Prospective Students

1. About

 

（1）Introduction／系所簡介

The Department of Chinese Literature has a long history and rich humanistic heritage. Established in 1955 and offering bachelor's programs, it was one of the founding departments of Tunghai University. The M.A. program was founded in 1970, and the Ph.D. program in 1989. Our curriculum contains diverse professional courses covering classical literature, philosophical thoughts, language studies, modern literature, and practical applications. In addition to cultivating students' expertise in literary knowledge and solid academic abilities, the Department is also dedicated to exploring the possibility of engaging in dialogue with contemporary society, aiming to enhance the application and value of traditional Chinese literature.

中文系是東海大學創校科系之一，成立於1955年，1970年成立碩士班，1989年成立博士班，擁有悠長的歷史與豐富人文底蘊。系上的專業課程涵括古典文學、思想哲學、語言文字、現代文學與應用實務多種領域，除了培養學生專業的文學知識與厚實的學術能力，也致力於探索如何讓傳統文學轉化出對話與應用於當代的價值。

The Department is also an important nurturing ground for contemporary literary creators in Taiwan. We offer appreciation and writing courses in various literary genres, such as poetry, fiction, drama, and visual arts. These courses are taught by professional writers to guide students in honing their writing skills.

本系同時也是臺灣當代文學創作者的重要養成地之一，系上開設了新詩、散文、小說、戲劇、影像多種文類的當代華文文學賞析與寫作課程，由專業的作家帶領學生從事書寫的技藝。

In response to the trends of contemporary society, the Department has arranged multiple applied and interdisciplinary courses, such as journalism, editing practices, report writing, and teaching Chinese as second language practices. The Department also collaborates with different organizations and firms for internships, allowing students to explore their interests, understand the professional skills required in related workplaces, and thus accumulate experiences to pursue their desired careers.

對應當代社會需求，系上安排了多門應用與跨域課程，如新聞採訪、編輯實務、報導寫作、華語教學實務；亦與不同業界進行實習合作，讓學生得以在求學階段即能探索自身興趣，理解職場所需專業能力，從而儲備更多的能量以通往想望的路徑。

The Department of Chinese Literature offers a diverse and comprehensive learning system, providing options such as double majors, minors, credit programs, integrated five-year bachelor's and master's degree programs, cross-school courses, and overseas exchange programs. These learning options enrich and solidify students’ academic and life experiences.

中文系擁有多元而完整的學習制度，提供雙主修、輔系、學分學程、五年一貫攻讀學碩士學位、跨校修習課程與海外交換生計畫等學習選項，令學生的大學生活豐富而紮實。

With a rich humanistic embedment and a solid foundation in literature, our graduates can pursue various career possibilities after graduation, such as academic research, literary creation, cultural industries, teaching Chinese language and literature, and teaching Chinese as a foreign language.

在豐厚的人文底蘊與文學專業基礎上，學生畢業後能走向學術研究、文藝創作、文化產業、國語文教學及華語師資等多種發展方向。

 

（2）Teaching and Research Development Priorities／教學及研究發展重點

The Department established four major research groups, namely "Classical Literature," "Modern Literature and Creative Writing," "Language and Linguistics," and "Philosophical Thought," according to the expertise of our faculty and the learning needs of our students. These groups are responsible for curriculum planning and academic activities, fostering internal and external academic development.

本系依教師專長及學生學習需求，設立「古典文學」、「現代文學與創作」、「語言文字」、「思想」四大研究群組，負責規劃課程、學術活動，促進系內外學術發展。

The Department holds comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum planning. Under the instructional philosophy that integrates both "classical" and "modern," as well as emphasizes both "theory" and "creative writing," and balances "academic" with "practical" approaches, the Department offers different compulsory and elective courses for students at various academic levels. The course content is diverse and abundant, ensuring a blend of professional knowledge acquisition and practical application skill training.

