About our Department
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The English Department was founded in 1966 with an initial enrollment of 50 students annually. By 1970, the department expanded to accommodate 100 students across two classes. During this period, students had the option to pursue a minor in a second foreign language. In 1990, the department grew to 200 students across four classes, offering minors in French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. In 1998, the department at the 2-year College of the Division of Continuing Education enrolled 180 students across three classes. The following year, after Wenzao upgraded to a college in 1999, the English Department admitted 120 students in two classes for the 2-year College in the Day School program, and 60 students in one class for the Division of Continuing Education. In 2001, the 4-year college of the Division of Continuing Education had 150 students in three classes. Subsequently, in 2003, the 4-year College of Day School was established, enrolling 120 students, while the 2-year College of the Division of Continuing Education had 110 students. In August 2010, Wenzao began an honor class for a 5-year junior college program with 50 elite students, all scoring above PR 90 in their high school entrance exams, under the Ministry of Education commission. On August 1, 2013, Wenzao was renamed as “Wenzao Ursuline University of Languages” and became Taiwan’s first and only university specializing in languages. The university now comprises four colleges: College of International Culture, Education and Foreign Affairs; College of European and Asian Languages; College of New Media and Management; and Ursuline College of Liberal Arts. These colleges house twelve departments, five graduate institutes, a General Education center, Ursuline Education center, Center for Teacher Education, and other academic units. The English Department is part of the College of International Culture, Education and Foreign Affairs. In 2016, the university established its MA program in English, featuring a core component in English for Professional Communication (EPC) with a focus on intercultural communication skills. The inaugural cohort consisted of ten graduate students. Since then, the program has thrived, drawing both local and international students. Many graduates have embarked on careers in academia, English education, international business, retail, and beyond.
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Chairperson
Curriculum Design Concept
The courses are tailored to meet current demands for understanding international perspectives in business, finance, tourism, communication, translation, interpreting, and cross-cultural studies, as well as English education. Our primary aim is to nurture students with strong English proficiency, professional competence in the humanities, and a global perspective.
Academic systems of Junior College and 4-Year College
There are two academic systems: Junior college and the 4-year College divisions. Each offers mandatory courses focusing on language skills training, along with elective courses covering translation, commerce, economics, tourism, mass media, literature, cross-cultural studies, and English education.
Junior College program (grade 1-3 in Junior College)
The curriculum emphasizes the acquisition of English language skills, focusing on listening, speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. Additionally, it aims to develop students’ abilities in public speaking, research writing, and understanding language and culture. Students have the option to minor in one of the following foreign languages: French, German, Spanish, or Japanese. By the second and third years of the Junior college program, students are grouped into classes based on their English proficiency levels in listening and reading.
College program (Including 4th and 5th year of Junior college and College)
The curriculum for the 4-year college is centered around enhancing undergraduates’ mastery of advanced English skills. Our course offerings include Advanced Listening, English Advanced Reading, Professional Speech Presentation, Research Writing in English, and Language and Culture studies.
Three tracks in elective courses and compulsory courses
English Teaching:
The courses available in this program include Introduction to English Language Teaching, Teaching Materials Design, Introduction to Second Language Acquisition, Linguistics, Teaching English to Children, and Applications of Children’s Literature
Commerce:
Courses in this specialization include Introduction to Business, Business Writing, Oral Business Communication, English for Secretarial Skills, and Public Relations.
Culture-related Industries:
Courses in this specialization cover English Literature, Short Fiction, Shakespearean Plays, Western Culture and Civilization, Introduction to Interpretation Skills, Simultaneous Interpretation, Literary Translation, English News Reading, and Introduction to Mass Media.
A Commitment to Diversity
The English Department is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment where every student and staff member, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and supported. We are committed to broadening our curriculum to challenge traditional views of studying English. Our focus includes promoting racial and gender equality in staff and student support, enhancing curriculum diversity, fostering an inclusive department culture, and creating supportive environments. We are committed to ongoing efforts to support diversity among both staff and students on a broader scale.