This course will explore various facets of Taiwan's history and culture, spanning from the prehistoric era (Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Iron Age) to the present day. It will examine the significant events across different periods, encompassing the Dutch (1624–1662), Spanish (1626-1642), Zheng (Koxinga) (1662-1683), Qing (1683-1895), Japanese (1895–1945), and finally, the Republic of China in Taiwan (1945~). The course covers a wide array of topics, including populations and identities, social and political histories, religious and festive traditions, visual and performing arts, and their contemporary significance. Through this exploration, we aim to encourage new perspectives and discussions about Taiwan's role within the East Asian community and beyond.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe important issues in the history and culture of Taiwan; 
2. Apply theoretical and historical knowledge with empirical examples;
3. Identify, summarise, compare, and contextualise information from a wide variety of sources;
4. Work in cooperative groups on key issues to do with the history and culture of Taiwan and to communicate findings to others;
5. Demonstrate the ability to develop a term project examining issues in the history and culture of Taiwan.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecturer integrates current archaeological research into Taiwan: History and Culture, drawing on extensive fieldwork in Taiwan and research on Indigenous heritage, Austronesian origins, and prehistoric maritime networks. Research-led case studies expose students to recent discoveries and demonstrate how archaeological evidence informs our understanding of Taiwan's history, cultural diversity, and regional connections.

Required Resources

The lecturer will provide weekly readings (about 2 articles for each lecture topic) on the course Canvas site.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Other Information

Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Lecture 1: Course IntroductionLecture 2: Taiwan's Geography, Environment, Peoples, and Cultures	Search for Topics of Presentations and Essays
2	Lecture 3: Taiwan Prehistory: From the Palaeolithic (30,000–5,000 BP) to the Neolithic (5,000–2,400 BP)Lecture 4: Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples and the "Out of Taiwan" Hypothesis for the Origins of Austronesian-Speaking Populations	Discuss Tutorial Presentation Schedule
3	Lecture 5: Taiwan Prehistory: The Iron Age (2,400–400 BP)Lecture 6: Dutch and Spanish Colonial Rule in Formosa (1624–1662; 1626–1642)	Tutorial Presentation
4	Lecture 7: The Zheng (Koxinga) Regime in Taiwan (1662-1683)Lecture 8: Taiwan under Qing Regime (1683-1895)	Tutorial Presentation
5	Lecture 9: Taiwan under Japanese Rule (1895–1945)Lecture 10: Taiwan from 1945 to 1987	Tutorial Presentation
6	Review and Mid-term Exam	Mid-term Exam (Take-Home)
7	Lecture 11: Taiwan from 1987 to the Present: History, Politics, and Society	Tutorial Presentation
8	Lecture 12: Aboriginal Cultures and Arts	Tutorial Presentation
9	Lecture 13: Taiwanese Literature and Arts	Tutorial Presentation
10	Lecture 14: History of Cinema in Taiwan	Tutorial Presentation
11	Lecture 15: Taiwanese Film Appreciation	Tutorial Presentation
12	Lecture 16: Discussion and Conclusion

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Lecture Discussion Participation	10 %	30/10/2026	*	1,2,3,4
Oral Presentation	20 %	30/10/2026	*	1,2,3,4
Mid-term Examination	30 %	28/08/2026	03/09/2026	1,2,3
Major Essay	30 %	06/11/2026	*	1,2,3,5
Tutorial Participation and Discussion	10 %	30/10/2026	*	1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to attend all course activities.

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Lecture Discussion Participation

Students are expected to attend all weekly lectures and actively participate in discussions based on two questions provided by the lecturer after each lecture. Students' participation in these question-and-answer (Q&A) discussions will be recorded and assessed throughout the semester.

Assessment Task 2

Oral Presentation

Students are required to deliver a 20-minute presentation on a significant topic related to the course during one tutorial session. The presentation should demonstrate critical engagement with the relevant literature and course themes. At the end of the presentation, the presenter is expected to pose one discussion question and facilitate the ensuing class discussion. Both the presentation and the discussion will be recorded for assessment purposes.

Assessment Task 3

Mid-term Examination

Students are required to answer five questions based on the course content covered during the first half of the semester. The examination will be released and submitted electronically via Canvas. Students will have two hours to complete and submit the examination. As this is a take-home examination, late submissions will not be accepted, except where an approved adjustment has been granted through the ANU Extenuating Circumstances Application (ECA) process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: Generative AI tools may be used only for limited purposes, such as brainstorming ideas, improving grammar and language, or proofreading. They must not be used to generate substantive content, analysis, or arguments for this assessment. Students are expected to submit original work that demonstrates their own understanding, critical thinking, and engagement with the course material. Any use of AI tools must comply with the ANU Academic Integrity Policy and should be appropriately acknowledged.

Assessment Task 4

Major Essay

Students are required to write a 2,500-word research essay (excluding references) on a topic related to Taiwan's history and culture, chosen in consultation with the lecturer. The essay should demonstrate critical engagement with relevant scholarly literature and present a well-structured, evidence-based argument. The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific's Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines apply to this assessment. The word limit includes all main text, headings, tables, text boxes, and footnotes containing substantive text, but excludes the cover sheet, bibliography, and bibliographic content in footnotes. Assignments exceeding 110% of the prescribed word limit will incur a penalty of 2% for every additional 5% (or part thereof) over the 110% threshold, unless otherwise specified. Students should refer to the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific's Word Length and Excess Word Penalty Guidelines for further details.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools: Generative AI tools may be used only for limited purposes, such as proofreading, improving language, or brainstorming ideas. They must not be used to generate substantive content, analysis, or arguments for assessed work. Students are expected to produce original work that reflects their own understanding and critical engagement with the course material. Any use of AI tools must comply with the ANU Academic Integrity Policy and should be acknowledged where appropriate.

Assessment Task 5

Tutorial Participation and Discussion

Students are expected to attend all tutorial sessions, actively engage with their peers, and respond to one designated question following each classmate’s presentation. The question will be provided by the presenter. Both the tutorial and Q&A sessions will be recorded.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Canvas site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
• PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students