本系擁有豐富而完整的課程規劃，在「古典」與「現代」並兼、「理論」與「寫作」並重、「學術」與「實用」並行的教學理念下，針對不同年級設計不同必選修課程，課程內容多元豐富，兼顧專業知識訓練與應用實務能力。

The Department regularly holds lectures, bringing various academic and learning resources to our faculty and students to broaden the department members' visions and scholarly horizons.

系上定期辦理學術專題講座與文學性演講，將各種學術與學習資源帶進校園，開拓學生視野。

The Department holds academic seminars and thesis presentations of graduate students every academic year and publishes two issues of the Tunghai Journal of Chinese Literature annually, enhancing the research capabilities and academic exchanges of our faculty and students.

本系每年舉辦學術研討會、研究生論文發表會，並定期出版《東海中文學報》2期，強化本系師生研究能力與學術交流。

The Department collaborates with many academic institutions worldwide, expanding the international perspectives of both our faculty and students and engaging them in cultural exchange activities.

本系與全世界多所學校建立合作關係，拓展師生的國際視野與文化交流活動。

 

（3）Prospects after Graduation／就業市場（畢業出路）

Academic researcher and university faculty member

學術研究人員與大學校院教師

Primary and secondary school teacher; Teaching Chinese as a foreign language teacher; Creative writing instructor

中小學教師、華語教師、文學寫作教師

Journalism and media professional

新聞媒體工作者

Professional writer and textual creator

專業作家與文字工作者

Project manager and editor in journalism and publication firm

報刊、雜誌、出版社企劃與編輯

Copywriter and marketing planner in cultural enterprise and advertising firm

文化事業、廣告傳播公司之文案設計與行銷企畫

Playwright and scriptwriter for theatrical and cinematic production

劇場與影視編劇

Governmental worker

公職人員

All industries need different forms of textual creation. With writing skills, one can have the chance to be employed by any firm or organization.

所有產業都需要不同形式的文字工作者

Concerning literature may serve as nourishment; one can pursue any career with a background in literature.

文學作為一種養分，你可以做任何想做的事

 

（4）Department Contact Information／系所聯繫窗口

Department of Chinese Literature, TUNGHAI UNIVERSITY

Tel： +886-4-2359-1574 (Undergraduate Office)、

         +886-4-2359-0208 (Graduate Office)

Fax：+886-4-2350-1249

Address：No.1727, Sec.4, Taiwan Boulevard, Xitun District, Taichung 407224, Taiwan R.O.C.

E-Mail：chinese@thu.edu.tw

Service Time： Monday-Friday, 8:00-12:00 / 13:30-17:00  

 

文學概論課程──校園上課 “Introduction to Literature” Class – Meadow of Tunghai campus as the classroom.

 

台積電×國光──戲曲傳承計畫 TSMC X GuoGuang Opera Company—"Chinese Opera on Campus” Program

 

教育部文藝創作獎得主講座與分享會 Ministry of Education Literary Creation Award Receivers from the Department gathered to share their experience of creative writing and entry for the Award with our faculties and students

 

教師及系友著作 Literary Writing Publications of faculties, students, and alumni affiliated with the Department.

 

2. Faculty

 

Faculty Expertise Overview

The Department has a faculty of 16 full-time professors, each specializing in various fields of classical literature, modern literature, philosophy, linguistics, and philology, with their respective expertise and academic backgrounds. These professors possess excellent research and teaching abilities, providing comprehensive and diverse guidance to students interested in literature, philosophy, linguistics, and modern literary creation, ensuring students receive solid and rigorous training during their college and graduate learning. Additionally, to meet the needs of the departmental curriculum, adjunct faculty with various specialties join our teaching team to teach courses such as practical workshops and internships, enriching students' learning experiences and aligning them closely with societal demands. Our faculty offers professional academic guidance and actively cares for students' well-being, fostering a close and supportive teacher-student relationship.

