Course Descriptions - Hong Kong Baptist University - Academic ...

economic growth, trade, pollution, poverty and discrimination areto be discussed in the lectures.ECON 1130 Mathematical Economics I (3,3,0)This course aims to introduce students to some elementaryquantitative methods commonly encountered in economicliterature. It concentrates on differential calculus and matrixalgebra, although some other topics relevant to economists arediscussed. Illustrations are drawn from problems in economictheory.ECON 1140 Statistics for Economists (2,2,0)This course trains students to acquire the ability of analysingstochastic human, social behavior, and business decisionquantitatively. It emphasizes conceptual understanding ofvarious statistical techniques and the accompanying limitations.Furthermore, students will learn to manipulate large quantitiesof data and solve statistical problems through readily availablecomputer packages. The techniques introduced in this courseform the basis of analysing highly structured economic problemswhen the students learn econometrics in another course.ECON 1150 Fundamentals of Quantitative (3,3,0) (E)MethodsThis course provides students with basic knowledge inmathematical and statistical methods that are necessary forstudying economics. It will cover areas such as calculus,optimization, probability and statistical inferences. Particularattention will be placed on the applications of these techniques ineconomic analysis.ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics (2.5,2.5,0) (E)This is a core course for all BBA students. It provides acomprehensive introduction to the nature and functioningof a market economy. Concentrating on both private andpublic economics, the course attempts to equip students withfundamental microeconomic principles for the analysis of businessand economic problems. Wherever appropriate the course relateseconomics to business in Hong Kong.ECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomics (2.5,2.5,0) (E)This is a core course for all BBA students. It provides acomprehensive introduction to the nature and functioning of amarket economy from a macro perspective. Problems and issueson transitional economy will also be introduced. The courseattempts to equip students with fundamental macroeconomicknowledge for the analysis of business and economic problems.Wherever appropriate the course relates economic and businessproblems in Hong Kong and mainland China.ECON 1620 Basic Economic Principles (3,3,0) (E)This course is designed to introduce the principles that areessential in understanding the basic economic problems to nonbusinessstudents in a straightforward and logical fashion. Thisone-semester survey course will cover both macroeconomics andmicroeconomics. It helps students to comprehend the principlesessential for understanding specific economic issues and the policyalternatives. This course is offered to non-BBA students only.ECON 1630 Economics of Daily Issues (3,3,0)To provide students basic understanding of general issues froman economics perspective. Through the introduction of microand macro economic concepts, students are equipped with goodeconomic reasoning in analysing social issues. At the micro level,the discussion of price strategies and the behaviour of monopolyfirms are presented. At the macro level, unemployment, inflation,economic growth, trade, pollution, poverty and discrimination areto be discussed in the lectures. This course is offered to non-BBAstudents only.ECON 2005 Intermediate Microeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1005 Principles of Economics IBuilt on the foundation of the course “Principles ofMicroeconomics”, this course provides a comprehensivetreatment of microeconomics from the viewpoints of policyas well as theory. It aims at achieving, in a balanced manner,two equally important objectives: (1) serving as a satisfactoryinput to other more specialized courses within the major and(2) providing appropriate training to students taking the major,many of whom are expected to become executives in largeenterprises and organizations, applied economic researchers,analysts and forecasters, business journalists and teachers, andwho will therefore need a concrete understanding of as wide arange of theoretical and policy topics as possible. As the sequel tointroductory microeconomics, this course will probe further intothe rationality behind some standard theories and introduce recentdevelopment in economic theory.ECON 2006 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1006 Principles of Economics IIBuilt on the foundation of the course “Principles ofMacroeconomics”, this course provides a comprehensivetreatment of macroeconomics from the viewpoints of policyas well as theory. It aims at achieving, in a balanced manner,two equally important objectives: (1) serving as a satisfactoryinput to other more specialized courses within the option and(2) providing appropriate training to students taking the option,many of whom are expected to become executives in largeenterprises and organizations, applied economic researchers,analysts and forecasters, business journalists and teachers, andwho will therefore need a concrete understanding of as wide arange of theoretical and policy topics as possible. As the sequel tointroductory macroeconomics, this course will probe further intothe rationality behind some standard theories and introduce recentdevelopment in economic theory.ECON 2007 Information Economy (3,3,0)This course aims to introduce to students the economic conceptsand tools for analyzing the operation of the information economy,which is characterized by the wide-spread application of personalcomputers and the internet.The features of information goods will be identified and newbusiness strategies in the sector will be analysed. The impact ofthe information technology revolution on the economy as well asthe challenges that have been brought to policy-makers will also bediscussed. Emphasis will not be placed on formal mathematicalmodelling. Interested students from all faculties are expected tofind no difficulty in understanding the course content.ECON 2015 Economies of Hong Kong and (3,3,0) (E)the Pan-Pearl River DeltaThis course aims to provide students with a systematicunderstanding of the post-war development of the HK economyand the economic relationship between Hong Kong and the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD), especially after China adopted its opendoorpolicy and economic reform since 1978. Macroeconomicenvironment and policy issues of Hong Kong will be examined.Economic characteristics of the PPRD, competition andcomplementarities between Hong Kong and the PPRD willbe studied. The prospect and strategy of closer economic cooperationbetween Hong Kong and the PPRD will be examined.It is expected that after attending this course students willunderstand more Hong Kong’s macroeconomic environment andits economic relationship with the PPRD upon which informeddecision could be made in business and other areas.ECON 2016 Mathematics for Economists (3,3,0) (E)This course introduces students to some elementary quantitativemethods commonly encountered in the economic literature.Differential calculus, optimization and matrix algebra are themain interests. Other topics relevant to the learning of economicsare also covered. Mathematical concepts are illustrated byproblems found in economic analyses.ECON 2017 Medical Economics (3,3,0) (E)The primary purpose of the course is to apply basic economicsconcepts to the study of health and medical (health) care. Inparticular, emphasis would be placed on the application of303Course Descriptions

304Course Descriptionsmicroeconomic theory and statistical techniques to issues relatedto the production and distribution of medical services, anddecision making in health care markets. Through this course,students should be able to understand the role of economicincentives, competition, and regulation on the functioning ofthe health care market. The exposure of analyses related to theeconomic evaluation of medical services provides students theknowledge of economic justification on resource allocation amongdifferent medical programs and health care services.ECON 2025 Basic Statistical Methods (3,3,0) (E)This course trains students to acquire the ability of analyzinghuman, social behaviour, and business decision by using statisticalmethods. The course emphasizes conceptual understanding ofvarious statistical techniques and their accompanying limitations.Furthermore, students will learn how to apply the statisticaltheories to handle large quantities of data and solve statisticalproblems through readily available computer packages. Thiscourse will help students build up a solid basis for studyingeconometrics at a later stage.ECON 2026 Comparative Economics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1007 Basic Economic Principles or CHSE1005 Essentials of EconomicsThis course aims to provide students with the basic conceptualtools for evaluating and comparing different economies of theworld. A generally focus approach will be adopted to encouragestudent to have a general understanding of how economic systemswork and how economic theory interacts with government policy,history, culture, social, political and philosophical factors toexplain economic performance and evolution. A wide range ofcurrent issues confronting economic transition, structural changewill also be emphasized. Country studies will include marketcapitalist countries (e.g. the U.S., Japan, France, Sweden, Britishand Germany), and the transforming former socialist economies(e.g. the Russian, Poland, Hungary and other East-European).ECON 2027 Transition and Emerging (3,3,0) (E)EconomiesPrerequisite: ECON 1007 Basic Economic Principles or CHSE1005 Essentials of Economics or EquivalentThis course aims to provide a deeper understanding and insightsinto the backgrounds and characteristics of emerging economies(such as China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Russia, etc.) and thetransition economies of Eastern Europe and Asia (such asVietnam and the central Asia countries). Comparative analyticaltools and techniques will be employed to investigate importantaspects concerning the current economic growth and performance,business environment and opportunities across widely differingemerging and transition economies; and issues of economicattractiveness, difficulties and challenges will be discussed.This course will enable students to broaden their internationalunderstanding of the growing importance of the emerging andtransition markets.ECON 2035 Introduction to Technical Analysis (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to analyse market data by using mainstreamtechnical analysis techniques such as chart pattern analysis andmoving average. Technical analysis involves the use of historicalstock prices, volume, and other related data to forecast futureprice movements. Its objective is to identify trend changes at anearly stage based on information available. In this course, wewill introduce contemporary approaches to technical analysis. Inparticular, we will examine the performance of technical tradingrules in different markets.ECON 2036 Crisis Economics (3,3,0) (E)This course attempts to review the historical experiences of thefour major financial crises that had happened around the World:The great depression in 1929-1931, the Japanese financial crisis inthe 1990s, the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and the US financialmeltdown in 2008. The central focuses are to understand whythese crises occur and to evaluate effectiveness of the governmentpolicies that dealt with these crises. Lessons of the crises policiesand proposals to reform the financial system will be discussedduring the lectures.ECON 2110 Intermediate Microeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of MicroeconomicsBuilt on the foundation of the course “Principles ofMicroeconomics”, this course provides a comprehensivetreatment of microeconomics from the viewpoints of policy aswell as theory. It aims at achieving, in a balanced manner, twoequally important objectives: (1) serving as a satisfactory inputto other more specialized courses within the major; and (2)providing appropriate training to students taking the major, manyof whom are expected to become executives in large enterprisesand organizations, applied economic researchers, analysts andforecasters, business journalists and teachers, and who willtherefore need a concrete understanding of as wide a range oftheoretical and policy topics as possible. As the sequel to ECON1210, this course will probe further into the rationality behindsome standard theories and introduce recent development ineconomic theory.ECON 2120 Intermediate Macroeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1220 Principles of MacroeconomicsBuilt on the foundation of the course “Principles ofMacroeconomics”, this course provides a comprehensivetreatment of macroeconomics from the viewpoints of policy aswell as theory. It aims at achieving, in a balanced manner, twoequally important objectives: (1) serving as a satisfactory inputto other more specialized courses within the option; and (2)providing appropriate training to students taking the option, manyof whom are expected to become executives in large enterprisesand organizations, applied economic researchers, analysts andforecasters, business journalists and teachers, and who willtherefore need a concrete understanding of as wide a range oftheoretical and policy topics as possible. As the sequel to ECON1220, this course will probe further into the rationality behindsome standard theories and introduce recent development ineconomic theory.ECON 2130 Money and Banking (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide a general survey of financialinstitutions and markets, bank management, monetary theory andpolicy, and to help students understand why the financial systemis organized as it is and how the financial system and economyare interconnected. Students are expected to link the monetaryand financial theories and international experiences learned in thelectures to the local financial system and monetary arrangements.ECON 2140 Transition and Emerging Economies (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide a deeper understanding and insightsinto the backgrounds and characteristics of emerging economies(such as China, India, Mexico, Brazil and Russia) and thetransition economies of Eastern Europe and Asia (such asVietnam and the central Asia countries). Comparative analyticaltools and techniques will be employed to investigate importantaspects concerning the current economic growth and performance,business environment and opportunities across widely differingemerging and transition economies; and issues of economicattractiveness, difficulties and challenges will be discussed.This course will enable students to broaden their internationalunderstanding of the growing importance of the emerging andtransition markets.ECON 2170 Applied Econometrics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: BUS 1200 Statistics for Business or ECON 1150Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods orequivalentThis course aims at giving students basic understanding ofeconometrics theories and applying econometric techniques to

