International Students
Degree RequirementsThe Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies offers three programs at the graduate level, namely the Master’s Program, Executive Master’s Program and Ph.D. Program.
1. Requirements for a Master’s degree of Arts:
Successful completion of 32 credits of courses. Students are also required to submit a written master's thesis completed under the supervision of a faculty member and pass an Oral Examination.
2. Requirements for an Executive Master’s degree of Arts:
Successful completion of 33 credits of courses. Students are also required to submit a written master's thesis completed under the supervision of a faculty member and pass an Oral Examination.
3. Requirements for a degree in Ph.D. in Political Science:
Successful completion of 32 credits of courses. Students have to pass qualifying examination and publish at least one research paper in any journal listed in TSSCI or SSCI Index. Students are also required to submit a written doctoral dissertation completed under the supervision of a faculty member and pass an Oral Examination.
Course Catalogs：
- Academic Year 2015-2016 Course Propose Table
- Academic Year 2016-2017 Course Propose Table
- Academic Year 2017-2018 Course Propose Table
- Academic Year 2019-2020 Course Propose Table
Course Descriptions
Ph.D. Program
T2879 Decision-making simulation and crisis management (3/0): The purpose of this course has two related contents, first, it analyzes essence of decision-making process, decision-making model and approach. Secondly, we analyze contents and essences of crisis management, and its research approach and methods, in order to realize the inter-connection between decision-making and crisis management. Finally, we apply computer simulation of decision-making model to let student understand theoretical and practical dimension of crisis management and decision-making process.
T2884 Strategic intelligence and international relations (3/0): The major purpose of this course is to assist the student in further understanding the course and development of international relations, through the use of theories and methods of strategic intelligence, especially in enhancing the quality of analysis and prediction of the course of international affairs. The success of strategic intelligence not only has to be built upon the basis of the role of intelligence collection, it also needs to focus on approach of intelligence analysis and perception of information processing.
T2878 Contemporary Strategic Issue (3/0): This course is offered to provide graduate students with new and important concepts and thoughts related to future strategic studies, and foreign & defense policy issues in the 21st century. Government documents, journal articles, academic papers, and policy statements are put into categories to guide students to better inquiry in the field.
I0154 Comparative Natioanl Security Strategy And Policy Studies (3/0): This is an advanced course of national security theories and practice. First of all the course will provide important international theories regarding national security policy. Secondly, the course explores institution and mechanism of national security policy, including decision-making process and interaction among different national security systems. Finally, from comparative research approach the course will discuss difference in national security strategy and policy among important international powers, regional actors and institutions.
T0134 The Theory of International Relations (3/0): This course introduces the theories and structures of international politics and explores important subjects of international relations. Both major theories and important international cases will be discussed.
T0310 A Disquisition on Strategic Theory (3/0): This is an advanced course of Chinese and Western strategic theory and practice. The classical strategic theory will be the key research of Chinese strategic theory. Western strategic theories comprise those from the classical to the current, which will be explained through topic research.
T0418 Seminar on Globalization (3/0): The seminar will provide a critical learning environment for graduate students to both deepen their interdisciplinary knowledge of “globalization” and think seriously about the ways in which intellectuals engage the Global South through development discourse. Also, students will augment their knowledge of the political, economic, social and cultural issues that faced ex-colonies after independence. Furthermore, students will enhance their capacities for critical thinking and develop sophisticated interpretations of development theories, perspectives, issues and policies.
T0964 Seminar on the UN and International Security (3/0): The course studies international organizations in history, theory and practice, in particular the United Nations (UN). We will discuss significant issues such as the failed experiment of the League of Nations, UN system of collective security, the principles and structure of the UN, UN activities in the areas of peaceful settlement of disputes, UN roles in disarmaments and arms control, and the assessment of UN peace operations.
T2712 Topical Strategic Issues in the 21st Century (3/0): This course is offered to provide graduate students with new and important concepts and thoughts related to future strategic studies in the 21st century. Government documents, journal articles, academic papers, and policy statements are put into categories to guide students to better inquiry in the field.
T0316 Non-traditional Security Studies (3/0): The main objective of this course is to explore the impacts and significance of the changing security environment, focusing on the non-traditional security issues such as terrorism, natural disasters and all other emergencies resulting from the course of climate change.
