At noon on the twelfth of April, Soochow University's simulated courtroom was filled with students and teachers participating in a pornography hearing. From the judge to the accused, all dressed their roles and played out court procedure. The at once serious and hilarious hearing was a valuable learning experience for the student audience.

Simulated hearings are just one aspect of the unique program offered at Soochow University's law school. Unlike other law schools on Taiwan, Soochow offers a five-year program, courses in Anglo-American law and does not incorporate economics or government departments in its law school.

When the Western nations had foreign concessions in China in the 1920's, legal disputes were settled by foreign attorneys according to Anglo-American law. Recognizing how this disadvantaged the Chinese, Soochow University opened a law school to teach Chinese lawyers how to deal with western law. Today, because of the importance of international trade to Taiwan, the role of the Soochow Law School in training lawyers in western law is essential. The school also advises the government in areas of international law, economics and finance.

Situated in Wai Shuang Hsi, a suburb of Taipei, the University is flanked by the National Palace Museum and the Shuang Hsi Park. Nestled in lush vegetation, University buildings are backed by mountains and look down on the Wai Shuang Hsi River.

Unadorned, utilitarian buildings are a tradition at Soochow University. Soochow's president, Edward C. H. Yang explains that school policy stresses expenditures on faculty and facilities which directly improve the quality of education, over investments in the construction of elaborate buildings and offices.

A private university, Soochow depends on student tuitions to cover expenses. With a student body of 10,000, funds are only sufficient to cover the cost of personnel. Funds for laboratory equipment and books must be solicited from outside sources.

The school was established in the city of Soochow in 1900 by the Methodist Church. The English name of the University commemorates its founding place while its Chinese name--Tung Wu, refers to the state in this area during the Three Kingdoms Period. Under the direction of an all American staff, the school opened with a literature and a science department. The school's character was reputed to be liberal and open. In 1915 a law department was established in Shanghai. In ensuing years, American influence prompted the development of a physical fitness program.

In 1926, Dr. Yang Yung-ch'ing became Soochow's first Chinese president, directing an administration which was soon all Chinese. During this period Soochow's science, literature and law sections were accredited as colleges. The construction of a number of campus buildings and dormitories quickly followed. Soochow continued to conduct classes after the War of Resistance broke out in 1936, but finally closed its doors when Chinese Communist forces overwhelmed the mainland.

Originally funded by the Association of Christian Universities, the University encountered difficulty securing enough backing to reopen all thirteen of its departments after moving to Taiwan. Instead, the association set up a new university in Taichung called Tunghai University.

Not to be discouraged, Soochow alumni pooled their resources to establish Soochow Junior College. Originally offering two-year programs in Comparative Law, Business and Accounting, along with English courses, the Junior College was accredited as a college not long after and moved to Wai Shuang Hsi in 1961. In 1969 Dr. Joseph Twanmoh became its president, and a year later the college received university status.

At Dr. Twanmoh's retirement last year, Edward C.H. Yang became Soochow's new president. During Dr. Twanmoh's term the student body grew from 2000 to over 9000, the number of departments increased from six to twenty, and a college, a night school and a graduate school were added. Now, Dr. Yang looks to improve the quality of instruction facilities and student achievements in his term.

President Yang has made efforts to increase salaries and allow teachers an opportunity to take outside courses to improve their teaching methods. Among a total faculty of 972, 218 members are full time teachers. The remainder are professionals who teach on a part-time basis and are assisted outside of class by a teaching assistant.

Quality training facilities are a strong feature at Soochow. The widely reputed Music School is equipped with practice rooms, a theatre, twenty pianos, and numerous musical instruments. Generous facilities in the Science Department, housing three computers and twelve labs, have helped to generate high student interest in the sciences. Nearly 45 percent of the graduates from this department continue their studies.

Two main libraries at Soochow contain over 540,000 books, 40 different Chinese and English periodicals, 35 newspapers, and a tape collection. Each department also has its own library, financed by alumni donations. All students receive instruction in library skills each semester.

In order to encourage student achievements, the University offers scholarships to the top three students in each class, as well as over 200 specialized scholarships donated by the government or individuals.

The Ministry of Education has praised the successes of Soochow University, approved the creation of a new Foreign Languages College and requested the expansion of classes in Japanese and Management.