specific empirical economic problems. Numerous examples areexamined to achieve this goal. Emphasis is placed on the classicallinear model, least squares estimation, hypothesis testing, andmodel building. Econometric models are then adopted to analysepractical problems and make forecasts. Furthermore, students aretrained in this course to use computer statistical software.ECON 2180 Comparative Economics (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ECON 1120 Principles of Macroeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide students with the basic conceptualtools for evaluating and comparing different economies of theworld. A generally focus approach will be adopted to encouragestudent to have a general understanding of how economic systemswork and how economic theory interacts with government policy,history, culture, social, political and philosophical factors toexplain economic performance and evolution. A wide range ofcurrent issues confronting economic transition structural changewill also be emphasized. Country studies will include marketcapitalist countries (e.g. the US, Japan, France, Sweden, Britishand Germany), and the transforming former socialist economies(e.g. Russia, Poland, Hungary and other East-European).ECON 2230 Intermediate Microeconomics for (3,3,0) (E)China StudiesPrerequisite: ECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims at providing students with more knowledge ofeconomic theories which are relevant for the analysis of bothmarket economies and planned economies, as well as systemswhich are in the process of transition. After discussing majorapproaches to the investigation of different microeconomicphenomena, efficiency and welfare issues concerning capitalistand socialist systems will be covered, leading to a study ofmicroeconomic transition options. Students will be familiarizedwith examples involving China through exercises.ECON 2240 Intermediate Macroeconomics for (3,3,0) (E)China StudiesPrerequisite: ECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course covers macroeconomic theories applicable to bothmarket economies and centrally planned economies in the prereformand the post-reform eras. Closed and open economyversions, as well as relevant growth models, will be investigated.ECON 2250 Introduction to Technical Analysis (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to analyse market data by using mainstreamtechnical analysis techniques such as chart pattern analysis andmoving average. Technical analysis involves the use of historicalstock prices, volume, and other related data to forecast futureprice movements. Its objective is to identify trend changes at anearly stage based on information available. In this course, wewill introduce contemporary approaches to technical analysis. Inparticular, we will examine the performance of technical tradingrules in different markets.ECON 2260 Crisis Economics (3,3,0) (E)This course attempts to review the historical experiences of thefour major financial crises that had happened around the World:The great depression in 1929–1931, the Japanese financial crisis inthe 1990s, the Asian financial crisis in 1997 and the US financialmeltdown in 2008. The central focuses are to understand whythese crises occur and to evaluate effectiveness of the governmentpolicies that dealt with these crises. Lessons of the crises policiesand proposals to reform the financial system will be discussedduring the lectures.ECON 2510 Medical Economics (3,3,0) (E)The primary purpose of the course is to apply basic economicsconcepts to the study of health and medical (health) care. Inparticular, emphasis would be placed on the application ofmicroeconomic theory and statistical techniques to issue related tothe production and distribution of medical services, and decisionmaking in health care markets. Through this course, studentsshould be able to understand the role of economic incentives,competition, and regulation on the functioning of the healthcare market. The exposure of analyses related to the economicevaluation of medical services provides students the knowledgeof economic justification on resource allocation among differentmedical programmes and health care services.ECON 2610 Asia-Pacific Economies (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to introduce to students a general survey ofeconomic development in the Asia Pacific region. It is designedto help students to be familiarized with economic affairs inthe region and equip themselves with basic analytical tools fortackling economic issues. Socio-economic factors and changesin the global environment that have given rise to the “East Asianmiracle”, the subsequent financial crisis in 1997, and the followingdevelopment will be carefully analysed. Emphasis will be placedon the understanding of economic problems in the real world.ECON 2620 Information Economy (3,3,0)This course aims to introduce to students the economic conceptsand tools for analysing the operation of the information economy,which is characterized by the widespread application of personalcomputers and the Internet. The features of information goodswill be identified and new business strategies in the sector will beanalysed. The impact of the information technology revolutionon the economy as well as the challenges that have been brought topolicy-makers will also be discussed. Emphasis will not be placedon formal mathematical modelling. Interested students from allfaculties are expected to find no difficulty in understanding thecourse content.ECON 2640 Economic Environment in China (3,3,0) (P)Prerequisite: PA 0101 Principles of Microeconomics orequivalentThis course aims at providing students with basic knowledge aboutChina’s economic environment where business activities takeplace. Developments in the domestic economy will be studied,followed by investigations into trends of foreign trade and foreigninvestments in China. After taking this course, the studentsshould be able to evaluate the economic situation in terms of theperformance and policy changes in key economic sectors.ECON 2650 Mathematical Analysis for (3,3,0) (E)EconomicsPrerequisite: BUS 1190 Mathematics for Business or ECON1150 Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods orequivalentThis course aims to provide students exposure to commonmathematical analyses of economics. It maintains a balancebetween economic theories and mathematical vigorous. Studentsare trained to solve economic problems with mathematics. Majoremphasis is placed on conducting comparative static analysesusing mathematical techniques.ECON 2660 Economies of Hong Kong and the (3,3,0) (E)Pan-Pearl River DeltaPrerequisite: CHSE 1010/ECON 1010 Introductory EconomicAnalysis for China Studies or ECON 1220Principles of Macroeconomics or ECON 1620Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide students with a systematicunderstanding of the post-war development of the Hong Kongeconomy and the economic relationship between Hong Kongand the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD), especially after Chinaadopted its open-door policy and economic reform since 1978.Macroeconomic environment and policy issues of Hong Kong willbe examined. Economic characteristics of the PPRD, competitionand complementarities between Hong Kong and the PPRD willbe studied. The prospect and strategy of closer economic cooperationbetween Hong Kong and the PPRD will be examined.It is expected that after attending this course students willunderstand more Hong Kong’s macroeconomic environment andits economic relationship with the PPRD upon which informeddecision could be made in business and other areas.305Course Descriptions

306Course DescriptionsECON 3005 Applied Econometrics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: BUSI 3007 Business Research Methods or ECON2025 Basic Statistical Methods or equivalentThis course aims at giving students basic understanding ofeconometrics theories and applying econometric techniques tospecific empirical economic problems. Numerous examples areexamined to achieve this goal. Emphasis is placed on the classicallinear model, least squares estimation, hypothesis testing, andmodel building. Econometric models are then adopted to analyzepractical problems and make forecasts. Furthermore, students aretrained in this course to use computer statistical software.ECON 3006 Asia-Pacific Economies (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to introduce to students a general survey ofeconomic development in the Asia Pacific region. It is designedto help students to be familiarized with economic affairs inthe region and equip themselves with basic analytical tools fortackling economic issues. Socio-economic factors and changesin the global environment that have given rise to the “East Asianmiracle,” the subsequent financial crisis in 1997, and the followingdevelopment will be carefully analysed. Emphasis will be placedon the understanding of economic problems in the real world.ECON 3007 Industrial Organization and (3,3,0) (E)Business DecisionPrerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesOur objective is to give students a working knowledge to analyzethe economic decisions that firms normally have to make in thereal world. The discussion will focus on how firms set their prices,maintain its market dominance and interact with other firms.Furthermore, we will explore how governments should formulatetheir policies for strengthening the market competition.ECON 3010 Urban and Regional Economic (3,3,0)Development in ChinaPrerequisite: ECON 2220 Foundations of Chinese EconomyThis course studies how China’s urbanization strategies andregional development policies have affected economic performancesince reform. The first part of the course will review China’surbanization strategies and analyse how the Chinese governmenthas attempted to improve the management and administrationsystem of cities to promote economic growth. The second partwill discuss the central government’s regional economic policiesin different stages of reform and the actual development paths ofmajor regions in China.ECON 3015 Public Finance (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims at analyzing the economics of public sector.Fiscal objectives, instruments and constraints, as well as conceptsand theories of public finance will be discussed, mainly froma positive perspective. Considerations will also be given to theeconomic impacts from the political interactions of interestgroups. The analytical tools, models and applications to the realworld public sector problems are emphasised.ECON 3016 International Trade (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide an up-to-date and understandableanalytical framework for illustrating current events of internationaltrade. The first half will be devoted to understand the classical aswell as modern theories of international trade. The second halfof this course will be focused on trade policy and internationaleconomic integration.ECON 3017 International Financial Economics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1006 Principles of Economics II or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course provides students with an understanding ofinternational finance concepts and applications of the exchangerate theories and analytical techniques for international financialmanagement and investment. The course covers three mainareas: (1) international monetary arrangements and internationalfinancial environment; (2) the exchange rate market, the exchangerate determinations with their theoretical analysis, and the foreignexchange risk and forecasting; and (3) macroeconomic policy andcoordination in the open economy under different exchange ratesystems.ECON 3020 Games and Economic Decisions (3,3,0) (E)Game theory is a systematic way of studying strategic situations,in which each decision-maker’s behaviour affects the well-beingof other decision-makers. This course introduces the basic toolsfor decision-making in such strategic situations. Basic conceptssuch as dominance, Nash equilibrium, backward induction,commitment, credibility, signalling will be covered. This courseadopts an practical approach, in which conceptual analysis realworldexamples and applications will be emphasized. Classroomgames or economic experiments will be conducted in class.Reliance on mathematics will be kept to essential or minimallevel. This approach aims to develop students’ conceptualunderstanding, enhance their application ability and enable themto learn reflectively.ECON 3025 Money and Banking (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1006 Principles of Economics II or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide a general survey of financialinstitutions and markets, bank management, monetary theory andpolicy, and to help students understand why the financial systemis organized as it is and how the financial system and economyare interconnected. Students are expected to link the monetaryand financial theories and international experiences learned in thelectures to the local financial system and monetary arrangements.ECON 3026 Chinese Economic Developments (3,3,0) (E)This course provides an overview of the Chinese economicdevelopments. Emphases will be placed on how the MainlandChina has emerged as an important economic power in the worldsince she adopted economic reforms and open-door policies in1978 and how she has gradually integrated with Taiwan andHong Kong. A useful economic background will be provided tostudents who may be prepared to engage in China business in thefuture.ECON 3027 Mathematical Analysis for (3,3,0) (E)EconomicsPrerequisite: ECON 2016 Mathematics for Economists orequivalentThis course aims to provide students exposure to commonmathematical analyses of economics. It maintains a balancebetween economic theories and mathematical vigorous. Studentsare trained to solve economic problems with mathematics. Majoremphasis is placed on conducting comparative static analysesusing mathematical techniques.ECON 3035 Industrial Management and (3,3,0) (P)Development in ChinaPrerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON 1006Principles of Economics II or ECON 1007 BasicEconomic PrinciplesThe course aims to develop students’ knowledge of the industrialsector of the Chinese economy, placing particular emphasis onthe reform experience of the industrial enterprises in the country.Special effort will be put on analysing the recent emergence

of private enterprises in the industrial sector. The course willdiscuss how this change came about and its likely impacts onthe economic development of the country. The final part of thecourse will discuss the difficulties facing the country in upgradingits industrial structure. Some international experience will bedrawn on making policy recommendations.ECON 3036 Economics of Human Resources (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON 1007Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide an understanding of the humanresources market and its related issues. It seeks to describeand analyse the behaviour of the human resources marketfrom an economic perspective. Issues of investment in humanresources (education, and on-the-job training), pay differentialsand discrimination in the workplace are discussed. Concepts inthe area of human resources, such as work incentive schemes,payment methods, and employer and employee relationship, arealso presented. To enhance the understanding and the applicationof the concepts, training on data analysis and knowledge ofanalytical tools are provided.ECON 3037 Microeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of EconomicsThis course aims at providing students with more knowledge ofeconomic theories which are relevant for the analysis of bothmarket economies and planned economies, as well as systemswhich are in the process of transition. After discussing majorapproaches to the investigation of different microeconomicphenomena, efficiency and welfare issues concerning capitalistand socialist systems will be covered, leading to a study ofmicroeconomic transition options. Students will be familiarisedwith examples involving China through exercises.ECON 3045 Macroeconomics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of EconomicsThis course covers macroeconomic theories applicable to bothmarket economies and centrally planned economies in the prereformand the post-reform eras. Closed and open economyversions, as well as relevant growth models, will be investigated.ECON 3046 Economic Development (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1007 Basic Economic Principles or CHSE1005 Essentials of EconomicsThis course covers major theories of economic growth anddevelopment. It aims to introduce and analyse the commonproblems facing less developed economies. Strategies and policyrecommendations for sustainable economic development will bediscussed. This course intends to provide students with a solidtheoretical foundation to appraise the strategies and performancesof economic development.ECON 3055 Games and Economic Decisions (3,3,0) (E)Game theory is a systematic way of studying strategic situations,in which each decision-maker’s behaviour affects the well-beingof other decision-makers. This course introduces the basic toolsfor decision-making in such strategic situations. Basic conceptssuch as dominance, Nash equilibrium, backward induction,commitment, credibility, signaling will be covered. This courseadopts a practical approach, in which conceptual analysis realworldexamples and applications will be emphasized. Classroomgames or economic experiments will be conducted in class.Reliance on mathematics will be kept to essential or minimallevel. This approach aims to develop students’ conceptualunderstanding, enhance their application ability and enable themto learn reflectively.ECON 3056 Real Estate Economics (3,3,0) (E)Real estate represents an important sector in Hong Kong. Itinvolves many interesting and complex economic and policyissues, for example, introduction of a variety of mortgage-backedsecurities and the land auction system. A proper understanding ofthe real estate market is important for individuals to make soundsavings and investment decisions, for businesses to make the rightdecision on whether to buy or lease a property, and for banks toevaluate the asset risks underlying their mortgage loan portfoliosand to innovate real estate related financial products. Theobjective of this course is to develop an analytical framework bywhich students can make sound real estate investment decisions.The main emphasis of the course is on concept building, financialmodelling, and practical application.ECON 3110 International Economics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: (1) ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics and(2) ECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide an up-to-date and understandableanalytical framework for illustrating current events of internatinoaltrade and finance. The first half will be devoted to understand theclassical as well as modern theories of international trade, tradepolicy and international economic integration. The second halfof this course will be focused on international finance and openeconomy macroeconomic, understanding the difference betweenfixed and flexible exchange rate systems, balance of payments andinternational monetary problems.ECON 3160 Real Estate Economics (3,3,0) (E)Real estate represents an important sector in Hong Kong. Itinvolves many interesting and complex economic and policyissues, for example, introduction of a variety of mortgage-backedsecurities and the land auction system. A proper understanding ofthe real estate market is important for individuals to make soundsavings and investment decisions, for businesses to make the rightdecision on whether to buy or lease a property, and for banks toevaluate the asset risks underlying their mortgage loan portfoliosand to innovate real estate related financial products. Theobjective of this course is to develop an analytical framework bywhich students can make sound real estate investment decisions.The main emphasis of the course is on concept building, financialmodelling, and practical application.ECON 3230 Rural Economic Development in (3,3,0)ChinaPrerequisite: ECON 2220 Foundations of Chinese EconomyThis course aims at fostering an in-depth understanding of theprocess of institutional and policy changes as well as economicdevelopment in the countryside of China since 1949. Greateremphasis will be placed on the reform period. Debates in theWestern literature and among Chinese economists will becritically reviewed.ECON 3240 Industrial Organization and (3,3,0) (E)Business DecisionPrerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesOur objective is to give students a working knowledge to analysethe economic decisions that firms normally have to make in thereal world. The discussion will focus on how firms set their prices,maintain its market dominance and interact with other firms.Furthermore, we will explore how governments should formulatetheir policies for strengthening the market competition.ECON 3250 Econometric Analysis for Business (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: BUS 1200 Statistics for Business or ECON1150 Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods orequivalentThis course focuses on empirical analysis of real world data usingeconometric techniques. It adopts a hands-on approach. A widerange of empirical applications are examined to achieve this goal.Emphasis is placed on the linear regression model, least squaresestimation, hypothesis testing, and model building. Studentsare trained to use computer statistical software in the analysis ofpractical problems and making forecasts.307Course Descriptions

