【優選】Amadeus Michaelangelo Hartono  先進科技全英語外國學生專班

"Exploring the Cultural Settlements & Ethnic Tapestry of South Taipei" is the core theme of this captivating EMI (English-Medium Instruction) general education course. Taught by Professor Huang Shin-Yang, the syllabus is intricately designed to introduce the diverse ethnic relations within Taiwanese society. Instead of a conventional historical overview, the course narrows its geographic focus to the Cheng-Nan (South City) area of Taipei. Throughout the semester, we examined the history and dynamics of modern Taiwan's five primary ethnic groups: Hoklo, Mainlanders, Hakka, Indigenous peoples, and New Immigrants.

The weekly structure is highly dynamic and student-centric. We met on Wednesday mornings for a 75-minute lecture block. Each regular session commenced with a 15-minute student-led oral presentation, split into a 10-minute presentation and a 5-minute Q&A. Following the group presentations, Professor Huang would deliver his lecture, expanding on the weekly themes of identity, social connection, and cultural diversity. However, the syllabus broke away from the traditional classroom setting by incorporating two to three dedicated field trips. These excursions replaced the standard lecture format, taking us directly into the heart of the cultural settlements we were studying, such as the Hakka Cultural Theme Park and Mt. Toad. This blend of peer-led research, instructor guidance, and hands-on exploration created a well-rounded and deeply engaging introduction to Taiwan's rich heritage.

Course Features The most defining feature of "Culture and Life in Taiwan's Traditional Society" is Professor Huang Shin-Yang's uniquely interactive and calming teaching style. In many university courses, lectures can feel like one-way streets where students are merely forced to absorb information. Professor Huang, however, actively fosters a conversational environment. He explicitly encourages students to speak without raising hands and emphasizes that his interpretations are "reasoning paths, not absolute truths". This philosophy fundamentally changes the classroom dynamic. He highly values when students answer back to his questions, making the learning experience feel like a collaborative dialogue rather than a rigid academic requirement.

Furthermore, as an EMI course, accessibility is a crucial factor. Professor Huang openly shares that English is his fourth language, yet his delivery is exceptionally clear, calm, and unhurried. He never rushes through complex social issues, allowing international students to comfortably grasp the nuances of Taiwan's ethnic relations and cultural history. This calm pacing ensures that the material is easily understood, regardless of a student's linguistic background.

Another standout feature is the emphasis on peer-to-peer learning through the mid-term group oral presentations. Capped at four members per group, these presentations challenged us to conduct in-depth research on specific urban communities, such as Treasure Hills, the Xizhou Indigenous Tribe, or the Burmese cultural hub on Huaxin Street. This active participation was heavily rewarded, with the presentation serving as our midterm assessment.

Finally, the "Mini-Trip" field excursions elevate the course from theoretical to experiential. By physically navigating the alleys of Cheng-Nan and observing the architectural remnants of different ethnic settlements, the historical narratives presented in class materialized right before our eyes. These trips successfully broke down the walls of the classroom, transforming the diverse neighborhoods of Taipei into our primary learning resources and proving that multicultural thinking is best developed through direct observation and experience.

Learning Outcomes and Recommendation Reasons Enrolling in the International Advanced Technology Program (IATP) at NTUST, my initial perception of Taiwan was heavily shaped by its global reputation. Like many international engineering students, I primarily viewed Taiwan through the lens of its technological prowess—a modern powerhouse synonymous with TSMC, semiconductor dominance, and rapid industrial innovation. However, this course completely shifted my paradigm, opening my eyes to the reality that Taiwan is much more than its tech industry; it is an incredibly diverse, culturally rich, and genuinely beautiful place to live.

The knowledge I gained from our field trips has had a lasting impact on my daily life in Taipei. Specifically, our explorations of Mt. Toad (Huanmin New Village) and the Hakka Cultural Theme Park stand out as the most memorable experiences of the semester. Walking through these historic communities, observing the traditional architecture, and understanding the intricate ethnic tapestry of the people who built them gave me a profound appreciation for the island's heritage. This knowledge has not faded since the semester ended. Instead, it has become a living part of my experience in Taiwan. I now find myself acting as an impromptu tour guide, enthusiastically sharing the historical significance of these parks and settlements with my friends when we travel around the city. Taking this course transformed me from a temporary resident focused solely on academics into an engaged community member who understands the cultural soil upon which modern Taiwan is built.

Achieving an A- in this course was highly rewarding, but my primary reason for recommending it to other students goes beyond the grade. I strongly advocate for this course because it offers a much-needed change of pace from the typical STEM curriculum. Engineering students are often bogged down by a relentless cycle of stressful quizzes, grueling midterms, and high-pressure final exams. This class provides a refreshing alternative. The grading system heavily weights attendance, active class participation, the mid-term group presentation, and a final 1,000-word essay on a selected topic. There are no rigid, memorization-heavy tests. Instead, the focus is placed on genuine comprehension, thoughtful discussion, and personal reflection.

Moreover, the course is incredibly accessible. Professor Huang’s calm, conversational delivery ensures that the concepts are easy to understand, making it an ideal environment for genuine cultural exchange. The overarching message of the class—that encountering each other is destiny and that we must embrace the beauty of a hidden Taipei—resonates deeply. For any NTUST student looking to step outside the high-pressure bubble of their major, engage with the local culture in a meaningful way, and experience a genuinely unique, interactive learning environment, this course is an absolute must-take. It will not only lighten your academic load but also profoundly enrich your understanding of the island you call home.