師資優勢簡介

本系有16位專任教師，分別在古典文學、現代文學、思想與語言文字各領域之下擁有各自的專業知識與學術涵養。教師們同時具備出色的研究與教學能力，能提供對於文學、思想與語言專業知識，以及現代文學創作擁有學習興趣的學生完整而多元的學習指導，令其在就學階段能接受到紮實嚴謹的訓練。此外，本系也依據課程發展之需要，邀請具有不同專長的兼任師資至系上開課，例如實作與實習課程，以令學生的學習更為豐富，並充分與社會需求接軌。本系教師們不僅在學業上能提供專業指導，亦積極關心學生的生活狀況，給予關懷與協助，師生關係親密融洽。

More Details: https://chinese.thu.edu.tw/web/about/page.php?scid=81&sid=85

 

3. Curriculum

 

（1）Degree Granted

Department or Graduate Institute	Bachelor	Master	Ph. D.
	Degree name	Degree name	Degree name
Chinese Literature	Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)	Master of Arts (M.A.)	Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.)

More Details: https://aca.thu.edu.tw/web/regcurri/page.php?scid=12&sid=17

 

（2）Curriculum Mapping

 

● Curriculum Mapping for Undergraduate Students

 

● Curriculum Mapping for M.A. ＆ Ph.D. Students

 

（3）Required Courses Guideline

 

● Required Courses Guideline for Undergraduate Students

	Course	Credits	Freshman		Sophomore		Junior		Senior		Note
			1	2	1	2	1	2	1	2
Basic Courses	Chinese: Literary Criticism and Narrative Skills	4	2	2
	Freshman English	6	3	3
	Sophomore English	4			2	2
	AI Thinking & Basic Program	2
	All-out Defense Education Military Training		0	0
	Physical Education (I)		0	0
	Physical Education (II)				0	0
General Education Courses	Humanities	12									￭ A required course in the Sustainability Practice domain is mandatory for the General Education seven domains. ￭ One course each from the Humanistic, Natural, and Social domains, totaling at least 12 credits, must be completed.
	Social Sciences
	Natural Sciences
	Civilization and Classic
	Leadership & Ethics
	Issue-oriented Course
	Sustainability Practice
Department Required Courses	Introduction to Literature	4	2	2
	History of Chinese Literature	6			3	3
	Chinese Script	4			2	2
	Readings on Chinese Poetry with Writing Practice	4			2	2
	Readings on Chinese Prose with Writing Practice	4					2	2
	History of Chinese Thought	6					3	3
	Introduction of Chinese Linguistics	4					2	2
	Readings on Tzu & Chyu with Writing Practice	3							3
Required Course Credits		63
Elective Course Credits		65	Out of the 65 elective credits, at least 45 credits must be chosen from the elective courses offered by the department.
Graduation Credits		128

● Required Courses Guideline for M.A. Students

Required Courses	Credit	1st Year		2nd Year		3rd Year
		Fall	Spring	Fall	Spring	Fall	Spring
MA Thesis	6
Sinological English	4	2	2
Sinological Methodology	2	2
Credits of Required Courses	12
Credits of Elective Courses	28
Graduation Credit Hours	40

● Required Courses Guideline for Ph.D. Students

	Courses	Credit	1st Year		2nd Year		3rd Year
			Fall	Spring	Fall	Spring	Fall	Spring
Required Course	Doctoral Thesis	12
Language Requirement	Non-English “Second Foreign Language”	6	3	3
Credits of Required Courses		12
Credits of Elective Courses		24
Graduation Credits Requirement		36
Note: Non-English “Second Foreign Language” is a compulsory course in the doctoral program. However, the course is not counted toward graduation credits. “Second Foreign Language” can be excused when the student’s ability in the language is approved by a professional teacher assigned by the department.