308Course DescriptionsECON 3260 Chinese Economic Developments (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomicsor ECON 1620 Basic Economic Principles orequivalentThis course provides an overview of the Chinese economicdevelopments. Emphases will be placed on how the mainlandChina has emerged as an important economic power in the worldsince she adopted economic reforms and open-door policies in1978 and how she has gradually integrated with Taiwan andHong Kong. A useful economic background will be provided tostudents who may be prepared to engage in China business in thefuture.ECON 3580 Honours Project (3,*,*)The student project is a valuable integrative element in the BSocSccurriculum, providing a focus for the application of knowledgeacquired from core and major courses. The project provides anopportunity for students to apply the knowledge and skills gainedon the degree programme to a real and practical economic issuerelated to China, and to prepare themselves for the transfer fromthe academic to the work situation.ECON 3620 Economic Development (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: (1) ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics and(2) ECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course covers major theories of economic growth anddevelopment. It aims to introduce and analyse the commonproblems facing less developed economies. Strategies and policyrecommedations for sustainable economic development will bediscussed. This course intends to provide students with a solidtheoretical foundation to appraise the strategies and performancesof economic development.ECON 3630 Labour Economics (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide an understanding of the working ofthe labour market in an economy. It seeks to describe, theorise,and analyse the behaviour of the labour market. Issues ofinvestment in human capital (education and on-the-job training),wage differentials and discrimination are discussed. Applicationsof concepts and theories in the area of human resources andpersonnel economics (labour turnover, labour mobility andincentive pay schemes) are also presented. To enhance theunderstanding and the application of labour economics theories,training on data analysis and knowledge of analytical tools areprovided.ECON 3650 Public Finance (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims at analysing the economics of public sector.Fiscal objectives, instruments and constraints, as well as conceptsand theories of public finance will be discussed, mainly froma positive perspective. Considerations will also be given to theeconomic impacts from the political interactions of interestgroups. The analytical tools, models and applications to the realworld public sector problems are emphasized.ECON 3670 Economic and Business Forecasting (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 2170 Applied Econometrics or ECON 3250Econometric Analysis for Business or equivalentThis course aims to introduce quantitative methods andtechniques for time series modelling, analysis, and forecasting ofeconomic and business data. Topics include time series propertiesof fluctuation, cycle, seasonality, trend, and unit roots tests forstationary. Models such as autoregressive and distribution lags,moving average and exponential smoothing, ARIMA, VAR andError Correction (EC), ARCH and GARCH, Logit and Probitmodels will be discussed with both statistical theory and practicalmethods of model building and analysis. Emphasis will alsobe put on the applications in economic and business relatedareas. Computing is an integral part of this course, all studentsare required to do data analysis, modelling and forecasting withcomputer statistics software.ECON 3710 China’s Foreign Economic (3,3,0) (P)Relations and TradePrerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomicsor ECON 1620 Basic Economic Principles orCHES 2220 Foundations of Chinese Economy orECON 3110 International EconomicsThis course aims to introduce students the basic features andeconomic impacts of China’s foreign economic relations andtrade, with emphasis on reform and changes in the post-1978period. The first part of the course provides a theoretical as wellas empirical framework for analysis of China’s foreign tradeissues. The second part of the course examines and assessesrecent developments of foreign investment in China.ECON 3720 Industrial Management and (3,3,0) (P)Development in ChinaPrerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1220 Principles of Macroeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThe course aims to develop students’ knowledge of the industrialsector of the Chinese economy, placing particular emphasis onthe reform experience of the industrial enterprises in the country.Special effort will be put on analysing the recent emergenceof private enterprises in the industrial sector. The course willdiscuss how this change came about and its likely impacts onthe economic development of the country. The final part of thecourse will discuss the difficulties facing the country in upgradingits industrial structure. Some international experience will bedrawn on making policy recommendations.ECON 3730 Money and Finance in China (3,3,0) (P)Prerequisite: CHSE 2220 Foundations of Chinese Economy orECON 2130 Money and BankingThis course aims at fostering an understanding of the functionsand the administration of money and finance in mainland China,and their impact on the economy at both the micro and themacro levels. Fiscal, monetary and exchange rate systems willbe analysed from optimality as well as policy viewpoints. Thedevelopments of the post-1979 and post-1994 financial reformsand their policy implications will be emphasized. Financialrelations between the Mainland and Hong Kong will also beinvestigated.ECON 3740 Economics of Human Resources (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ECON 1210 Principles of Microeconomics orECON 1620 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims to provide an understanding of the humanresources market and its related issues. It seeks to describeand analyse the behaviour of the human resources marketfrom an economic perspective. Issues of investment in humanresources (education and on-the-job training), pay differentialsand discrimination in the workplace are discussed. Concepts inthe area of human resources, such as work incentive schemes,payment methods, and employer and employee relationship, arealso presented. To enhance the understanding and applicationof the concepts, training on data analysis and knowledge ofanalytical tools are provided.ECON 4005 China’s Foreign Economic (3,3,0) (P)Relations and TradePrerequisite: CHSE 1005 Essentials of Economics or ECON1005 Principles of Economics I or ECON1006Principles of Economics II or ECON 1007 BasicEconomic PrinciplesThis course aims to introduce students the basic features andeconomic impacts of China’s foreign economic relations andtrade, with emphasis on reform and changes in the post-1978

period. The first part of the course provides a theoretical as wellas empirical framework for analysis of China’s foreign tradeissues. The second part of the course examines and assessesrecent developments of foreign investment in China.ECON 4006 Economic and Business (3,3,0) (E)ForecastingPrerequisite: ECON 3005 Applied Econometrics or equivalentThis course aims to introduce quantitative methods andtechniques for time series modelling, analysis, and forecastingof economic and business data. Topics include time seriesproperties of fluctuation, cycle, seasonality, trend, unit roots testsfor stationary. Models such as autoregressive and distributionlags, moving average and exponential smoothing, ARIMA, VARand Error Correction (EC), ARCH and GARCH, Logit andProbit models will be discussed with both statistical theory andpractical methods of model building and analysis. Emphasis willalso be put on the applications in economic and business relatedareas. Computing is an integral part of this course, all studentsare required to do data analysis, modelling and forecasting withcomputer statistics software.ECON 4007 Money and Finance in China (3,3,0) (P)Prerequisite: CHSE 2005 Foundations of Chinese Economy orECON 1006 Principles of Economics II or ECON1007 Basic Economic PrinciplesThis course aims at fostering an understanding of the functionsand the administration of money and finance in Mainland China,and their impact on the economy at both the micro and themacro levels. Fiscal, monetary and exchange rate systems willbe analyzed from optimality as well as policy viewpoints. Thedevelopments of the post-1979 and post-1994 financial reformsand their policy implications will be emphasised. Financialrelations between the Mainland and Hong Kong will also beinvestigated.ECON 7020 Economic Developments in China (2,3,0)and Hong KongThis course aims to provide students with a systematicunderstanding of the system and performance of the Chineseand Hong Kong economies since 1949 respectively. Adopting ahistorical and topical approach, this course focuses on the policyissues of reform and development of the Chinese and Hong Kongeconomies respectively. Issues on closer economic ties betweenHong Kong and the mainland will also be examined.ECON 7040 International Macroeconomics and (2,3,0)Policy IssuesThe objective of this course is twofold. The first objective is toexplore the foundations of trade policies, particularly the majorpolicies to promote free trade among trading partners. It alsodiscusses the major issues related to trade policies, including theeffects of trade policies, trade balances, and world trade system.To enhance deeper understanding of various trade policies, acomparison between these policies would be provided. Anotherobjective is to focus on topics in international finance. Majortopics covered include national income accounts, balance ofpayments, foreign exchange market, interest parity and purchasingpower parity, and topics in international monetary economics.ECON 7050 International Trade and Finance in (2,3,0)ChinaThis course aims at fostering an understanding of two majoraspects of China’s economic development since 1978: (1) the basicfeatures and impacts of expanding foreign trade under the openpolicy; and (2) the functions and the administration of moneyand finance in an increasingly liberalized and decentralizedenvironment. After a brief historical review of major stages,achievements, and remaining problems in both aspects, reformand policy options will be discussed, and the opportunities as wellas challenges from a business perspective will be examined.ECON 7060 Emerging Economies (2,3,0)This course aims to provide a deeper understanding and insightsinto the backgrounds and characteristics of emerging economies(such as China, India, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, Russia andthe transition economies of Eastern Europe and Central Asia),and apply tools to analyse their current economic growthand performance, business environment and opportunities.Comparative analysis tools and techniques will be used to exposeacross widely differing emerging economies that present differentattractive business opportunities and challenges. Thus, this courseenables students to determine best strategies and to decide amongoptions for future business linkages in the emerging markets.ECON 7070 Economics for Managers (2,3,0)Managerial economics concerns how to use economic analysisto make business decisions of a firm. This course (1) presentsan introduction to applied economic theory necessary for soundmanagerial decision-making, and (2) is to enable students tounderstand major macroeconomic issues that have importantbearing on running a firm.ECON 7080 Economics of Public Policy (3,3,0)This course is designed to help students understand the analyticaltools of economics and apply them to major public policy issuessuch as the minimum wage, rent controls, international tradeand globalization, income distribution, public goods, urbandevelopment, traffic congestion and urban crime. The course aimsto help students master principles of economics in formulatingpublic policy.ECON 7090 Business Economics (3,3,0)Business economics studies how to apply micro and macroeconomic models and analyses to make business decisions andto predict the changes in business environment. We (1) introduceand apply economic theory necessary for sound business decisionmaking,and (2) enable students to understand the effects ofchanges in macroeconomic environment, government fiscal andmonetary policies, and international events for making favorabledecisions.ECON 7100 Research Workshops and Seminars (3,3,0)This course aims at preparing students for carrying out academicand applied research work. Students will learn how to identifyeconomic issues, develop testable hypotheses, apply appropriateanalytical tools, and write term papers. By means of lectures,company visits, seminars and workshops, the course providesstudents a thorough understanding of the entire process of doingacademic research or applied research in the areas of Economics.Inviting professionals, industry leaders and government officials asguest speakers will enrich students’ exposure to the current issuesin the economy.ECON 7110 Advanced Econometrics (3,3,0)The goal of the course is to provide students with advancedtheories in econometrics. The emphasis is on theoreticalunderpinnings and unifying themes, to be supplemented byapplied computer work. Students completed this course should beable to conduct sophisticated empirical research.ECON 7120 Advanced Microeconomics (3,3,0)This course educates students advanced treatments ofmicroeconomics by emphasizing more rigorous proofs. Studentswill investigate the optimization behaviour of individual agentsas well as resource allocation in a decentralized economy.Uncertainty and strategic behaviours will be introduced in thiscourse, too.ECON 7130 Advanced Macroeconomics (3,3,0)The course introduces students to important topics inmacroeconomics, including growth theory, business cycles, NewKeynesian theories, and recent development in macroeconomics.Both theoretical and empirical aspects are the focus of the course.While the theoretical models offer qualitative insights into the309Course Descriptions

