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FEATURE
The Institute of Austronesian Studies (IOAS) is established on 1st , August, 2003. It is the first center in Taiwan dedicated to the study and post-graduate training on the cultures of Austronesian-speaking peoples. The purpose of this institute is to inherit the legacy of anthropological study of indigenous peoples in Taiwan, and to develop an inter-disciplinary approach for the study of Austronesian-speaking peoples in the world.
IOAS aims to study the societies and cultures of Austronesian-speaking peoples from a holistic perspective. We attempt to synthesize the research results from archaeology and linguistics, and adopt the viewpoints of regional comparison and history. We strongly encourage the comparative study of Austronesian-speaking peoples in Oceania, island Southeast Asia, Madagascar and Taiwan. Meanwhile we emphasize the study of the change and continuity of those Austronesian societies in the historical process of the expansion of global capitalism and Christianity, and the formation of nation-states.
In general, the institute is concerned with the following issues:
The discussion of general traits of Austronesian cultures and societies.
The comparison of regional similarities and differences of Austronesian-speaking peoples.
The distribution of Austronesian-speaking peoples since 15th and 16th centuries.
The expanding process of Christianity and its impact on Austronesian-speaking peoples.
The impact of the development of capitalism and the formation of nation-states on Austronesian-speaking peoples.
Contemporary issues including cultural revitalization, ethnic relationships, aboriginal movement, tourism, etc.
The investigation of the social cultural phenomenon and problems among Austronesian-speaking peoples in Taiwan.
The courses can be mainly classified as two kinds: obligatory and optional. The obligatory courses aim to provide graduate students with basic training in regional ethnographies, social-cultural theories and research methods. The optional courses help students to specialize in certain areas as well as to develop their specific interests.
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Obligatory courses
The Core Course
General Introduction of Austronesian Societies and Cultures
Theories of Society and Culture
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Regional Ethnographies (choose any two subjects)
Indigenous Peoples and Cultures of Taiwan
Peoples and Cultures of Oceania
Peoples and Cultures of South-east Asia
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Research Methods (choose any one subject)
Methodology of Social Sciences
Methodology of Regional Studies
Methodology of Historical Studies
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Optional courses
Austronesian LanguagesˇGA General Survey
Culture and Politics
Christianity and the Austronesian Peoples
The AustronesianˇGAn Archaeological Perspective
Early History of Taiwan
Historical Anthropology
Colonialism and Post-colonial Studies
Material Culture and Art Studies
Anthropology and Museum
Tourism, Culture and Development
Ethnic Relationships and Cultural Identityˇ@
Vision
In addition to research and teaching, the Institute commits itself to establishing a research and educational data resource for the service of worldwide partners. It will promote both national and international academic cooperation through scholarly exchange programs and regular symposia. In particular, it will seek cooperation with universities and institutions including University of Hawaii, Polynesian Cultural Center, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies (National Australian University), and Cornell University. In the long-term future, the institute also plans to publish an academic journal dedicated to Austronesian studies.
The institute is aware of its unique position as a fresh Institute devoted to the studies of indigenous cultures in an emerging multi-cultural society in Taiwan. Thus, it will offer various forms of consultation to government agencies and actively engage in policy debates regarding the welfare and development of indigenous Austronesian-speaking peoples in Taiwan.