I0006 Integration of IR and Strategic Studies (0/3): While Strategic Studies constitutes a unique system of knowledge, it also has a close connection with International Relations. This course provides an integrated research approach as to develop its uniqueness under the same ceiling of International Relations, or offer some distinct perspectives from Strategic Studies for the students of International Relations.
I0068 A Disquisition on Strategy of Action (0/3): This is an advanced course of National Power and Strategy of Action. It’ll be conducted in two essential parts as follows: 1) Fundamental theories concepts of national, strategic decision-making, and strategy of action; 2) Case study of strategy of action from the ancient to the contemporary such as Qin’s unification strategy, Prussian unification strategy, China’s strategy of action for the South China sea, and America’s strategy for returning to Asia, etc. In short, this course is trying to make an advanced analysis for strategy of action based on theories and practices.
T0067 Social Science Research Methods (0/3): In this course students are introduced to the basic concepts and techniques that are used in social science research. The course is divided into three sections, which cover social scientific inquiry and research design, quantitative data gathering and analysis, and qualitative data gathering and analysis, respectively. As a result of taking the course, students should be able to: (a) demonstrate their understanding of the basic principles and procedures of research methodology; and (b) critically evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research studies.
T0444 Issues on Chinese Military (0/3): This course aims at analyzing some issues related to Chinese military development from multi- and theoretical perspectives, including civil-military, military and society, defence and economics, military innovation, interpretation on Chinese way of war, nuclear weapon doctrines, and decision making.
T0797 Seminar on Economic System and Policy (0/3): This course covers three general topics: how modern economic thoughts evolved, how economy is embedded in society and politics, and economic institutions. In other words, this course is about the ideas, interests, and institutions behind any economic problem and policy. Basic economics is not required.
Master’s Program
I0226 Selected Readings of Chinese and Wstern Strategic Classics (2/0): The main purpose of this course is to study the core concept and theory of Chinese and Western strategic classics. It shall offer optimal solutions to current strategic issues and inspiration to current strategic thought through the process of creative transformation of the former .
I0064 Lecture on National Security Strategy (2/0): There are three main parts to the Seminar: 1) Basic national security concepts and theories; 2) The decision-making process of national security strategy of main world powers; 3) The construction of Taiwan’s national security strategy. By means of these three parts in order to enhance participants to realize the process of national security strategy and its outcome.
M0216 American Foreign Policy (3/0): This course is not about the process, specific issues, or areal (country) focus of American Foreign Policy. Rather, it is about how the US designs its foreign policy given the economic constraints the country faces. Therefore, the course is about America's grand strategy. The approach adopted this course is historical and comparative. That is, we can understand American Foreign Policy by understanding the foreign policies of powers similarly situated as the US.
T0119 S.T. of International Politics (2/0): The course covers a number of important issues in the contemporary international relations. Both theoretical and practical aspects will be addressed during discussions of the issues. The course focuses on the study of the Asian-Pacific area, with particular emphasis on the development of Sino-U.S.-Taiwan relations and its influence on the interests of Taiwan. The lecture will be given in English. Reading materials will be assigned. Students are required to write papers and present them during the seminars.
T0134 The Theory of International Relations (3/0): This course introduces the theories and structures of international politics and explores important subjects of international relations. Both major theories and important international cases will be discussed.
T0578 The Basic Research of Strategy (2/0): This course not only asks students to understand the strategic research development and related implications by focusing on major strategic concepts and topics, but also explores the strategic research approaches and methodology, according to the change of strategic environment and tendency, integrating the disciplines, to be the foundation of future strategic studies.
T0817 Professional English and Writing for International Affairs (3/0): We will be reading newspapers and journal articles of international affairs and relations to learn the specific vocabulary, grammar, and above all, rhetoric. We will analyze texts to raise the awareness of specific structure(s) for formal and academic writing so that students can understand how ideas are organized and put forward in a coherent text. The course is also designed according to themes: 1) US and global economic crises; 2) EU and cultural integration; 3) climate change; 4) cross-strait relation. These are, of course, subject to change should other suggestions arise.
T0911 International Economic Strategies (2/0): This course focuses on research design strategies in the study of major concepts, constructs and theoretical perspectives of International Economic Strategies. In parallel a close examination of its connections with relevant disciplines, including international relations, international economics, and management.