 

4. Admission

 

Departments	Bachelor	Master	Ph.D.
	●	●	●
Chinese Literature	【Bachelor】 1. Autobiography: At least 500 words (in Chinese) 2. Statement of Purpose (in Chinese) 3. Supplementary materials for supporting application ※Applicants will be interviewed via telephone or online if necessary. 【Master】 1. Autobiography: At least 500 words (in Chinese) 2. Statement of Purpose (in Chinese) 3. Supplementary materials for supporting the application 【Ph. D.】 1. Autobiography: At least 500 words (in Chinese) 2. Statement of Purpose (in Chinese) 3. An abstract of the applicant’s master’s thesis (in English or Chinese); reprints of the applicant’s published articles; proofs of presentations in academic symposiums

More Details: https://exam.thu.edu.tw:8443/EXAM/forlist.jsp

 

5. University Experiences

 

 

“Journey Through Tunghai: Seasons of Reminiscence in the Chinese Literature Department”
Catherine Yu Caa Lin (Malaysia, graduated in 2020)

　　Having grown up in a tropical climate, I was unfamiliar with the concept of distinct seasons until I arrived at Tunghai University. The campus itself reflects the changing beauty of nature's cycles. In autumn, the paths leading from the Foreign Languages Department building to the Architecture Department building are lined with flame-gold rain trees adorned with delicate blossoms of muted colors. As winter approaches, the ground beneath the majestic camphor trees near the Humanities Building is carpeted with fallen leaves, and cherry blossoms begin to bud. Despite the chilly winds from Dadu Mountain, there's a certain charm in discovering intricately patterned pinecones scattered across the campus. Spring quietly arrives, bringing delicate blooms of Chinaberry trees, while summer enchants with twinkling starlight and the ethereal glow of fireflies dancing near the ecological farm. And when the flame trees near the Luce Chapel burst into vibrant colors, it signals the change of seasons, accompanied by the impending departure of students bidding farewell to the campus.

　　Though three years have passed since I left, memories of Tunghai and its scenery remain deeply etched in my mind. I often reminisce about the profound enlightenment and rigorous literary training I received in the Chinese Literature Department. There, I learned to express the subtleties of my personal feelings with precise language. Whether through enlightening sessions of “Modern Poetry Writing,” the meticulous guidance of the professor in “Classical Poetry,” or the insightful feedback from the professor of “Metaphysics of the Wei-Jin period” in my term papers, each experience played a crucial role in shaping my literary sensibilities. Engraving on my memory, also the professor for “Cultural Studies,” who adjusted the syllabus each semester to suit students' diverse research interests, was the one who led me into the vast universe of Bachelard's Poetics of Space and added to my understanding and appreciation of the world. And who could forget the professor of “Six Dynasties Poetry,” who preferred the classroom near the second-floor courtyard, offering a panoramic view of the blooming purple bauhinia? He once remarked, “While poetry captures beauty, the ever-changing vistas outside the classroom truly resonate with life.”

　　Now, as I reminisce, I keenly feel the growing divide between my current reality and the cherished memories of Tunghai. Yet, just as one never forgets their roots, the campus, and the department remain an integral part of my identity—a place where my “Taiwanese memories” were formed and where my literary spirit found its voice amidst the rhythm of the seasons.

我的文學起源
游嘉琳（馬來西亞，畢業於2020年）

　　我是來東海以後才有季節的概念。

　　這是一個四季風景各異的校園：入秋的時候，你會在外文系館通往建築系館的路上看到成排盛開的台灣欒樹，又會在暗夜行經約農路時，聞到淡淡的七里花香。秋天快結束時，德耀路上會鋪滿樟樹的落葉、人文大樓前的櫻花樹也會冒出新芽。大肚山的風會讓東海的冬天更寒意逼人，但陽光草坪的太陽和松果又會讓你無比期待冬天。當你發現苦楝樹已經開花（它總是悄無聲息地綻放），那就是春天來了！生態農場旁一片夢幻的霧紫色，總會讓人忘了這是花粉熱好發的季節。夏天的時候，美音館前一地的木棉花絮會令你有錯亂的季節感，但下個路口轉個彎，溫室旁灌木叢裡的螢火蟲和頭頂上的星光會讓你確信這就是盛夏。等到路思義教堂旁的鳳凰木開花時，你知道，一個季節要過去了，校園裡有一群人也將要離開了。