310Course Descriptionsworking of the economy, the emphasis of the empirical techniquesallow students to estimate the economic models and enable themto make use insights for the most current economic studies into theeffect of government policy on the economy. With the building ofknowledge on both qualitative and quantitative macroeconomics,students are equipped with tools needed for understanding andconducting macroeconomic policy analysis.ECON 7140 Applied Econometric Analysis (3,3,0)This course aims at covering graduate level applied econometrictechniques to quantitatively solve empirical economic problems.In addition to the classical linear regression model, hypothesistesting and problems of non-spherical disturbances, moreadvanced topics are also considered. Students will be trainedto formulate econometric models and to identify the causalrelationships between economic variables using computersoftware. The emphasis is upon the interpretation and testing ofresults from different econometric estimation procedures. Studentswill also be provided with practical experience of applying thesetechniques to quantitatively solve empirical problems that arise ineconomics and business.ECON 7210 International Trade (3,3,0)This course aims to provide an up-to-date and understandableanalytical framework for illustrating current events of internationaltrade. Most of the time will be devoted to understand the classicalas well as modern theories of international trade, trade policyand international economic integration. Topics in internationaleconomics with an emphasis on current issues like globalization,financial crisis, regionalism, will then be studied.ECON 7220 International Finance (3,3,0)This course provides students with an understanding ofinternational finance concepts and applied techniques tointernational financial management and investment. This coursefocus on the foreign exchange markets and international capitalmarkets, and understand how international firms make financialdecisions of foreign investment, and measure foreign exchangerisk in the present global financial environment. The course isorganized in three parts: (1) introduction of international financialenvironment and the important international macroeconomicconcepts; (2) understanding the foreign exchange rate market,the exchange rate determinations with its theoretical analysis andforecasting, and the foreign exchange risk and its management;and (3) focus on international portfolio investment strategies andthe exchange risk management.ECON 7230 Monetary Economics (3,3,0)This course discusses the impacts of money demand and moneysupply, and therefore monetary policies on output, employment,and inflation. The role of central bank and its interaction withfirms and workers, more specifically, how it should carry outmonetary policies in face of the rational expectations of theseeconomic agents in the private sector, will be evaluated. Inaddition, under the rapid globalization, impacts of one country’smonetary policy on exchange rates and other country’s economieswill also be studied. After taking this course, students are expectedto be able to explain different phenomenon of the macro-economyand make forecasts about the basic macro-economic trends.ECON 7240 Economic Development and Growth (3,3,0)The aim of this course is to examine the driving forces andmechanisms of economic development and growth. We willexplain and discuss economic models and perspectives ondevelopment and growth, go through the empirical findings onthe issues and assess the difference and growth potentials acrosscountries.ECON 7250 Financial Economics (3,3,0)This course provides an introduction to financial economics. Thetopics include an introduction of capital markets, consumptionand investment, capital budgeting, the theory of choice, valuationof securities, portfolio analysis, bond analysis, options and futuresmarkets, International Financial Management, and EfficientCapital Markets. It will also provide students with knowledgeand skills in applications of modern finance theory to riskmanagement and other issues in economics and financial markets.Applications of the theory are emphasized throughout the course.ECON 7260 Economic Analysis of the Firm (3,3,0)This course introduces theories that explain the sizes, scopes,internal structures, and the kinds of contractual relations thatcharacterize business firms. Issues addressed include: why firmsexist, how firms are established, and what contributions firmsmake to the economy. The course provides innovative models ofeconomic equilibrium that endogenously determine the structureand function of economic institutions. The entrepreneur as adecision maker is analysed in details. In addition to the role ofa producer, the firm as an intermediary and as a market maker isalso discussed.ECON 7270 Topics in Microeconomics (3,3,0)This course aims at bringing current development ofmicroeconomics to students. The topics may vary from yearto year, depending on the research and teaching interest ofinstructors. Those topics are usually not covered or covered onlybriefly in ECON 7120. Some examples of topics are: theory ofincentives, theory of organizations, mechanism design, modellingmulti-person strategic behaviour, general equilibrium, modellingmulti-output production, etc. Three to five topics will be coveredthoroughly in one semester.ECON 7280 Topics in Macroeconomics (3,3,0)This course educates students in knowing the latest developmentof macroeconomics. The topics may vary from year to year,depending on the research and teaching interest of instructors.Some examples of topics are (1) how macroeconomic theoriescan be used to understand the complex relationships of a modernmarket economy, (2) why fluctuations and sometimes crisis mayoccur in an economy and (3) how government policies maybe used to stabilize the functioning of an economy. Currentmacroeconomics issues will be discussed, too, for example, thecauses and remedies of (l) the financial crisis of 2008, (2) the Eurocrisis and (3) the long-term stagnation in Japan.ECON 7310 Economic Institutions in China (3,3,0)This course studies key economic institutions of China that haveemerged in the course of transition from a planned to a marketeconomy. These institutions are not necessarily the first-bestchoices from the perspective of conventional theories of marketeconomy, but they might overcome some typical institutionalweaknesses of transitional economies. They include the doubletrackpricing and allocation system, local government ownershipof firms, fiscal decentralization and yardstick competition amongdifferent regional jurisdictions, etc. Drawing on the majorcontributions in the economics literature, the costs and benefits ofadopting these institutions by China will be analysed.ECON 7320 Public Finance and Monetary (3,3,0)Economics in ChinaThis course aims at providing an in-depth understanding of thefunctions and the performance of China’s fiscal, monetary andexchange rate systems, as well as their impact on the economy.After explaining major trends in those changing regimes, theirdevelopments in the post-1994 and post-2001 periods are analysed,using theoretical models and econometric techniques to tacklecritical issues.Regarding the fiscal system, the course emphasizes topics suchas central-local intergovernmental relations, the transition fromcontracts to tax assignment, and the impact of patterns oftaxation and public expenditure on macroeconomic developmentand income distribution, amongst others. Sterilization operationsfor a semi-open monetary regime and increasing flexibility of theexchange rate form the foci for discussion of the challenges facingthe People’s Bank of China, on top of the reforms of monetarytools and capital account liberalization.

The reactions and effectiveness of China’s fiscal-monetary mix inalleviating the adverse consequences of the global economic crisiswhich began to unfold from the fourth quarter of 2008 are to bereviewed. The course ends by an investigation of the evolvingfinancial relations between the Mainland and Hong Kong.ECON 7330 Foreign Economic Policies of China (3,3,0)This course discusses the foreign economic relations of Chinawith the rest of the world and the foreign economic policies ofChina. It explores how and why China integrates its economywith the world economy, major conflicts with other countries, andhow some of the conflicts were resolved or minimized. Topicscovered include China’s trade with other countries, accession tothe World Trade Organization, currency policy, and free tradeareas. Also covered are the relations between economic growthand foreign economic policies and the relations between domesticpolicies and foreign policies. Students can learn from this coursenot only how a developing country like China can benefit fromforeign trade but also the major conflicts China has with othercountries.ECON 7340 Productivity Analysis of the Chinese (3,3,0)EconomyThis course is an interdisciplinary field of economics, managementscience, mathematics and econometrics. It aims at applyingadvanced production theory and quantitative techniques forperformance gauging in multi-input, multi-output organizations.The productivity of individual enterprises as well as the wholeeconomy is the focus. Students will obtain hands-on experiencesuch as evaluating the efficiency losses of firms in variousindustries and the welfare losses of regional fragmentations. Theproductivity growth of the Chinese economy before and after theeconomic reform will also be studied.ECON 7410 Development and Policies of Hong (3,3,0)Kong’s Major Economic SectorsThe course aims at providing students with a theoretical andsystematic understanding of the latest development and publicpolicies of Hong Kong’s major economic sectors. These activitieswould include banking and finance, property and construction,industry, telecommunications, aviation and logistics, tourism,public utilities and the government sector. Policy reactionsunder the recent financial crisis and economic downturn will beanalysed. Their impacts on Hong Kong’s economic restructuringwill be examined. Focus would also be placed on Hong Kong’seconomic integration with the Pearl River Delta and relevantpolicy issues. Special emphasis will be given to the usage ofempirical analysis to evaluate the impact of economic policies.ECON 7420 Applied Time Series Analysis and (3,3,0)ForecastingThis course aims to introduce methods for time-series analysis,modelling and forecasting with computing application, andinterpretation. The major time series models such as time trend,cycle and seasonal modelling, smoothing, stationary and unitroots tests, causality analysis, distributed lag model, Box-JenkinsARIMA model, dummy dependent model, vector autoregression(VAR) and error correction (ER) model, ARCH and GARCHmodel, etc. The course shows how to apply these techniques toreal-life data and to develop forecasting models for economic,business and finance applications. Computing is an integral partof this course.ECON 7430 Applied Cost-Benefit Analysis (3,3,0)This course educates students in applied cost-benefit analysis of: (a)private investment, (b) public investment, (c) business strategy, and(d) government policy, with a primary focus of applying economicreasoning and writing/presentation skills to deliver practicalinformation for decision making in a complicated business world.ECON 7440 Applied Economics Research Paper (3,0,0)This course aims at training students to apply the knowledgeand skills developed in the taught courses of the programme toput together an original and analytical piece of research. It is acomplement of classroom learning and seeks to encourage criticalthinking and informed judgement. Each student of this coursemust write a research paper independently under the supervisionof a faculty member. The research paper would normallyentail the use of empirical methods such as data analysis oreconometrics.This course is offered in the summer term only and open tostudents with GPA not less than 3.5 in the first semester. Duringthe second semester, students who plan to take this course choosea research topic and produce a proposal. An academic supervisoris then allocated on the basis of each chosen topic.ECON 7450 Energy Economics (3,3,0)This course educates students in (a) interactions among energy,economy, and environment; (b) energy market organization,regulation and deregulation; (c) energy demand, pricing,investment, supply and costs; (d) energy efficiency, conservationand demand management; and (e) risk management, energysecurity, emissions control, and renewable energy development.ECON 7510 China’s Economic Development and (3,3,0)ReformThis course provides an overview of the Chinese economy, withemphasis on the development in the reform period. It mainlycovers the post-1978 evolution of reform measures in varioussectors, including agriculture, industry, financial institutions, fiscalsystem and foreign sectors. The growth and equity implicationsof the reforms will also be evaluated.ECON 7520 China’s Foreign Trade and Investment (3,3,0)This course aims to introduce student basic facts and analysis ofthe rationale, the institutional changes, arrangements and policiesas well as the economic impacts of foreign trade and investmentliberalization in post-1978 China. The first part provides atheoretical as well as empirical framework for analysis of China’sforeign trade issues. The second part examines and assessesthe recent developments of foreign investment in China. Uponcompletion of the course, students are expected to have basicunderstanding of how foreign investment and trade have beenconducted in China; how they may have shaped the structure,administration and performance of the Chinese economyparticularly in the post-1978 reform period and how could theirbeneficial role be strengthened.ECON 7540 Graduate Workshops on China’s (3,3,0)EconomyThis course discusses some fundamental issues that are useful foranalysing the problems facing the Chinese economy today. Inparticular, we will discuss three important questions. First, whatare the major economic factors that determinate the economicgrowth of a developing country? Second, how governments canstabilize their countries’ economic growth pattern? Finally, howcan we identify the stimulating effect of economic policies ongrowth?ECON 7710 Advanced Econometrics (3,3,0)The goal of the course is to provide students with advancedtheories in econometrics. The emphasis is on theoreticalunderpinnings and unifying themes, to be supplemented byapplied computer work. Students completed this course should beable to conduct sophisticated empirical research.ECON 7720 Advanced Microeconomics (3,3,0)This course educates students advanced treatments ofmicroeconomics by emphasizing more rigorous proofs. Studentswill investigate the optimization behaviour of individual agentsas well as resource allocation in a decentralized economy.Uncertainty and strategic behaviours will be introduced in thiscourse, too.311Course Descriptions

