Since this semester, College of International Studies has modified three graduate institutes. Institute of Americas, founded by combining Institute of American Studies and Institute of Latin American Studies, is chaired by Dr. Chen Hsiao-chueh. Institute of Asian Studies, founded by merging Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and Institute of Japanese Studies, is chaired by Dr. Hu Ching-shan. Institute of Russian and Slavic Studies is merged into Institute of European Studies.

Dr. Chen Hsiao-chueh, Chair of Institute of Americas, indicates that “after the merging of two previous institutes, the basic courses of the new institute emphasize the communal characteristics. The two divisions of the institute will host an international conference respectively in this year and the next. The conference themes will emphasize the common scope of American continent and the respective characteristics of the two divisions.” Dr. Chen points out that though North Americas and Latin Americas are diverse in language and history, the geographical continuity and environmental interrelatedness articulate the two areas of studies. Hence, the merging of the two institutes meets the global trend, and it also provides opportunity to expand perspective for both divisions.

Dr. Hu Ching-shan, Chair of Institute of Asian Studies, remarks that “after the combination, Division of Southeast Asian Studies and Division of Japanese Studies will continue respective characteristics while extend the academic focus to encompass the Asian continent. In the future the institute will cooperate with Institute of China Studies and Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies to organize joint projects on area, economical, and political studies of Asia.”

To prepare for the curriculum design in the merging project, Institute of European Studies has held a “Conference on Russian and Contemporary European Economical, Political, and Cultural communication” last semester. Dr. Kuo Chiu-ching, chair of the institute, plans to offer more multi-cultural courses for the students, and design a system for students to take credits from both divisions.

In addition, in Lanyang Campus, College of Entrepreneurial Development and College of Global Research and Development will be merged into College of Global Entrepreneurial Development to meet market requirement and raise administrative efficiency. Some departments will be divided into divisions, some will be renamed, or stop recruitment. The plan is submitted to the authorization of Ministry of Education, and expects to be realized since the 2010 academic year.

In Tamsui campus, Department of Mechanical and Electro-Mechanical Engineering will be divided into Division of Opto-mechatronics and Division of Precision Mechanical Engineering. The Division Of Communication And Electromagnetic Waves of Institute of Electrical Engineering will be renamed “Division of Communication and Electrical Wave.” Department of International Trade will be renames as “Department of International Business.” Executive Bachelor’s Programs in International Trade and Banking Finance will be cancelled in 2010 academic year. ( ~Chen Chi-szu)