Evolution and Implementation of the University Core Curriculum

Starting in the 2013 academic year, the university renamed its "General Education" courses to "University Core Curriculum." Subsequently, in the second semester of the 2016 academic year, the basic literacy and core competency indicators were revised. Alongside these revisions, the categorization of mandatory core courses was restructured. The original eight competency categories were streamlined into three major categories, classified based on the nature of knowledge, learning processes, and the university’s educational goals. These categories are:

1. Rational Thinking (Knowledge)
2. Cultural Literacy (Emotion)
3. Local Commitment (Intention)

To enhance students' information literacy, a 2-credit Information Technology course was added. Additionally, the required core curriculum credits for bachelor's degree students were reduced from 43 to 37 credits, effective starting from the 2017 academic year.

Core Curriculum Framework from the 2017 Academic Year

The university's core curriculum is divided into two main components:

1. Common Core Courses (17 credits):
   • Chinese : 3 credits
   • English (Mandatory): 6 credits
   • Information Technology: 2 credits
   • Service Learning: 2 credits
   • Physical Education: 4 credits
2. Elective Core Courses (20 credits):
   • Includes three categories of mandatory elective core courses:
     • Rational Thinking
     • Cultural Literacy
     • Local Commitment
       Each student must take at least one course from each category.
   • Recognized elective core courses include:
     • Courses with the GC course code.
     • Foundational, core, or professional courses outside the student’s major.

Starting from the 2024 Academic Year: Enhanced Course Planning and Review

Beginning in the 2024 academic year, the university's core curriculum framework has been categorized into five components:

1. Language Education
2. Physical Education
3. Service Learning
4. Information Technology
5. Elective Core General Education Courses

To optimize course planning and review processes, English courses (including both mandatory and elective English courses), mandatory Chinese courses, and physical education courses previously offered through the General Education Center are now managed and offered by the following centers:

• Language Center: English courses
• Chinese Language Center: Mandatory Chinese courses
• Physical Education Center: Physical education courses

The General Education Center is responsible for the planning and review of the following:

• Service Learning: 2 credits
• Information Technology: 2 credits
• Elective Core General Education Courses: 20 credits