| Course Description: |
Although Taiwan is a small island of 23 million people today, its history is rich with themes that illuminate and contribute to our understanding of major historical issues such as migration, colonialism, industrialization, ethnicity and identity, the Cold War, and democratization. Its unresolved status as a “state” inserts Taiwan into larger conflicts between the US and China, where it serves as a potential hot spot for global conflict. Its surprising, rapid transition from an authoritarian regime during the Cold War to a vibrant democracy can tell us more about why societies democratize. This workshop will focus on how Taiwan can be used to teach these larger historical and social questions, including how Taiwan is similar to another global examples or how Taiwan serves as a unique site of study. |
