Program History

The Master's Degree Program in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language was established in the 2009 academic year as the Graduate Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language under the College of Humanities at National Chi Nan University. From the 2009 to 2013 academic years, it operated as an independent graduate institute. Beginning in the 2014 academic year, the institute was reorganized into a master's degree program in response to faculty staffing limitations and the university's departmental restructuring policy.

The program originated from the university's participation in the Ministry of Education's Teaching Excellence Project in 2005. Subproject 2-1, entitled "Expanding International Perspectives and Cultivating 100 Outstanding Talents," provided the foundation for its establishment. The program was subsequently planned and finalized in 2008 by former University President Su Yu-Lung and former Institute Director Professor Chou Chang-Lung.

Educational Objectives and Curriculum Features

The program aims to cultivate highly qualified professionals in international Chinese language education. Its curriculum is designed to strengthen students' knowledge of the Chinese language and Chinese culture while developing their professional teaching competencies. Students are trained to conduct bilingual instruction in Chinese and English, or in Chinese and another foreign language, and to integrate information technology into language teaching.

A distinctive feature of the program is its comprehensive and progressive teaching practicum, which provides opportunities for practical experience in Chinese language education both in Taiwan and abroad. Through teaching Chinese as a second or foreign language in diverse educational settings, students enhance their instructional skills, develop intercultural communication competencies, and broaden their international perspectives.

In terms of academic research, students may select a specialized field based on their individual interests. Areas of study include Chinese language and literature, Chinese culture, Chinese arts, communication and language, multimedia and online instruction, teaching material development, and Chinese language teaching methodologies. Upon graduation, students are expected to have developed practical expertise in at least one specialized area.

Former Directors