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 to focus on 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, leading to the establishment of a Master’s Program in Social Science Education for Primary School Teachers.

In Year 92 (2003), the Ministry of Education renamed the Institute of Local Culture as the Taiwan Culture Institute, shifting its primary focus to Taiwanese cultural studies. The curriculum was restructured with an emphasis on Taiwanese culture as its core discipline.

On August 1, [Year of R.O.C.], in alignment with the university’s development strategy, the Department of Culture and Natural Resources was merged with the Taiwan Culture Institute. The institute was subsequently reorganized into the Taiwan Culture Master’s Program, consisting of two specialized tracks:

• The Taiwan Culture Master’s Class
• The Master’s Program of Taiwan Culture for In-Service Adults

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 of Taiwan Culture for In-Service Adults differs from the traditional academic track by emphasizing practical applications and cultural extension. This program is designed for professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in Taiwanese cultural studies while integrating it into their careers. The educational goals include:

1. Cultivating expertise in Taiwanese culture, local cultural assets, and education.
2. Developing skills in compiling, interpreting, and analyzing cultural publications and local textbooks.
3. Training professionals to organize and lead educational activities related to Taiwanese cultural studies and continuing education.
4. Enhancing educators’ ability to integrate local culture into their teaching and support the promotion of regional education.

IV. Core Competencies

Graduates of the Master’s Program of Taiwan Culture for In-Service Adults will acquire:

1. Independent research skills and academic writing proficiency.
2. Expertise in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting Taiwan-related literature.
3. Comprehensive knowledge of Taiwanese culture and humanities.
4. The ability to promote and advocate for Taiwanese cultural heritage.
5. Practical skills in developing and implementing Taiwanese cultural education and textbooks.