In an effort to express concern for student needs, President Yang often meets with students to discuss their educational needs and goals and to listen to their suggestions and ideas. The University also provides students with a counseling center. Offering lectures and tests to help students identify their individual natures and talents, the center encourages all students to partake of counseling services. The center organizes groups of four to ten students, who, under the guidance of a counselor share problems commonly experienced at school such as nervousness, lack of assertiveness or an 'identity crisis' resulting from the overwhelming variety of new people, ideas and choices encountered at school.

Social service is another important part of the learning experience at Soochow. The University has over 60 student-sponsored clubs. These provide students with opportunities for leadership and group cooperation, and to contribute services to society. Recognizing the benefit of student contact with society, the Sociology Department also sponsors social service activities and oversees the publication of instructional texts for public distribution.

Greatly matured since its reestablishment on Taiwan as a Junior College, Soochow University is distinctive for the quality education, capable educators, and generous facilities it provides. Genuinely concerned for student needs, the University continues to turn out well-trained graduates, prepared to advance not only in their respective fields, but as members of society as well.

(Jill Ardourel)

[Picture Caption]

1. Pom-pom girl teams compete at Soochow University's yearly school anniversary. 2. Students and teachers in the Science Department pose for a picture on the steps of the laboratory building. 3. Soochow University is surrounded by natural beauty.

1. Students at work in a physics laboratory course. 2. Students learning to use a computer. 3. Each semester Edward C.H. Yang, president of the University, dines with students to exchange ideas and opinions. 4. Two students tell secrets after a badminton match. 5. The University campus is located beside the Wai Shuang Hsi River, where students often go to relax and chat in their leisure time.

1. Students reading newspapers in the reading room. 2. Students put their belongings in lockers before entering the library. 3. Students discuss their courses in an empty classroom. 4. The University, originally founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, has a church on campus. 5. The University choir holds rehearsal in the church. 6. Outside the glass doors, a student reclines against the wall to read.

1. A yearly performance by members of the Chinese Opera Club. 2. Graduate students in law practice court procedures in the school's simulated courtroom. 3. Members of the student organized Music Club practice their instruments. 4. A joyful couple takes a walk at sunset. 5. The sun sets over the campus.

1. This contrasting scene of a red gate and green foliage can be seen from a University dormitory. 2. A busy scene at the University's anniversary carnival. 3. Students running in physical education class. 4. Cheerleaders root for their classmates at an athletic meet. 5. Basketball is a popular activity for Soochow students. 6. Handicapped students practice shooting baskets from their wheelchairs.

1. Students practice pitching on the tennis courts beside the Business School at Soochow's city campus. 2. Soochow University's cafeterias are known for their cleanliness and meticulous service. 3. Dappling light creates an intriguing image on campus stairs.

2. Students and teachers in the Science Department pose for a picture on the steps of the laboratory building.

3. Soochow University is surrounded by natural beauty.

1. Students at work in a physics laboratory course.

2. Students learning to use a computer.

3. Each semester Edward C.H. Yang, president of the University, dines with students to exchange ideas and opinions.

4. Two students tell secrets after a badminton match.

5. The University campus is located beside the Wai Shuang Hsi River, where students often go to relax and chat in their leisure time.

1. Students reading newspapers in the reading room.

2. Students put their belongings in lockers before entering the library.

3. Students discuss their courses in an empty classroom.

4. The University, originally founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church, has a church on campus.

5. The University choir holds rehearsal in the church.

6. Outside the glass doors, a student reclines against the wall to read.

1. A yearly performance by members of the Chinese Opera Club.

2. Graduate students in law practice court procedures in the school's simulated courtroom.

3. Members of the student organized Music Club practice their instruments.

4. A joyful couple takes a walk at sunset.

5. The sun sets over the campus.

1. This contrasting scene of a red gate and green foliage can be seen from a University dormitory.

2. A busy scene at the University's anniversary carnival.

3. Students running in physical education class.

5. Basketball is a popular activity for Soochow students.

6. Handicapped students practice shooting baskets from their wheelchairs.

4. Cheerleaders root for their classmates at an athletic meet.

1. Students practice pitching on the tennis courts beside the Business School at Soochow's city campus.

2. Soochow University's cafeterias are known for their cleanliness and meticulous service.

3. Dappling light creates an intriguing image on campus stairs.