312ECON 7730 Advanced Macroeconomics (3,3,0)The course introduces students to important topics inmacroeconomics, including growth theory, business cycles, NewKeynesian theories, and recent development in macroeconomics.Both theoretical and empirical aspects are the focus of the course.While the theoretical models offer qualitative insights into theworking of the economy, the emphasis of the empirical techniquesallow students to estimate the economic models and enable themto make use insights for the most current economic studies into theeffect of government policy on the economy. With the building ofknowledge on both qualitative and quantitative macroeconomics,students are equipped with tools needed for understanding andconducting macroeconomic policy analysis.ECON 7740 Required Readings in Economics (3,3,0)This course aims to (1) provide a tailor-made and guided readingprogram for research postgraduate students in specific area(s)of concentration, and (2) induce students to acquire in-depthunderstanding of their specific research field in the disciplineof economics. The supervisor and the student are required towork out a reading list to cover literature supplementary to thestudent’s research area. The approved list will be submitted to theDepartment for record.learning, to think critically about various schools of educationalthoughts, and to relate curricula and methods of instruction totheir philosophical underpinnings.EDUC 1025/ School Experience (2,0,0)1070This course is one of the four components of the IntegratedPracticum for giving student-teachers an early and rich inductioninto the school system before their formal teaching practice.Student-teachers will spend four weeks in schools tasting theteachers’ life. They will work as an assistant to take care of theextra-curricular activities, meetings, projects as well as classroomteaching. Student-teachers are required to submit a portfoliowhich recorded down these three weeks’ experience, reflections,and one supervision result.EDUC 1026/ Introduction to English Language (2,2,0) (E)1030 Teaching (ELT)The course provides students with basic concepts and theoriesof English language teaching (ELT), based on which studentswill be able to make informed choices about the design of ELTcurriculum and syllabus, the teaching of various skills andapplication of strategies at different stages of the curriculum,including planning, preparation, implementation and evaluation.Course DescriptionsEDUC 1005/ Introduction to Educational (2,2,0) (E)1050 PsychologyThis course introduces cognitive and psychosocial developmentacross stages of childhood and adolescent; behavioural, socialcognitiveand individual factors underlying the processes ofhuman learning; as well as related applications in classroomteaching and learning.EDUC 1006/ Introduction to Liberal Studies in (2,2,0)1120 SchoolsThis course gives students an overview of Liberal Studies (LS)as a subject in Hong Kong secondary schools. Major foci of thiscourse include the origin of Liberal Education, its applicationsin tertiary education, and its connection to LS in the secondaryeducation sector. This course will also explore the nature of LS asa school subject and its linkage with other subjects in Hong Kongschool curriculum. Lastly, a comparative review of LS in HongKong and other countries will be offered.EDUC 1007/ Instructional and Assessment (2,2,0)1130 Strategies for Liberal StudiesThis course examines current theories and approaches ofinstruction in liberal studies (LS) and aims at preparing studentsto be effective LS teachers for Hong Kong schools.EDUC 1015/ Teaching and Learning with (2,2,0) (E)1090 Information and CommunicationTechnologyThis course equips students with relevant skills in integratinginformation and communication technologies into teaching andlearning. It provides students with a comprehensive understandingof the pedagogical, technological and administrative implicationsof new technologies for subject teaching, and prepares them todesign, develop, implement, evaluate and manage the use of ICTin various educational settings.EDUC 1016/ Introduction to Sociology of (2,2,0) (E)1060 EducationThe course aims at providing a sociological framework forunderstanding the relationship between education and society. Itexamines social, cultural, and political influences on education.EDUC 1017/ Introduction to Philosophy of (2,2,0) (E)1080 EducationThis course is an introduction to selected philosophical issuesconfronting education practitioners in their daily work. It aims todevelop students’ ability to reflect philosophically on teaching andEDUC 1027/ Teaching of Grammar and (2,2,0) (E)1100 VocabularyThis course gives students an overview of grammar andvocabulary in language teaching and examines grammar andvocabulary instruction from both the learning and teachingperspectives. It provides students with knowledge necessaryfor making informed choices about the teaching and testing ofgrammar and vocabulary in the English classroom.EDUC 2005/ Classroom Communication and (3,3,0) (E)2040 ManagementThis course focuses on managing the classroom environmentfor positive teaching and learning by providing an infrastructureof order and meaning. It also deals with the theoretical basisand the implementation of a range of approaches to classroommanagement and communication. Emphasis will be put onknowledge and skills for creating a learning environment thatencourages positive social interaction and communication.EDUC 2006/ Curriculum, Assessment and (3,3,0) (E)2020 LearningPrerequisite: EDUC 1050/1005 Introduction to EducationalPsychologyThis course provides students with an overview of the schoolcurriculum. It introduces students to the principles andinstruments of assessment commonly used for different key stages.Emphasis is put on examples drawn from the Hong Kong context.EDUC 2007/ Educational Research(3,3,0) (E)2080This course aims at providing students with the basic informationfor developing students’ understanding of the process ineducational research from idea formulation through dataanalysis and interpretation. It introduces the basic conceptsand procedures that are essential for engaging in and critiquingeducational research intelligently and meaningfully. It alsodiscusses the methodologies most commonly used in bothquantitative and qualitative educational research.EDUC 2015 Teaching and Learning of Self (2,2,0)and Personal DevelopmentThis course gives students an overview of “Self and PersonalDevelopment” as an area of study in the Hong Kong LiberalStudies Curriculum. It engages students in exploration ofkey issues and themes in understanding oneself and handlinginterpersonal relationships. It also aims at developing students’pedagogical knowledge and skills in the teaching and assessmentof this study area.

314Course DescriptionsEDUC 3080 Teaching and Learning of Science, (2,2,0) (C)Technology and EnvironmentThis course gives students an overview of “Science, Technologyand Environment” (STE) as an area of study in the Hong KongLiberal Studies (LS) Curriculum. The connection between STEand the curriculum area of “Science, Technology and Society”(STS) are examined at both the junior and senior secondary levels.This course will also provide students with basic information onvarious STS issues in the contemporary world so as to developtheir pedagogical knowledge and skills, thus enabling themto make informed choices and actions about instruction andassessment for this area of study.EDUC 3591-2 Honours Project (3,0,3)Prerequisite: EDUC 3090/3100 Integration, Reflectionand Innovation in English Language Teaching(Primary)/(Secondary)This course provides an opportunity for students to integrate andsynthesize their learning by conducting an individual independentproject on a significant issue related to education. The projectcan be an empirical study, a literature review and discussion onspecific concepts or theories, a classroom-based investigation,an action research project, or other relevant areas proposed bystudents, subject to approval by project supervisors.By the end of the final academic year, students are required tosubmit a final written report of about 7,000 to 10,000 words inEnglish.EDUC 4005/ Creative and Critical Thinking (2,2,0) (E)4150This course aims to enhance the thinking skills and inclinationsof students by familiarizing them with the nature of thinking,processes of thinking and the methods used for developingthinking capacities. It provides them with opportunities forreflecting on their own thinking as well as exploring differentapproaches to the teaching of thinking skills. A specific focus onskills in verbal reasoning and argumentation will be emphasizedin this course.EDUC 4006/ Teaching English to Adults (2,2,0)4060This elective extends students’ knowledge of language learningand teaching to focus on teaching English to adult learners whorequire either general English or the English language for specificpurposes, such as academic study and discipline-specific needs.EDUC 4007/ Teaching English to Young (2,2,0)4080 LearnersPrerequisite: Enrolment for this elective is subject to approval bythe DepartmentThis elective course extends student-teachers’ knowledgeof language learning and teaching to focus on the specificcharacteristics of young language learners and the implicationsfor the teaching of English as a second language in the primarysector. The course also builds on student-teachers’ knowledge oflanguage teaching methodology.EDUC 4010 Teaching General Studies to (2,2,0) (C)Young LearnersThis course introduces students to the curriculum and content ofGeneral Studies (GS) in Hong Kong primary education. Studentswill also learn about instructional and assessment strategies, anddevelop teaching plans and learning materials for GS. The roleof GS in the primary curriculum, and its connection with LiberalStudies (LS) at the secondary stage, will also be discussed.EDUC 4015 Teaching General Studies to (2,2,0)Young LearnersThis course introduces students to the curriculum and content ofGeneral Studies (GS) in Hong Kong primary education. Studentswill also learn about instructional and assessment strategies, anddevelop teaching plans and learning materials for GS. The roleof GS in the primary curriculum, and its connection with LiberalStudies (LS) at the secondary stage, will also be discussed.EDUC 4016/ Teaching Mathematics to Young (2,2,0)4120 LearnersThis course provides an overview of the primary mathematicscurriculum in Hong Kong. It examines the general principlesof curriculum design and focuses on the pedagogical knowledgeand generic skills required for the teaching and learning ofmathematics at Key Stages 1 and 2.EDUC 4017/ Coping with Changes in Primary (2,2,0)4650 EducationPrerequisite: Enrolment for this elective is subject to approval bythe DepartmentThis course develops students’ knowledge of coping withcontemporary changes in primary education, specifically issuesrelated to individual learners and classroom and school practicesthat impact upon these learners. The course covers topics such aslearner diversity and differences, learning difficulties and relatedproblems, small class teaching and whole school approach.EDUC 4025/ Developing Literacy Skills in (2,2,0)4660 Young ESL LearnersPrerequisite: Enrolment for this elective is subject to approval bythe DepartmentThis course extends students’ knowledge of language learning andteaching to focus on literacy acquisition and development and theimplications for teaching literacy in English as a second languagein the primary sector. The course also focuses on alphabeticknowledge, word recognition, phonemic and phonologicalawareness, print awareness, assessment of literacy and literacydifficulties.EDUC 4026/ Integration, Reflection and (2,2,0)3090 Innovation in English LanguageTeaching (Primary)Prerequisite: EDUC 1026/1030 Introduction to EnglishLanguage Teaching (ELT)This course extends and consolidates students’ knowledgeof second language education through involving students inreviewing and evaluating current theories and practices in ELT.The course covers topics such as integration of theories andpractices in ELT, reflective language teaching, language classroomenquiry, and recent developments and innovation in ELT.EDUC 4027/ Integration, Reflection and (2,2,0)3100 Innovation in English LanguageTeaching (Secondary)Prerequisite: EDUC 1026/1030 Introduction to EnglishLanguage Teaching (ELT)This course extends and consolidates students’ knowledgeof second language education through involving students inreviewing and evaluating current theories and practices in ELT.The course covers topics such as integration of theories andpractices in ELT, reflective language teaching, language classroomenquiry, and recent developments and innovation in ELT.EDUC 4035/ Language Arts and Enrichment (2,2,0)3120 Activities (Primary)This course aims at enabling students to understand the value androle of language arts and enrichment activities in ELT, as well asto develop a repertoire of effective practices, with an emphasison the experiential dimension of language use, both inside andoutside the primary classroom.EDUC 4036/ Language Arts and Enrichment (2,2,0)3130 Activities (Secondary)This course aims at enabling students to understand the value androle of language arts and enrichment activities in ELT, as well asto develop a repertoire of effective practices, with an emphasison the experiential dimension of language use, both inside andoutside the secondary classroom.

