Comprehensive Studies in Taiwan Literature

Our research spans a broad spectrum, ranging from Indigenous literature, traditional poetry and prose, Taiwanese literature under Japanese rule, and post-war literature, to drama, cinema, and new media. Embracing both past and present across all historical periods, as well as giving equal weight to folk literature and author literature, the primary mission of the Institute of Taiwan Literature is to bring together faculty, students, and scholars to explore the full trajectory of Taiwan’s literary development. We emphasize the rigorous collation and textual criticism of historical archives, alongside literary analysis and interpretation, while actively encouraging cross-boundary comparative studies and contemporary multimedia research.

I. Collection and Organization of Literary & Historical Archives The establishment of a rigorous academic discipline must begin with the accumulation of historical materials. As an emerging discipline, Taiwan literature—encompassing both "oral literature" and "written literature"—requires a systematic synthesis of governmental and private resources to carry out comprehensive collection and organization. Upholding high academic standards, the Institute of Taiwan Literature is committed to the long-term collection and archiving of literary materials to build a robust foundation for future research.

II. Training in Literary Theory and Research Methodologies As a graduate institute of literature, the Institute of Taiwan Literature cannot overlook the teaching and research of traditional Chinese aesthetics as well as modern and contemporary Western literary theory. Studies in traditional poetry and prose must draw on methods from classical Chinese literary research. Meanwhile, modern and contemporary literature must engage with global theoretical developments; frameworks such as postmodernism, postcolonial discourse, and feminist theories have profoundly shaped both creative writing and literary criticism in Taiwan and thus warrant special attention. Through rigorous training in theory and methodology, the Institute equips its students to cultivate a world-class academic perspective.

III. Comparative Research in Regional Literatures Taiwan is an open island whose historical and cultural development is closely tied to external influences. Teaching and research at the Institute of Taiwan Literature place strong emphasis on Taiwan’s interactions with neighboring regions across various historical eras. Through this lens, we observe how Taiwanese literature has absorbed, resisted, and transformed foreign cultures and literatures, illuminating the unique identity of Taiwan literature through the perspective of comparative literature.

IV. Research in Drama, Cinema, and New Media Under the cultural conditions of ongoing media transformation, literature is no longer confined to written text; it also emerges through theater, cinema, and digital platforms. The Institute integrates drama, film, and new media into its core research domains, investigating the translational and adaptive practices of literature across different media formats. Our research scope encompasses the New Theater Movement under Japanese colonial rule, post-war theater development, Taiwan New Cinema, and contemporary visual creations. Simultaneously, the Institute focuses on internet literature, digital narrative, animation, and subcultural phenomena. By integrating transmedia theory and cultural studies methodologies, we cultivate students' historical perspectives and critical analytical skills, enabling them to comprehend the diverse manifestations of literature in contemporary cultural production and dissemination.

Research Areas

Literary Theory and Research Methodologies Indigenous Literature Classical Literature Literature under Japanese Colonial Rule Contemporary Literature Taiwanese Drama and Theater Gender Literature and Culture Intercultural Mobility and Regional Comparative Literature Cinema and Visual Studies Literary Adaptation, Translation, and Multimedia Studies ACG (Anime, Comics, Games) and New Media Studies