　　離開東海已經三年多了，但每當季節的流動再次觸動我，我仍感激在東海中文系那幾年得到了審美能力的培養以及切實的文字訓練，那讓我能將變化複雜的眼前景與幽微細碎的個人感受形諸於文字，化之為記憶。我記得「現代詩寫作」課如何啟蒙我、引導我探索詩的本質；記得「古典詩詞習作」的老師怎樣字斟句酌地指導我的用詞、檢查我的平仄；記得教「魏晉玄學」的老師會在我的期末報告上手寫長長的修改意見；也記得教「文化研究」的老師每個學期都會根據修課學生的研究興趣調整課綱，她且帶我走進了巴舍拉浩瀚的詩學宇宙；還有教「六朝詩」的老師——他喜歡用二樓中庭旁的教室，因為這樣就能看到窗外盛開的羊蹄甲，我記得他說：「文本裡的風景很美好，但教室外面的風景也是真實可感的。」

　　如今回憶起那些風景，我發現自己也離東海越來越遠了。但就像我們不會忘了自己的故鄉一樣，我也不會忘記這個用十年寒暑建構了我所有台灣記憶、形塑了我的文學個性的，我的「文學起源」。

 

 

As Time Goes by, My Life is Still Nourished by the Soil of Literature.
Wong Yeuk Nam (Hong Kong, graduated in 2022)

　　It was a sunny, breezy day when I stepped into the Tunghai campus for the first time. At that moment, I held hopes for a new life ahead while carrying a bit of homesickness and missing my family in Hong Kong. I immediately felt that Taichung would be a pleasant place for me, for it is quite different in pace from Hong Kong. I have been deeply drawn to its vibe of leisure since then.

　　I enjoy lying on the grass in front of The Luce Chapel, gazing at the night sky, calculating the distance between the Weaver Girl (Vega) and the Cowherd (Altair) stars, and reaching out to touch the belt of the Orion. The vastness of the universe always makes me realize my insignificance, dissipating many of the confusions and attachments in life. Sometimes, lying quietly, the clouds and stars seem to soothe my soul, gently adorning my heart. If I unintentionally neglect the passage of time or fear the darkness engulfing me, it's because the female dormitory is nearby, so I always savor every starry night. During the Christmas season, gazing from the fifth floor of the Humanities Building, I could capture the night scene of downtown Taichung and, at the same time, admired the Luce Chapel and the decorative lights on the trees, like fireflies, brightening our minds.

　　In my youth, I particularly admired lively literary works that had grand endings and depicted people living in utopia. Through studying Chinese literature at Tunghai, I gradually discovered the diverse and rich facets of literature, enriching my appreciation while imbuing them with deeper meanings. Countless times after class, I kept teachers in the classroom to ask questions and discuss texts with them. I will always remember the care, encouragement, and support they provided. In courses like "Introduction to Literature" and "Classical Chinese Opera," I realized the significance of literature to me as a nourishing soil in life for cultivating my own "Peach Blossom Spring" in my heart. In particular, the drama characters' personalities, free will, and choices that shape these vivid lives do enlighten my mind. The undergraduate course "History of Chinese Thoughts" made me contemplate the inherent values of different philosophies. Also, in various courses, such as "Records of the Grand Historian," "Readings on Chinese Prose", and "Essays by Han Yu and Liu Zongyuan," masterworks were analyzed from various perspectives of time, characters, and experiences, allowing us to observe and understand people, events, and objects more carefully. It's difficult to fully capture the learning experiences from every course since each has its uniqueness, like stars dotting the sky, in constructing my literary galaxy.

