▎Global Outlook
The Ebb and Flow of Globalization:
Developing University Reform and Cultivating Global Citizens
Prof. Bruce Stronach is passionate about globalization and university reform. He holds the opinion that while professional knowledge is important, without diverse critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to look at the big picture, one’s education would be incomplete.
During the past several years, trends in globalization have shifted dramatically due to the pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine War, and other factors. To promote international collaboration and broaden global horizons, the Office of International Affairs is honored to invite a seasoned scholar in this field, Professor Bruce Stronach, the former Dean of Temple University Japan Campus, to share his personal experience as a visiting scholar at NTU.
Teaching at NTU: A Course to Build New Perspectives on Globalization
Prof. Stronach returned to NTU in the fall of 2022 on receiving an invitation from the previous Vice President for International Affairs of Temple University, Professor Hai-Lung Dai, as a visiting scholar. He offered the course “Japan in the Age of Globalization” at the Graduate Institute of National Development in cooperation with Professor Yu-Ting Lee of that graduate institute. The course analyzes Japanese history, society, politics, and economics in the context of contemporary globalization, as well as encouraging students to look at several case studies from different perspectives.
When asked why he is interested in teaching this course, Prof. Stronach replied that his reason was that, “Japan now has a strong need for globalization as one of the most homogenous countries in history.” He directs the students’ attention to Japan’s cultural background and how its process of globalization has evolved in that context. Students who take this course develop a broader outlook, and indeed the course is aimed to cultivate global citizens. This aim is consistent with the feedback we’ve received from many students who took Prof. Stronach’s class, who described his teaching as “eye-opening.” The course has allowed them to see and analyze the world at large in brand new ways.
One reason Prof. Stronach decided to come teach at NTU is the inseparable historical contexts of Taiwan and Japan. He likes to observe the cultural nuances between the two countries through the educational systems and social interactions. For example, he noticed how the basic curriculum at NTU maintains many features inherited from its establishment under Japanese rule. Additionally, the public transportation infrastructure is very similar to that of Japan, including the high-speed rail and MRT. People also politely line up to board the trains as they do in Japan. Prof. Stronach integrates these observations into his teaching, inspiring the students to take macro perspectives as well as noticing the influence of globalization in their daily life.
“You teach learning before you teach knowledge”
– Prof. Bruce Stronach
Intro video of Prof. Bruce Stronach, former Dean of Temple University Japan Campus: Broadening Global Horizons from Japan.
