1. Purpose of the Department

Culture and the natural environment are two fundamental resources of human civilization, widely recognized as essential concerns in contemporary society. Taiwan is no exception, as it faces the growing need to balance cultural identity and environmental sustainability. In modern times, culture serves as a key representation of nationality, ethnicity, and group identity, while both culture and the natural environment have become valuable economic and consumer assets. The rise of nationalism, multiculturalism and the rapid expansion of the cultural industry further highlight these evolving trends.

In response to these developments, our department aims to cultivate professionals with expertise in cultural and natural resource research and analysis, contributing to the preservation and appreciation of these invaluable assets in society.

2. Development and Educational Goals

• Development Goals

The department integrates history, geography, and anthropology to establish itself as an academic and educational institution specializing in local and regional cultures and natural resource studies. It aims to develop a strong foundation in research and education while fostering local cultural characteristics.

The curriculum encompasses theoretical foundations, interdisciplinary concepts, specialized topics, practical methodologies, and creative applications to equip students with comprehensive knowledge and skills.

• Educational Goals

1. Cultivating professionals in nature conservation and cultural preservation.
2. Training experts in cultural and eco-tourism services.
3. Developing specialists in local history and regional environmental research.

3. Curriculum Planning

The department's curriculum is structured around two core groups, the Regional and Environmental Resources Group and the History and Sociology Group.

4. Faculty

The department currently has 12 full-time faculty members, all holding doctoral degrees from esteemed institutions in Taiwan and abroad. They bring extensive teaching and research experience to the program. The faculty includes four professors, seven associate professors, one assistant professor, and six adjunct faculty members.

In total, the department is supported by 18 faculty members committed to high-quality education and research.

5.Core Competencies for Students

Graduates of the program will develop the following essential skills:

1. Expertise Development and Integration: The ability to acquire, apply, and synthesize specialized knowledge.
2. Field Investigation Skills: Competence in conducting research and fieldwork.
3. Data Collection and Organization: Proficiency in gathering, analyzing, and managing information.
4. Communication and Interpretation Skills: The ability to articulate findings clearly, whether in academic discourse or professional navigation and guidance.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Program from the 108th Academic Year onward are expected to develop core competencies aligned with the program’s educational objectives.