316Course Descriptionsdesigned to provide an understanding of the reasons for inclusionof students with disabilities in regular schools, and the strategiesthat can be used to optimize their educational experiences.EDUC 7260 Professional Teacher Development I (3,3,0)This course will focus on the theoretical bases and theimplementation of a range of approaches to classroommanagement and communication. It emphasizes skills andknowledge for creating a learning environment that encouragespositive social interaction and effective communication amongmembers of the learning community.EDUC 7270 Professional Teacher Development II (4,4,0)The course focuses on meeting the learning and developmentneeds of teachers and students. It aims to promote interest inand readiness for student teachers taking charge of their personaldevelopment. It explores the role of teaching as a regulatedprofessional activity and expectations of teacher behaviour. Itreviews the diversity of the teacher’s role, giving student-teachersknowledge and skills and classroom strategies for creating alearning environment for students with diverse learning needs.EDUC 7280 Education Foundations (4,4,0)The course sets out to introduce prospective educators tofoundational cornerstones of educational thinking and enhancetheir ability to reflect, analyse and apply acquired knowledgerelated to the philosophical and ideological contributions toeducation, the societal impacts and their effects on the contextsof learning, and the psychological models that describe andexplain human learning and instruction. The course comprisesthree components representing the philosophical, social andpsychological foundations of education.EDUC 7290 Moral and Civic Education (2,2,0)This course introduces major theoretical approaches and conceptsintegral to moral and civic education and examines critical issuesin its design and implementation.EDUC 7310 School Experience (0,0,0)This course is one of the four components of the IntegratedPracticum for giving student-teachers an early and rich inductioninto the school system before their formal teaching practice.Student-teachers will spend three weeks in schools tasting theteachers’ life. They will work as an assistant to take care of theextra-curricular activities, meetings, projects as well as classroomteaching. Student-teachers are required to submit a portfoliowhich recorded down these four weeks’ experience, reflectionsand one supervision result.EDUC 7320 Supervised Teaching Practice (4,0,0)This course is one of the four components of the IntegratedPracticum for giving student-teachers an opportunity to put theoryinto practice. Student-teachers will spend eight weeks in schoolsand will work as a teacher to teach inside the classroom. Studentteachersare required to submit a reflective teaching portfoliowhich included teaching plans as well as the two assessmentresults after their teaching practice period.EDUC 7341-2 Supervised Teaching Practice (2,0,0)This course is one of the four components of the IntegratedPracticum for giving student-teachers an opportunity to put theoryinto practice. Student-teachers will spend ten weeks in schoolsand will work as a teacher to teach inside the classroom. Studentteachersare required to submit a reflective teaching portfoliowhich included teaching plans as well as the two assessmentresults after their teaching practice period.EDUC 7360 Curriculum and Assessment (3,3,0)This course provides students with knowledge about schoolcurriculum in general. This course also introduces students tothe principles and instruments of assessment commonly used inschools. Emphasis will be put on examples drawn from the HongKong context.EDUC 7370 Classroom Management and (3,3,0)CommunicationThis course focuses on managing the classroom environmentfor positive teaching and learning by providing an infrastructureof order and meaning. It also deals with the theoretical basisand the implementation of a range of approaches to classroommanagement and communication. Emphasis will be put onknowledge and skills for creating a learning environment thatencourages positive social interaction and communication.EDUC 7381-2 Subject Instruction I & II (4,4,0)This course develops and enhances the effectiveness of studentsin teaching their specializing subjects in schools. It also fosterscritical thinking, creativity and self-reflection in curriculum design,implementation and evaluation.EDUC 7391-2 Subject Teaching I & II (3,3,0)This course develops and enhances the effectiveness of studentsin teaching their specializing subjects in schools. It also fosterscritical thinking, creativity and self-reflection in curriculum design,implementation and evaluation.EDUC 7410 Supervised Teaching Practice (4,0,0)AssessmentThis course aims to offer opportunities for students who are inserviceteachers to integrate education theories into practice andto enhance their concepts and skills in subject teaching throughlesson preparation and implementation.EDUC 7420 Foundational Mathematics (3,3,0)This course introduces basic ideas and techniques in foundationalmathematics topics for junior level mathematics teachers. Specialemphasis will be put on the fundamental theorems of variousmathematics streams. It also aims at enhancing teachers’mathematical reasoning, communication and logical thinkingskills.EDUC 7430 Development in Mathematical (3,3,0)ThinkingThis course aims at enriching students’ knowledge andperspectives of mathematical thinking and how it impacts thelearning and teaching of mathematics. Both (1) the deductivereasoning approach steeped in algebraic manipulations, which isalso the currently dominant approach to mathematics, and (2) thegeometric approach, which appeals to our intuitive reasoning andfacilitates understanding, will be studied and compared in thiscourse.EDUC 7440 Understanding Number Theory (3,3,0)This course aims at developing students’ understanding andappreciation of the theory of numbers. Basic concepts such asdivisibility, congruence, linear equations, as well as advancedtopics in continued fraction, magic squares and Latin squares,will be covered. Theories and concepts behind games and projectideas for classroom teaching will also be explored and examined.EDUC 7460 Geometries in Perspective (3,3,0)The study of geometry has come a long way since the brilliantwork in Euclid’s Elements. This course aims at enhancingstudents’ understanding and appreciation of the salient branchesof geometry, including the development of Euclidean and non-Euclidean geometries, and dynamic geometry.EDUC 7470 Statistics and Society (3,3,0)This course introduces elementary probability, elementarystatistics and how statistical thinking impacts people’s everydaylife. Theories and concepts behind games and project ideas forclassroom teaching will also be explored and examined.EDUC 7510 Child and Adolescent Development (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Introductory psychology or equivalentThis course aims at increasing students’ understanding of thepsychological theories and research of child and adolescentdevelopment. Current issues and themes related to the

development of children and adolescents will also be discussed.In addition, studies of development of Chinese children andadolescents will be included.EDUC 7520 Research Methods in Education (3,3,0)This course aims at developing in students a functional knowledgeof the research process from idea formulation to data analysisand interpretation. It introduces students to the basic concepts,principles and skills required for reading and conductingeducational research. It also enables them to critically evaluatepublished research in education.EDUC 7530 Sociocultural Context of Human (3,3,0)DevelopmentThis course aims at providing a framework for understanding theinfluence of the sociocultural context on human development.Major socialization agents including the family and the schoolare examined from a multidisciplinary perspective focusing onthe interactive influence between the individual and the society.Specific reference is made to cross-cultural studies.EDUC 7540 Psychology of Moral Development (3,3,0)This course studies the nature and current theories of moraldevelopment. Special reference will be made to research on themoral development of Chinese people.EDUC 7550 Problem Behaviours in Children (3,3,0)and AdolescentsThis course examines the nature, prevalence and consequences ofthe problem behaviours common among today’s youngsters andalso measures for their rectification. Specific reference will bemade to current research in problem behaviours.EDUC 7560 Seminar in Education (3,3,0)This course provides a forum for the discussion of current andemerging issues in education, and gives students the opportunityto develop competence in making meaningful responses toeducation matters, especially those relevant to Hong Kong.EDUC 7570 Moral Education: Theory and Practice (3,3,0)This course provides an inter-disciplinary framework for thinkingabout moral education for children and adolescents. It looks atvarious models of moral education and discusses their applicationin primary and secondary education.EDUC 7580 Civic Education (3,3,0)This course aims at developing critical understanding of thesignificance and development of civic education for primary andsecondary schools. It introduces basic concepts in civic education,examines critical issues in the design and implementation ofcivic education, and discusses the role of civic education in thedevelopment of children and adolescents.EDUC 7590 Education for the Gifted and (3,3,0)TalentedThis course provides an orientation to the study of gifted andtalented children and adolescents. It examines programme modelsfor developing the gifted and talented, focusing on the instructionand learning process. Current research in gifted education andcreativity in Hong Kong will be examined.EDUC 7600 Career Competence Development (3,3,0)and EducationPrerequisite: EDUC 7510 Child and Adolescent DevelopmentThis course aims at providing a framework for understandingcareer awareness and concerns in adolescents. It focuses onthe development of competence in career planning and theestablishment of a vocational identity. Career development andguidance strategies will be discussed.EDUC 7610 Data Analysis for Education (3,3,0)Prerequisite: EDUC 7520 Research Methods in EducationThis course aims at optimizing students’ use of research databy providing instruction in various quantitative and qualitativetechniques commonly applied to research in education. It coversthe principles, procedures and evaluation of these techniques. Useof computer software packages for data analysis is emphasized.EDUC 7621-2 Dissertation I & II (3,0,0)The dissertation aims to offer an opportunity to develop students’competence in exploring in depth an aspect of education.Emphasis is placed on the quality of the dissertation research, theoriginality of the research and its contribution to the field of study.Students are entitled to a number of consultation meetings withtheir dissertation supervisors to discuss the topic and researchmethodologies, as well as to report progress, review workcompleted, and finalize the written report.Students are expected to demonstrate in the dissertation theirabilities to undertake rigorous research and report the researchin a recognized academic form. The anticipated length of thedissertation is about 15,000–20,000 words in English, or 20,000–25,000 characters in Chinese.Details and requirements on the preparation of the dissertationare listed in a separate handbook distributed to students uponsubmission of dissertation outlines.EDUC 7630 Thinking and the School Curriculum (3,3,0)This course aims at providing an overview of the teaching andlearning of thinking skills in education. It introduces a cognitivelearning perspective, examines the approaches to the teaching ofthinking, and discusses the models for teaching and learning ofthinking. It also reviews the strategies for assessment of thinkingand the current waves of research and development on thinking.EDUC 7640 School Guidance and Counselling (3,3,0)This course introduces to students a general orientation to thework of guidance and counselling in school settings. Patternsof guidance and counselling organization, and theories andtechniques of school guidance and counselling are examined. Theemphasis is placed on implementation of school guidance andcounselling programmes, which includes curriculum development,programme management, leadership and evaluation.EDUC 7650 Independent Project (3,0,0)This course provides opportunities for students to express theirmajor concern in education, and to explore specific educationalissues by means of self-regulated learning and transfer ofknowledge. Upon submission of a project outline, each student isassigned to a Project Supervisor with whom he/she is entitled tothree 30-minute consultation sessions. Through interactions withthe Supervisor, the student attains basic guidance to conduct anindependent project.By the end of the semester, students are required to submit a finalproject report of about 8,000–10,000 words in English or 10,000–13,000 characters in Chinese. For facilitation, they are given a setof instruction guidelines on the preparation of the project report.The independent project should be well-planned, systematicallyconducted, and clearly reported to reflect the student’s analytical,critical and creative thinking in the exploration of educationalissues relevant to the theme of the MEd programme but currentlynot offered in the existing courses.EDUC 7660 Phonetics and Phonology (3,3,0)This course aims to help students acquire concepts of phoneticsand phonology of the English language relevant to Englishteachers in schools. It incorporates knowledge of the soundsystems of English in speech perception, production and use.Application of such knowledge in English teaching will also bediscussed.EDUC 7670 Lexis, Morphology and Semantics (3,3,0)This course aims at developing students’ metalinguistic knowledgeof the lexical, morphological and semantic properties of Englishwords. It considers the formation and construction of Englishwords, and examines the meaning systems at word, phrase,sentence and discourse levels. Applications of knowledge ofwords to students’ own vocabulary use and English vocabularyteaching as well as assessment will also be discussed.317Course Descriptions

318Course DescriptionsEDUC 7680 Grammar for Teaching (3,3,0)This course aims at enhancing students’ knowledge of Englishgrammar and enabling them to gain systematic insight into howgrammar works in English language teaching. It examines theessential components of grammar both at the sentence and thediscourse level.EDUC 7690 Written and Spoken Discourse (3,3,0)This course aims at increasing students’ understanding of howlanguage, both written and spoken, is used to communicatemeaning in different contexts. It introduces basic techniques fordescribing and analysing written and spoken discourse, using avariety of discourse types, including classroom discourse. Therelevance of the study of discourse for English language teachingwill also be discussed.EDUC 7700 Psychololinguistics and Sociolinguistics (3,3,0)in English Language TeachingThis course introduces students to the psycholinguistic andsociolinguistic theories that are relevant to English languageteaching and learning. It examines language acquisition, languagespread and politics surrounding salient issues of language andlanguage teaching. Specific references will be made to the contextof English language education in Hong Kong.EDUC 7710 Literature and Language Arts (3,3,0)This course introduces students to the major genres of literatureand language arts and develops their understanding andappreciation of literature through detailed analyses of selectedliterary pieces of different genres.EDUC 7720 Strategic Planning, Quality Assurance (3,3,0)and Networking of SchoolsOn the basis of an overview and analysis of educational policiesand contexts, this course focuses on an integrated learningof strategic planning, networking, accountability and qualityassurance in schools.EDUC 7730 Curriculum Development and (3,3,0)Resource Management in SchoolsOn the basis of an overview and analysis of curriculum andresource management, this course focuses on an integratedlearning for curriculum development and management ofresources, including finance and staff to sustain quality teachingand learning in schools.EDUC 7740 Managing Change in Schools (3,3,0)This course is designed to familiarize students with key principles,trends and approaches to managing change in school, withparticular reference to the current educational context. Tostrengthen the practical aspects, techniques of implementing andcommunicating changes will also be introduced.EDUC 7750 Leadership and Team Building in (3,3,0)SchoolsExploring frameworks that inform educational leadership, thiscourse focuses on supporting students to reflect upon, analyseand critique thinking on school leadership and management, withreference to their own school contexts. Effectiveness in leadershipand management requires an appreciation of how productive andsuccessful teams may take schools forward to growth and success.EDUC 7770 Scientific Foundations of Physical (3,3,0)Education in SchoolsThis course aims at developing students’ knowledge of scientificfoundations in PE. Emphasis will be on application of suchknowledge in teaching, learning and assessment in PE in school.EDUC 7780 Humanities and Social Sciences (3,3,0)Foundations of Physical Educationin SchoolsThis is a cross-disciplines course that included various sportrelated knowledge such as the social, history, and philosophicalaspects. The emphasis of this course will be focused on howthey affect the development of PE subject in schools. Reflectiveapproach will be adopted.EDUC 7790 Independent Inquiry Study in (3,3,0)Physical EducationThis course provides students with opportunities to conduct anindependent, inquiry study (IIS) on issues related to PE and Sport.Emphasis will be placed on equipping students with competencein facilitating PE or sport related “Independent Enquiry Study” (IES)as a compulsory element of the core subject Liberal Studies (LS)at senior secondary level.EDUC 7800 Athletics and Swimming in Schools (3,0,3)This course aims at developing students’ competence in athleticsand swimming required of being a school PE teacher. This coursenot only enhances students’ knowledge and skills of the relatedactivities but also assists them to reflect on the teaching andlearning processes and become reflective practitioners in teachingPE in schools.EDUC 7810 Dances and Gymnastics in Schools (3,0,3)This course aims at developing students’ competence in dancesand gymnastics required of being a school PE teacher. Thiscourse not only enhances students’ knowledge and skills of therelated activities but also assists them to reflect on the teachingand learning processes and become reflective practitioners inteaching PE in schools.EDUC 7820 Ball Games in Schools (3,0,3)This course aims at developing students’ competence in two ballgames (two from Basketball, Handball, Volleyball or Football)required of being a school PE teacher. This course not onlyenhances students’ knowledge and skills of the related activitiesbut also assists them to reflect on the teaching and learningprocesses and become reflective practitioners in teaching PE inschools.EDUC 7830 Racket Games in Schools (3,0,3)This course aims at developing students’ competence in two racketgames (two from Badminton, Table-tennis, Squash and Tennis)required of being a school PE teacher. This course not onlyenhances students’ knowledge and skills of the related activitiesbut also assists them to reflect on the teaching and learningprocesses and become reflective practitioners in teaching PE inschools.EDUC 7840 Outdoor Pursuit and Tai Chi in Schools (3,0,3)This course aims at developing students’ competence in OutdoorPursuit and Tai Chi required of being a school PE teacher. Thiscourse not only enhances students’ knowledge and skills of therelated activities but also assists them to reflect on the teachingand learning processes and become reflective practitioners inteaching PE in schools.EDUC 7850 Fundamental Movement and Fitness (3,0,3)Training in SchoolsThis course aims at developing students’ competence inFundamental Movement (FM) and Fitness Training (FT) requiredof being a school PE teacher. This course not only enhancesstudents’ knowledge and skills of the related activities but alsoassists them to reflect on the teaching and learning processes andbecome reflective practitioners in teaching PE in schools.EDUC 7860 Early Literacy Development (3,3,0)This course introduces theories, principles and implicationsof research findings relating to early literacy development.The strategies and skills required for fostering competence inunderstanding and investigating areas involved in child literacydevelopment will also be discussed.EDUC 7870 Self and Personal Development (3,3,0)The course aims at providing students with a framework forunderstanding human self and personal development. It alsodraws attentions to key concepts of interpersonal relationships

