I. Introduction

In Year 85 of the Republic of China (1996), the Ministry of Education approved the establishment of the Indigenous Culture Research Institute, the predecessor of the Taiwan Culture Research Institute. This was the first research institute in Taiwan dedicated to local culture as an academic discipline.

In Year 89 (2000), the university established the Master’s Program in Social Science Education and the Master’s Program in Local Culture Education to cultivate high-level educators. By the 1990s, the program expanded to enhance national education, professional knowledge, and research talent development in this field, leading to the creation of the Master’s Program in Social Science Education for Primary School Teachers.

In Year 92 (2003), the Ministry of Education officially renamed the Institute of Local Culture as the Taiwan Culture Research Institute, shifting its primary focus to Taiwanese culture. This led to a restructuring of the curriculum, emphasizing Taiwanese cultural studies as its core.

On August 1, [Year of R.O.C.], in alignment with the university’s strategic development, the Department of Culture and Natural Resources was merged with the Taiwan Culture Research Institute. The institute was subsequently reorganized into the Master’s Program in Taiwan Culture, consisting of the Taiwan Culture Master’s Class and the Taiwan Culture Master's In-Service Class.

II. Research Focus Areas

1. Taiwanese Folk Traditions and Religious Beliefs
2. Taiwan’s Cultural Heritage and Preservation
3. Tainan Studies and Regional Cultural Research

III. Educational Goals

The Master’s Program in Taiwan Culture was founded with a dual mission: to harmonize internationalization and localization, promote Taiwan’s unique cultural identity, and preserve its local heritage. The program aims to cultivate high-level research talents in Taiwanese cultural studies with the following objectives:

1. Develop expertise in Taiwanese culture, local cultural assets, and education.
2. Train professionals in cultural documentation, analysis, and publication, including the development of local textbooks and cultural resources.
3. Foster independent research skills and academic proficiency in Taiwanese cultural studies.
4. Cultivate experts in community development and cultural promotion within Taiwan.

IV. Core Competencies

Graduates of the Master’s Program in Taiwan Culture will possess:

1. Independent research skills and academic writing proficiency.
2. Expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting Taiwan-related cultural literature.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of Taiwanese cultural theories and research methodologies.
4. Specialized understanding of Taiwanese folk religion, cultural heritage management, and cultural administration.
5. The ability to conduct research on regional studies, maritime culture, and ethnic diversity in Taiwan.