T0934 Contemporary War Theories and Military Conflict (3/0): This course introduces the concepts and context of modern warfare necessary to develop an understanding of contemporary military strategy.
T1102 History of Chinese Strategic Thoughts (3/0): The main purpose of this course is to study the core concept and theory of Chinese strategic thought. It shall offer optimal solutions to current strategic issues and inspiration to current strategic thought through the process of creative transformation of classical Chinese strategic thought.
T2699 Wargaming: Decision ＆ Negotiation Simulation (2/0): Contemporary wargaming, developed by Prussian Army in the mid-19thcentury, has in fact similar to ancient Chinese military thought more than 2000 years ago. It served not only as useful tools in military planning, policy deliberation as well as understanding of power games in international affairs. The course is design to lead students into the world of wargaming, including methodology, scenario planning, and gaming practice.
T1633 National Power and Strategic Action (2/0): The ultimate purpose of strategy is action. Strategic action comprises three elements: power, purpose, and environment. There are two focuses of this course are as follows: (1) Exploring the core concept and theoretical framework of national power and strategic action; (2) Shaping national and effective strategic action through the assessment of power, purpose, and environment.
I0051 Comparative Studies on Defense Transformation (0/3): This course is offered to provide graduate students with new and important concepts and thoughts related to future strategic studies in the 21st century. Government documents, journal articles, academic papers, and policy statements are put into categories to guide students to better inquiry in the field. The focus of the course is defense transformations in major powers and various impacts of such changes on the development and practice of military institutions as well as capabilities.
I0069 Advanced Studies of Taiwan’s National Defense (0/3): The purpose of this course is, through small-group workshop, to analyze the critical issues in Taiwan's national defense and to seek for possible solutions.
T0512 International Negotiation and Mediation (0/2): The goal of the course is to provide an understanding of the roles of international negotiation and mediation in conflict resolution. The content of the course is divided into two parts: negotiation and mediation. The former covers the basics of international negotiation with emphasis on theoretical knowledge, such as the impact of power, the role of culture, and the nature of multilateral negotiation. The latter surveys major issues of international mediation with case studies, including the Oslo Accord, the Iran hostage crisis, and third-party intervention in Cambodia and East Timor.
T0816 Understanding Journalistic English (0/3): This course aims to equip students with the skills to read English newspapers and news magazines with ease and in depth. Students will be familiarized with various aspects of a news story, ranging from headlines to its various other constituents. After the basic structures, students will be introduced to various types of news stories and articles, ranging from political news, diplomatic news, to military news. Editorials and columns will also be included in the readings. To encourage students to learn more on their own, bonus points will be given to those who transcribe taped newscasts.
T1059 International Political Economy (0/2): The course covers topics like international production, international trade, international finance, the impact of international economy on countries’ domestic politics, international organizations, multinational corporations, dependency theory, foreign aid, economic statecraft, etc. The course will use an anthology of papers to familiarize students with these topics. A basic understanding of IPE is essential to furthering student’s research on strategies. No background in international economics is required. The instructor will explain the various concepts used in international economics.
T1136 History of Western Strategic Thoughts (0/3): This course aims to introduce the western strategic thought and theory from ancient Greek era to modern era. There are two study approaches included as follows: 1) the vertical historical development, where students realize the developed logic and essence of the western strategic thought and theory; 2) the horizontal study of selected strategic writings to inspire current strategic theory. Ultimately speaking, it will cultivate students’ capability of strategic thinking and strategic analysis is the further purpose.
T1571 Research Method for Social Science (0/3): The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of major research approaches and methods of social sciences. Students will be required to complete a research project.
T2003 Asia-Pacific Security Strategy (0/3): The course aims to analyze the strategic situation in the Asia Pacific region. It will explore the general strategic situation in the region, the major countries’ regional security strategy, including the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, North and South Koreas, and ASEAN, and their strategic interactions.
T2416 Study of Military Politics (0/2): A study of the involvement of the world’s military forces in domestic politics, government, and policy making. Seminar topics include but are not limited to the followings: a historical perspective on the armed forces; social and international impact of military activities; civil-military relations; mechanisms of civilian control of the military; armed forces as interest groups; military interventions; military government; and military performance in government; CBMs; and MOOTW.