and communication skills in different contexts. Core issuessignificant to personal wellness, including leisure, art and sportsin human life, are examined. It also aims at developing students’pedagogical knowledge and skills in the teaching and assessmentof this study area.EDUC 7880 Globalization Studies (3,3,0)This course introduces various concepts and issues in the area ofglobalization. It will discuss the dynamics involved in the processof globalization and assess its impact on different social groups.Besides, students will also be guided to critically reflect on theeconomic, political, social and cultural issues of globalization anddevelop personal views towards action programmes in rethinkingglobalization and development.EDUC 7890 Policy Studies in Early Childhood (3,3,0)Education and CareThis course aims at providing students with theoretical andconceptual frameworks for analysing policies in early childhoodeducation. Different perspectives underlying educational policiesand approaches to the policy making processes will be examinedto enable students to reflect critically on the current trends andinnovations in policy studies in early childhood education in boththe local and global contexts.EDUC 7901-9 Teaching of a Second Subject (2,2,0)Prerequisite: Enrolment for this elective is subject to approval bythe DepartmentThese courses provide basic knowledge about the teaching of asubject area in secondary schools for students who majored inanother subject area. The course will focus on the curriculum andcore teaching strategies used within the subject area concerned.EDUC 7910 Curriculum Development and (3,3,0)Implementation in Liberal StudiesThis course enables students to critically understand thetheoretical and research-based foundation of the development andimplementation of Liberal Studies (LS) in Hong Kong schools.This course is intended for students who have not taken EDUC7381-2 Subject Instruction I & II (Liberal Studies), or EDUC7391-2 Subject Teaching I & II (Liberal Studies).EDUC 7920 Issues in Hong Kong Society and (3,3,0)CultureThis course addresses issues in social and cultural life in HongKong in the contexts of contemporary regional, national andglobal developments. It examines the political-economicstructuration of opportunities in Hong Kong and assesses itsimpact on different social groups. It reviews also perspectives onthe maintenance or improvement of the quality of life in relationto different aspects of life in Hong Kong.EDUC 7940 China and Chinese Culture in (3,3,0)Global SocietyThe course is designed to introduce a sociological framework forunderstanding major social and cultural issues in China in thecontexts of recent economic reforms and globalization. Specialattention is given to the interplay among political, economic, andsocial structures, cultural practices, and individual lives.EDUC 7950 Public Health (3,3,0)This course provides an overview of the field of public health.It introduces students to the background knowledge essential tothe understanding of major public health issues and problems.Examples will be drawn from both Hong Kong and other places.EDUC 7960 Developmental Diversity in Early (3,3,0)ChildhoodDevelopmental diversity represents one of the current approachestowards understanding children’s learning needs. Based onan analysis of young children’s genetic, cognitive and socialdevelopment, this course adopts an integrated approach towardsunderstanding the developmental diversity of young childrenand the implications of developmental diversity on learning andteaching.EDUC 7970 Early Childhood Curriculum (3,3,0)This course aims at providing students with theoreticalframeworks for analysing curriculum issues in early childhoodeducation (ECE). Different approaches to the design of ECEcurriculum will be examined to enable students to reflect criticallyupon curriculum changes in ECE. It also aims at empoweringstudents with relevant professional knowledge and skills so thatthey can strive for improving ECE in the local context.EDUC 7980 Energy Technology and the (3,3,0)EnvironmentThis course introduces major energy production technologiesand consumption of various forms of energy, and their relatedenvironmental impacts. The concept of sustainable developmentand its connection to the issues over the use of energy and livingstyles of people would also be discussed.EDUC 7990 Mathematics in Action—Applications (3,3,0)of Contemporary MathematicsThis course aims at bringing out the prevalence, relevance, andpracticality of contemporary mathematics in the modern society.Topics range from how to make the best use of limited resources,how to share and allocate resources fairly, how to understandcompetition in the context of mathematics, and how to managemoney and finance.EDUM 7270 Mathematics Curriculum Development (3,3,0)at Junior LevelsThis course gives students an enhanced understanding of variouscritical issues of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 mathematics curriculum inHong Kong. It also supports and encourages students to rethinkand reflect on these curriculum issues.EDUM 7280 Theory, Research and Pedagogical (3,3,0)Issues of Number and AlgebraThis course gives students an overview of “Number and Algebra”as a learning strand in Hong Kong Mathematics Curriculumat Key Stage 1, 2 and 3. It examines this strand from variousperspectives: theory, research and classroom practice. It alsosupports and encourages students to rethink and reflect on theirown curriculum and assessment knowledge, skills and practices ofthis strand.EDUM 7290 Theory, Research and Pedagogical (3,3,0)Issues of Shape and SpaceThis course gives students an overview of “Shape and Space”as a learning strand in Hong Kong Mathematics Curriculumat Key Stage 1, 2 and 3. It examines this strand from variousperspectives: theory, research and classroom practice. It alsosupports and encourages students to rethink and reflect on theirown curriculum and assessment knowledge, skills and practices ofthis strand.EDUM 7300 Theory, Research and Pedagogical (3,3,0)Issues of Data HandlingThis course gives students an overview of “Data Handling”as a learning strand in Hong Kong Mathematics Curriculumat Key Stage 1, 2 and 3. It examines this strand from variousperspectives: theory, research and classroom practice. It alsosupports and encourages students to rethink and reflect on theirown curriculum and assessment knowledge, skills and practices ofthis strand.EDUM 7310 Introduction to Theories of (3,3,0)Curriculum and AssessmentThis course provides learners with knowledge about schoolcurriculum in general. This course also introduces learners tothe principles and instruments of assessment commonly used in319Course Descriptions

320Course Descriptionsschools. Emphasis will be put on examples drawn from the HongKong context.EDUM 7320 Leadership in Curriculum (3,3,0)Development and Pedagogical DesignPrerequisite: EDUM 7310 Introduction to Theories ofCurriculum and AssessmentThis course aims to advance learners’ knowledge of theemerging theories of curriculum and pedagogical design. Theintroduction of these theories provides learners with solidtheoretical underpinnings to inform curriculum and pedagogicaldecisions. Topics include principles of and models for curriculumdevelopment, curriculum planning as a multilevel process,backward design, problem-based learning, project learning,inquiry learning, curriculum implementation and evaluation, andmanaging pedagogical innovations and curriculum change.EDUM 7330 Testing, Measurement and Assessment (3,3,0)in EducationThis course aims to advance learners’ knowledge about theemerging approaches to assessing student performance and toequip them with the essential skills in employing appropriatetechniques in testing, measurement and assessment. Thetheoretical underpinnings, strengths and weaknesses associatedwith various strategies will be critically analysed.EDUM 7340 Contemporary Issues in ELT: Policy, (3,3,0)Practice and Pedagogy in EnglishLanguage EducationThis course raises students’ awareness of a number of contestedissues in Hong Kong that have a bearing on the discipline ofEnglish Language Education (ELT). It offers students theopportunity to question; the power of policy as a change agentand its implications, the teaching profession’s response strategiesto the challenges of not only educational reform policies, but alsorapid developments in technology and the global shift towardsknowledge-based economies inside the field of English Languageeducation. Finally it draws together these impacts and revisits thedebates about cultural identity and the perceived resistance to aconcerted effort to establish a tri-lingual/bi-literate community inHong Kong.EDUM 7350 Managing Change in ELT (3,3,0)This course aims to develop in students an overview of change inELT in both Hong Kong and international contexts. The focus ofthe course is on examining curriculum development and changein order to develop the skills and knowledge practitioners requirefor the adoption or development of new syllabuses, courses andassessments, and ways of evaluating these in relation to the HongKong curriculum reforms.EDUM 7360 Chinese Language Education in a (3,3,0)Changing ContextWith the explosive growth of knowledge and the rapid change oftechnology, there is a demand of education reform. This coursefocuses on the changing needs of the 21st century in Chineselanguage teaching and learning. Chinese language, being themother tongue of most Hong Kong students, faces the challengeof reforming the whole curriculum. The philosophy and spiritof the Chinese curriculum is studied to understand how languageeducation is integrated with Chinese cultural studies and literatureappreciation. The concept of learner centredness is introduced tolearners to enhance their awareness on how to develop students’ability in learning independently. School-based assessment isaddressed, in which formative assessment of language use ishighlighted. The introduction of a multi-level school-basedassessment will be unfolded to learners during the course of study.EDUM 7370 Creative Chinese Language Teaching (3,3,0)This course introduces learners the different theories of creativityand how these can be implemented in the teaching of Chineselanguage. Learners will have hands-on experience in thedevelopment of teaching activities and materials according todifferent theories of creativities. Collaborative lesson planningand class demonstration will be held during the course of study.EDUM 7380 Teaching Liberal Studies— (3,3,0)Integrating Issues in InstructionThis course aims to enrich learners’ pedagogic repertoires andadvance their teaching skills with special emphasis on the SeniorSecondary LS curriculum. Learners are exposed to contemporaryissues as well as practical teaching strategies that could beemployed in classroom teaching. Necessary subject knowledge isalso provided to enhance the learners’ teaching competency andproficiency.EDUM 7390 Facilitating Liberal Studies Learning (3,3,0)This course focuses on developing learners’ professional skillsin: (1) supervising student’s independent enquiry studies (IES);(2) supporting students’ enquiry with the use of Information andCommunication Technology (ICT); and (3) facilitating learningoutside the classroom. Learners will have ample opportunitiesto practise their skills in these three areas in a supportive andcollaborative environment. The enhancement of these skills willdevelop learners’ confidence in adopting different strategies in theteaching of Liberal Studies.EDUM 7400 Managing Learning Diversity in (3,3,0)Inclusive Education SettingsThe aim of this course is introduce students to the study ofinclusion of children with moderate to severe disabilitiesincluding students with intellectual impairment, autism, andother developmental disabilities. It is designed to provide anunderstanding of the social justice issues surrounding the inclusionof students with challenging and developmental disabilities andto introduce alternative assessment strategies that can be used tooptimize their educational experiences. The age range covered inthis course is from early childhood through to secondary schoolaged children. Issues related to the development and validationof indirect and direct assessment procedures will be covered aswell as the use of functional analysis to inform educational andbehavioural interventions.EDUM 7410 Teaching Individuals with (3,3,0)Developmental DisabilitiesThis course begins with a review of the learning and behaviouralcharacteristics of students with moderate to severe disabilitiesincluding students with intellectual impairment, autism, andother developmental disabilities. The educational implications ofthese learning and behavioural characteristics will be highlighted,including implications for the selection of appropriate functionalintervention goals and objectives. Emphasis will then be given ondeveloping and implementing individual educational programmesbased on functional assessment methods and how to structure theenvironment to promote learning. The age range covered in thiscourse is from early childhood through to secondary school agedchildren.EDUM 7420 Supervision and Mentoring in School (3,3,0)This course aims to address the key concern of the current schoolreform on the cultivation of a collaborative culture in schoolthrough empowering teachers to take leadership in mentoring andcoaching of their peers, including beginning teachers and studentteachers. Teachers of this course are equipped with the necessaryskills, knowledge, and attitudes in supervising and mentoringothers to improve learning and teaching. Various models ofsupervision and mentoring, such as clinical supervision, peercoaching and reflective practice, are delineated to provide a basisfor learners to practise supervising and mentoring in their ownschool-settings.EDUM 7430 Knowledge Building with Ubiquitous (3,2,1)TechnologiesThis course aims to advance learners’ understanding of thepedagogical models and principles of knowledge building thatunderpin the design of effective learning environment supported

