Introduction to the College of Humanities

Established in August 1989, the College of Humanities was founded to support national development and respond to the evolving needs of society. Originally named the College of Humanities Education, it aimed to integrate teaching, research, service, and community engagement in the humanities. In April 1997, it was renamed the College of Liberal Arts to better reflect its broad academic vision.

Over the years, the College has been led by a distinguished line of deans:

• Dr. Yu-Kang Ying (1989–1991)
• Dr. Hu-Lin Chou (1991–1997)
• Dr. Ching-Chi Chen (1997–2000)
• Dr. Lian-Shang Wu (2000–2003; Acting, 2006–2008)
• Dr. Pen-Shui Liao (2003–2006)
• Dr. Ye-Ling Chang (2008–2011)
• Dr. Shyh-Jeng Chyi (2011–2014)
• Dr. Su-Chin Shih (2014–2017)
• Dr. Chin-Shih Lin (2017–2023)
• Current Dean: Dr. Jade Tsui-Yu Lee

Our Mission

The College is dedicated to two key goals:

• Academic Development: Cultivating advanced scholars and researchers in the humanities.
• Educational Training: Preparing outstanding humanities educators for secondary education.

The College also plays an active role in promoting humanistic values across campus and within the wider community. Working closely with other colleges and administrative units, it fosters a vibrant academic environment and contributes to the University’s pursuit of excellence. Additionally, the College engages in outreach and lifelong learning programs throughout the Kaohsiung Metropolitan Area and Southern Taiwan.

Departments and Institutes

Following the establishment of the College of Fine and Applied Arts in 2003, which included the Department of Fine Arts, Department of Music, and the Institute of Visual Communication Design, the College of Humanities now includes:

• Department of Chinese (Doctoral and Master’s programs)
• Department of English (Doctoral and Master’s programs)
• Department of Geography (Doctoral and Master’s programs)
• Institute of Taiwanese Languages and Language Instruction
• Institute of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (established 2003)
• Institute of Classics (established 2003)
• Institute of Hakka Culture (admitting students since 2004)

A Legacy of Learning

For over three decades, the College of Humanities has remained a hub for academic excellence and humanistic inquiry in southern Taiwan. With a deep commitment to teaching, research, and community service, the College continues to shape the future of humanities education in the Kaohsiung and Pingtung regions.