussion to expression, and then through writing training to observe, explore, think critically, and communicate, enhancing functional, critical, and expressive language abilities. It also deepens the experience and cultivation of empathy and dialogue with oneself and others, thereby nurturing humanities literacy.

Foreign Language
Objectives:
1. To develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in a foreign language through practical and rich teaching materials.
2. To develop a good sense of language.
3. To enhance the ability to appreciate foreign cultures.
4. To train students in independent and critical thinking through reading and organizing foreign language materials, giving presentations, and participating in group discussions.
5. To establish good habits of self-checking, editing, and following correct writing formats in a foreign language.
6. To lay the foundation for lifelong learning in a foreign language.

Description:
The objectives of the foreign language (including English and other foreign languages) courses are primarily to train students in listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through practical and rich teaching materials. On one hand, they train basic foreign language abilities, and on the other hand, they cultivate students' keen sense of language for more accurate and conscious use of foreign languages. Additionally, the courses emphasize strengthening students' critical thinking, library and internet research skills, organizational skills, presentation skills, group discussion skills, habits of following correct writing formats, as well as self-editing and proofreading abilities and skills. They also emphasize the importance of not plagiarizing and the principles of honesty and responsibility. The ultimate goal of all courses is to cultivate the foundation for students' lifelong learning in a foreign language.

Exemption Application Process

Freshmen can apply for exemption from the first-year English course in the first semester (August) of the academic year of admission. Those who pass the exemption can be exempted from the "First-Year English" (6 credits) and "Advanced English" (I and II) courses. Those who have not participated in the exemption or have not passed it can still take the custom test organized by the Foreign Language Teaching and Resource Center or other certified English proficiency tests during their time at the university. Those who pass can apply for exemption from the Advanced English course and discontinue the course, and they do not need to continue it in the second semester.

For more information, please click here.

 

"Common Mandatory Credits" Supplementary Explanation
Chinese Language

Starting from the 105th academic year, the total of Chinese and general education courses is 18 credits. Chinese can be mutually offset with any one of the general education courses A1 to A4, up to 3 credits. Students can choose one of the following plans:

1. 3 credits in Chinese + 15 credits in general education;
2. 6 credits in Chinese + 12 credits in general education.

If choosing 6 credits in Chinese + 12 credits in general education, then only 2 specific areas are required for general education, and the rest are open for free choice.

Students who meet the qualifications for exemption from the university Chinese course according to the university's "Implementation Guidelines for Exemption from University Chinese Courses for Bachelor's Degree Programs" and pass the exemption test will be exempted from the university Chinese course. The credits will be awarded and counted towards the graduation credit requirements. Those who are approved for exemption from the university Chinese course and then take the university Chinese course again, the credits will be offset against the general education credits.

The study of the Chinese language area for freshmen overseas Chinese and international students in bachelor's degree programs is handled in accordance with the university's guidance methods for overseas Chinese and international students in university Chinese courses.

For more information, please click here.

 

Foreign Language

Starting from the 97th academic year, students can take 6 credits of foreign language courses offered by the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures or the Department of Japanese Language and Literature as credits for the foreign language area, but they must be in the same language. If there are other regulations in each department, those regulations apply.

Students who meet the conditions listed in the university's "Implementation Guidelines for Exemption from First-Year English for Bachelor's Degree Programs" and pass the test will be exempted from the first-year English course. This is equivalent to being exempted from the common mandatory foreign language area courses and the Advanced English courses. The credits will be awarded and counted towards the graduation credit requirements.