T2592 Studies on Globalization (0/3): The main purpose of this course is to analyze different aspects of Globalization development, i.e. political, economic, military, social and cultural dimensions. Besides, it will explore from a security perspective how to understand the implications from traditional and non-traditional security threats toward globalization. First, it will identify the core concepts of globalization, related international relations theories and research approaches. Second, it will analyze different security situations under diversity globalization. Finally, it will integrate a situation including not only theoretical, but also practical outcomes under globalization.
Executive Master’s Program
I0048 Armed Forces and Society (3/0): This course provides general theoretic groundwork for the analysis of the interaction between Taiwanese armed forces and its society.
T0117 International Politics Theory (3/0): This course introduces the theories and structures of international politics and explores important subjects of international relations. Both major theories and important international cases will be discussed.
T2379 National Security Policy Planning (3/0): The main theme of this course is to explore how the ROC government’s top-level decision makers of the national security apparatus observe the dynamic situations of national security environment, analyze the factors which affect the core interests of the nation, and design the strategies to tackle the challenges, both domestic and international. Also, the key objective of the course is to train the graduate students to be able to think, analyze, and conduct research on the issues with regard to the national security policy in a strategic way.
T2710 Power Balance and US-China-Taiwan Relations (3/0): This course will not emphasize on specific events in the trilateral relations between US, China, and Taiwan. Instead, it will emphasize on the trilateral relations of the impact of international politics. For example, we will not study the Taiwan Relations Act; rather, we will stress on the US grand strategy of balance of power during the formation of the TRA. Henceforth, the course emphasizes on the rise and decline of great powers and how other countries adjust to the fortune of great powers.
T2711 Modern Strategy ＆ Military Science (3/0): Due to strained diplomatic environment, Taiwan’s armed forces have been isolated for decades. The Taiwan military not only has been barred from participating in the joint exercises with counterparts of advanced countries, but also suffered from lacking new military thinking and knowledge due to language barriers. The purpose of this course is to exploit students’ understanding on new technologies, operational doctrines and military thinking. The lecturer will select up-to-date international military publications, providing both English and Chinese materials for discussion in class meetings.
T0315 Seminar for Management in Defense Affairs (SMDA) (3/0): This course introduces cross-discipline approaches and special topic research so as to help students better understanding the classification and characteristics of the defense management, which is affected by national security. This course will facilitate studying through a KM platform which will provide knowledge management and community-learning for satisfactory learning of defense management knowledge and practice.
T1571 Research Methods for Social Science (3/0): The goal of this course is to provide an understanding of major research approaches and methods of social sciences. Students will be required to complete a research project.
I0047 PLA Modernization (0/3): As an emerging great power in the Asia-Pacific region, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is striving for a strong military that is parallel to its growing influence in international affairs. The course is designed to provide students an overview of defense modernization in the PRC and contemporary development of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) with a specific focus on Chinese understandings, interpretations, and propositions regarding the revolution in military affairs (RMA).
T0776 Seminar on Strategic Theory (0/3): The purposes of this course are to cultivate the students’ strategic concepts and shape their capability of strategic thinking and strategic analysis through specific research on Chinese classical strategic theories and western classical, modern and contemporary strategic theories. Furthermore, the students will be able to make a better combination between strategic essence and their own professionalism. Thus, they will have the unique capability of strategic analysis and strategic judgement.
T0958 China’s National Security Strategy (0/3): The course is based on the basic theory of security strategy, research approach and research method. It will clarify the security policies of China under the tradition and non-tradition security environment. Including: National security decision making mechanism and process, international and regional security, including politics, diplomacy, culture and energy.Finally, by understanding the security strategies and policies of China, we will suggest the timely solution of Taiwan.
I0067 Quantitative Analysis of Political Economy (0/3): Do numbers speak truth or lie? Living in the modern age, we have to understand numbers. This course introduces how numbers are used in social sciences. It has three parts: how quantitative analysis evolved, how numbers tell stories, and how we should think in terms of numbers. There is no prerequisite for math, or statistics, but the students have to do the reading faithfully.
T0576 The Security Situation in the Taiwan Strait (0/3): The goal of the course is to provide students with an understanding of the subject of security and peace in the Taiwan Strait. The contents of the course include the theoretical concept of security, U.S. East Asian security strategy, US-China-Taiwan trilateral relationship, U.S.-Japan Alliance, military modernization of China, the role of the US in the Taiwan Strait crises, and U.S.-Taiwan Security ties.
Course Catalogs：