NTU-UCLA Summer Institute on American Society

Study American Society from a social science perspective in Taiwan

What is American society and how can people understand this vast, complex, and diverse-heritage nation? When studied through a social science lens, far off the US mainland in Taiwan, American society can be seen in a more nuanced light, beyond surface-level understandings that are commonly circulated in mainstream media and news.

Explore Kinmen, a Cold War frontline

In addition to the global city of Taipei, this summer institute also includes a field trip to Kinmen Islands, once the cold war frontline between China and Taiwan.

2023 Summer+ Programs

UCLA-NTU Summer Institute on American Society (July 4-24, 2023)

First Week: The US government and its institutions

In the first week, students will become more familiar with the ways in which its political systems and structures operate as well as the social and civil rights movements that have emerged throughout America’s history. Students will also engage with key works of American art, music, literature, and film and explore the concepts of what it means to be an American, the American Dream, and American ideals.

Second Week: Urbanization, urban politics, migration, and social problems in the US from historical and contemporary perspectives

In the second week, students will take a deeper dive into urbanization, urban politics, migration, and social problems in the US from historical and contemporary perspectives, and examine citizenship, identity, social inequality, and environmental issues within the American context. Students will also learn about the US economy, including the legal and philosophical bases of the US economic system as well as historical developments and transformations that led to its current form today.

Final Week: The trends in globalization

Finally, students will consider the trends in globalization and global protectionism, as well as study the decision-making processes of business organizations across industries such as retail, social media, finance, and aerospace. The topics and themes covered in the course of this program will help students walk away with more well-rounded, multi-faceted understanding and perspectives on American society.

 

Refund Policy

The application fee is non-refundable under any circumstances.

The program fee is: 

• fully refundable if NTU cancels the program.
• 90% refundable if the student cancels the program before the start of class.
• 50% refundable if the student cancels the program before finishing 1/3 of the program.
• not refundable if the student cancels after finishing more than 1/3 of the program.

*Please note our program is a package, including some optional activities. The fee for activities won't be refunded if you choose to be absent from these activities.