　　Remembering the journey of pursuing my Master's degree, I must mention the times spent interviewing residents in the downtown area of Taichung with teachers and classmates for projects. Every time I listened to others' life stories, there was a subtle sense of touchingness. Those interview records are like vivid paintings, answering with life and narrating, allowing me to better understand the old downtown area of Taichung and deeply comprehend a part of Taiwanese culture. Hence, I understood that only through reading and continuous learning can we permeate the nutrients of others, increase the thickness of our own lives, and choose to respect and fathom everything in life through listening and observation.

　　The moments of living and growing at Tunghai are a beautiful journey and a movable feast. Those touching landscapes, care, and emotions will remain in my heart forever.

時光流淌，我以文學滋養生命厚度
王若楠（香港，畢業於2022年）

　　初次踏入東海校園，那是一個陽光普照、微風徐徐的日子。當時的我，既抱持著對未來新生活的盼望，也帶著些許離鄉背井、思念家人的哀愁。臺中是個宜人的地方，與香港的步調差異甚大，但我卻被這種悠然的情調深深吸引。

　　我喜歡躺在路思義教堂前的草地上凝望夜空，用眼睛計算織女星與牛郎星的距離，抬起手便能拎起獵戶座的腰帶。宇宙的浩瀚無邊，總讓我看見自己的渺小，消解了許多生命中的困惑與執著。有時候靜靜地躺著，雲層和星光像是撫慰心靈的拂塵，輕輕點綴我的心。若不小心忽略時間的流逝，也不必懼怕黑暗的吞噬，原因是女生宿舍就在旁邊，因此，我總是細細地品味每一個星夜。聖誕期間，從人文大樓五樓眺望，不但能將臺中市區夜景盡收眼底，還能從後方觀望教堂，篤信路兩旁樹叢上的裝飾燈串，像是螢火蟲一樣，照亮學子的心情。

　　年少時，特別欣賞轟轟烈烈、大團圓結局及眾人生活在烏托邦的文學作品。在東海中文系的學習裡，更讓我慢慢地發現文學多元而具層次的面貌。我的喜好逐漸豐富，有著更深層次的探究意義。數不清多少次課後拉著老師詢問問題及討論文本，也從未忘記老師們曾給予的關懷、鼓勵與支持。在「文學概論」及「古典戲曲」等課程中，體會文學之重。文學是滋養生命的力量，開拓心中屬於自己的桃花源。故事情節裡人物的性格、自由意志及選擇，造就出鮮活的生命。「思想史」則深思不同哲學所蘊藏的內在價值。「史記」、「文選」及「韓柳文」等，更是從時代、人物及遭遇多方面解析，從而讓我們更能細心觀察和理解目光所及的人、事以及物。難以盡錄每個課程的習得，皆有獨特之處，猶如點點繁星，建構我的文學素養銀河。

　　碩士生涯中，不得不提因參與計劃，而與老師同學們一同到臺中中區採訪的時光。每次傾聽他人的生命故事，都會有一種細微的感動油然而生。那些紀錄像是一張張用生命作答、娓娓道來的畫卷，讓我更認識臺中的舊城區，深度了解台灣一部分的文化。唯有閱讀、持續學習，才能將他者的養份滲透，增加生命的厚度，並在生活中觀察與聆聽中，選擇尊重及理解一切。

　　在東海生活、成長的點滴，是一段美好的旅程。那些動人的風景、關懷及情感會長存於心。

 

6. Contact Info

 

Office of International Relations, Tunghai University（東海大學國際暨兩岸合作處）

http://oir.thu.edu.tw/main.php

Center for Strategic Recruitment, Office of Academic Affairs, Tunghai University（東海大學教務處招生策略中心）

https://csr.thu.edu.tw/

THU Admission e-Brochure for International Students (Fall Semester 2024)（113學年度外國學生招生簡章－2024秋季班）

https://exam2.thu.edu.tw/EXAM/index.jsp?DOC=25