y ubiquitous technology. Learners will be able to apply differentmodels to evaluate the implementation of emerging learningtechnology in school curriculum. Issues related to technologysupported inquiry learning will be addressed.EDUM 7440 Teaching Chinese in Dialect Speaking (3,3,0)AreaThis course introduces learners the concept of Modern StandardChinese (MSC) and dialects, with particular focus on Cantonese.The formation of dialects is addressed. The course also focuseson a comparative study of the phonological system, syntacticstructure and lexical items between MSC and Cantonese.Language differences between MSC and Cantonese arehighlighted. Issues of teaching Chinese language in Hong Kongwith the interference of Cantonese dialect and English languageare discussed with a view of enhancing learners’ awareness inlanguage variations and errors in language education.EDUM 7451-2 Reflective Practice and Independent (3,0,0)Action Learning ProjectPrerequisite: E D U M 7 3 2 0 L e a d e r s h i p i n C u r r i c u l u mDevelopment and Pedagogical DesignThis course aims to introduce the concept of reflective practice toserving teachers and equip them with necessary knowledge andskills to engage themselves in action research on their pedagogicalpractices. This is a year-long course which comprises threecomponents: concept elicitation, seminars and independent actionlearning. Through concept elicitation, teachers are to be providedwith the theoretical underpinnings of and essential skills inconducting action research and engaging themselves in reflectivepractice. Following concept elicitation, a series of seminars areto be held at the appropriate junctures of the action learningprocess, aiming to provide teachers with appropriate coachingand to facilitate them to reflect on and share their practicesamong a community of practice. Appropriate technologies areto be employed to enhance professional sharing and reflection.Teachers are required to create their own action learning portfoliosto facilitate reflective practice.ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of (3,3,0)LiteratureAn introduction to literary techniques and conventions throughthe study of short fiction, poetry, and drama. Students will alsodevelop the skills of critical thinking and literary analysis throughclass discussions and the writing of critical essays.ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation (3,3,0)This course introduces students to representative works ofWestern literature that have formed our ways of thinking andwriting. The course will examine writers as creative artists andinterpreters of their respective ages. Masterpieces will be takenfrom the ancient world to the 20th century.ENG 1150 English Grammar and Meaning (3,3,0)(for English Major)The course introduces students to concepts of syntactic andsemantic analysis. It explores aspects of English grammar andsemantics, which are of greatest difficulty to students. Thiscourse will enable students to do basic grammatical and semanticanalysis of English texts.ENG 1160 Narrative Art (3,3,0)An introduction to the nature of narrative art in both its oral andliterary aspects focusing on creative and critical traditions. Thecourse will examine the language and conventions of narrativeworks, and will survey the critical responses the works haveelicited. Readings will be drawn from sources as diverse as Greekmythology and 20th century fiction.ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (3,3,0)(for Non-English Majors)The course introduces students to concepts of syntactic andsemantic analysis. It explores aspects of English grammar andsemantics, which are of greatest difficulty to students. This courseenables students to do basic grammatical and semantic analysis ofEnglish texts.ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study of (3,3,0)LanguageThis course aims at enhancing students’ linguistic awareness viathe study of different aspects of human language (especially theEnglish language). Students will be introduced to the acquisitionof language, the sound patterns and the word structures oflanguage, the rules that govern the use of language, historicalchanges of language, culture, society and language, etc.ENG 1211 Oral Communication and Public (3,3,0) (E)SpeakingStudents will be introduced to the basic principles of publicspeaking; guided opportunities are provided to develop the skillsnecessary to implement these principles. The emphasis is on usingthe English language effectively in everyday conversation, smallgroup discussion, and public speaking. Students are expected toresearch, prepare and give public speeches, and to engage in groupactivities such as discussions, role plays, and listening exercises.ENG 1212 Academic and Professional Writing (3,3,0) (E)Students will be introduced to the basic principles of writing;guided opportunities are provided to develop the skills necessaryto implement these principles. The course will be content driven,but the content will provide the means by which students willhone their skills.ENG 1220 Literature and Culture (3,3,0)This course addresses how the impact of culture on Englishliterary studies has come to redefine the role of teaching Englishliterature within and beyond evolving national traditions. Thestudy of English literature has broadened to include the producersand consumers of culture in the context of specific identities,localities, or regions in a rapidly changing world.ENG 1260 Language, Culture and Society (3,3,0)This course examines relationships between social organizationand language use and deals with relationships at both micro- andmacro-levels of anlaysis with interdisciplinary bases in sociology,anthropology, ethnography of communication, and linguistics.Special attention will be given to the use of English in Asia.ENG 1270 Improvisation Comedy for Better (3,3,0)Linguistic AwarenessThis course aims to train students through understanding andcreating humour using improvisation. The object of the trainingis to produce effective users of English (and possibly Chinese) whoare also explicitly aware of the mechanics of language structure(phonology, syntax and semantics) and language use (discourseand pragmatics).ENG 2120 Western Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThis course introduces students to the formative influence andthe critical and creative traditions of Western drama by studyingselected works in English or English translation, the conventionsthey illustrate, and the critical responses they have elicited sincetheir appearance. Plays will be selected from the major epochs ofdrama history, such as the Classical Greek, Medieval European,Elizabethan, Restoration, and Modern periods.321Course Descriptions

322Course DescriptionsENG 2130 Literature and Society (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThis course considers the interactive relationship betweenliterature and society. It focuses on the historical and socialcontexts of authors and their works. After a general introductionto the concepts of the interactive relationship between literatureand society, authorial intention and readers’ response, selectedtexts are studied in depth.ENG 2140 Literature and Persuasion (3,3,0)Several examples of discursive prose in English are read. Extractsor complete texts may include, for example: personal essays;formal essays on social, political or historical topics; diaries;letters; autobiographies and biographies; and examples ofintellectual discourse (such as literary, philosophical, theologicaland scientific writing).ENG 2160 Language Acquisition and (3,3,0) (E)Language LearningPrerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageA study of first and second language acquisition, their similaritiesand differences. Factors affecting learning such as age andindividual differences and issues in second language instructionwill be examined with special reference to the bilingual situationin Hong Kong.ENG 2170 Western Poetry and Poetics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThis course introduces students to the creative and criticaltraditions of Western poetry and poetics by studying selectedworks in English (and in English translation), the conventionsthey illustrate, and the critical responses they have elicited overthe ages. Students will acquire a historical perspective on thedevelopment of poetic practice in the Western world.ENG 2190 Language Pragmatics (3,3,0) (E)This course examines the use of language in context from theperspective of various disciplines. Among the concepts andissues of special focus will be the analysis of context itself,construction and exchange of meaning in interactions, cohesivedevices, organization of interactive discourse, and cross-culturalinteraction.ENG 2220 Literary and Comparative Studies (3,3,0)This course aims at (1) introducing students to basic concepts andterminologies used in literary and comparative studies, techniquesand skills used in analysing literary texts across cultures; (2)exploring the interrelations between literatures by exploringcommon themes, genres, etc.; (3) developing students’ literary andcultural literacy by introducing them to literary masterpieces; and(4) developing students’ basic research skills, critical thinking andanalytical abilities.ENG 2230 Stepping Stones in English (3,3,0)GrammarThis course aims at laying the foundations for students’ acquisitionof competence in and knowledge about the English language.ENG 2240 Research Skills in English (3,3,0) (E)Language and LiteratureThe course will introduce students to various research methodsand writing strategies used in language, literature or comparativeliterature studies.ENG 2260 Text Analysis (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1150 English Grammar and Meaning (forEnglish Major) or ENG 1180 English Grammarand Meaning (for Non-English Majors)Students will be given chances to analyse language in differentsocial contexts by using various tools and resources, and willbe encouraged to take a “critical” stance towards language andits connections to the wider social context, and to question andchallenge power and authority. A number of text types such asadvertisements, job application letters and newspaper articles willbe explored in detail in the class, and students will have chances tochoose a particular text type or theme for analysis, and afterwardsto discuss their findings with other students in a seminar.ENG 2270 American Popular Fiction after (3,3,0)1950Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThis course addresses conventional generic bases of post-warAmerican literature (including the novel, poetry, and the shortstory), even as it includes subgenres of more recent relevanceto the American canon (including film, the graphic novel, andscience fiction). Chosen texts will be read in their specifichistorical context, namely, the potentials and problems arisingwith American “superpower” status after 1950, in both domesticand international aspects.ENG 2310 Literature, the Arts and Media (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course explores selected literary topics in relation to differentartistic and aesthetic expressions such as fine arts, dance, film,theatre and the media. Readings may include poetry, fictionalprose, creative non-fiction, drama and essays. Presentations offilms, performances, art slides, video and sound clips may also beincluded.ENG 2320 Literary World Masterpieces (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces students to selected works of poetry,fictional prose, creative non-fiction and drama which aresignificant in the literary traditions of different cultures. Eachwork will be placed in its social, cultural and historical context,and will be examined in terms of its literary qualities and itsinfluence.ENG 2330 Language in Social Contexts (3,3,0)The course will introduce students to the generic features ofspoken and written texts from a variety of sources, including themedia, literature, popular culture and business. Students will beencouraged to view language use as an aspect of social processesand be provided a range of resources and techniques for analysingtexts and dialogues, including register analysis, functional analysisof clauses and sentences, and analysis of text cohesion and genericstructure.ENG 2340 The Art of Storytelling (3,3,0)This course aims at exploring various forms of storytelling inliterature, analysing literary devices used in the selected texts,examining the observance of literary conventions in differentgenres, and assessing literature and its impact on society.ENG 2640 Language Change and Language (3,3,0)ContactPrerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageFrom linguistic, social and political perspectives, this coursediscusses the origins of English as a transplanted language frommainland Europe, its development and spread to non-Englishspeaking areas of the world.

ENG 2650 Topics in English Grammar (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageThis course introduces students to the principles of argumentationin the syntax of English. It moves from the folk notions ofgrammar as a set of rules for speaking and writing to a theory ofgrammar. Discussions will focus on lexical and phrasal categoriesand grammatical functions. Students will be informed of thebases of grammaticality through empirical studies.ENG 2660 Vocabulary in Context (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageA course designed to enhance the student’s ability to handleexisting, and acquire further, vocabulary in English. The coursetouches on various theoretical issues affecting the lexicon andthe function of words in cultural, social discourse, and pragmaticcontexts. It also explores to some extent the nature of words andtheir place in the wider human domain.ENG 2670 The English Language and (3,3,0) (E)Communication across CulturesThis course is designed to raise students’ consciousness of culturaldimensions in communication in English. It elucidates theinterrelatedness of the English language and the other aspectsof the culture of its speakers and provides students with guidedexperiences in using English cross-culturally for the purpose ofcoming to a practical understanding of this complex of problems.ENG 2680 English Phonetics and Phonology (3,3,0) (E)This course is designed to enhance students’ ability to perceiveand transcribe English in all its varieties. Students will learn tounderstand the production of speech sounds, to notate speech bynarrow notation, and to construct explicit accounts of patterns ofspeech in varieties of English. The course will focus on Englishphonetics and phonology, but reference will also be made to otherlanguages in the interests of comparability and generality.ENG 2720 Creative Writing (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureand ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG1160 Narrative ArtThis course examines the three primary genres of creative writing:fiction, poetry, and drama. Students will examine exemplaryworks in the context of the process of writing, and they willwrite, discuss, and revise their own exercises in each genre. Asthey study the crafts of exemplary writers and write their ownexercises, they learn more about the elements in each genre, andtherefore have a better understanding of literature in general. Thiscourse leads to further study in the Creative Writing Workshop.ENG 2750 Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtA study of poetry as a mode of creative expression. This coursewill explore the formal and aesthetic functions of poetry and willprovide a detailed study of a selection of pre-20th century poets intheir historical, social, and critical contexts.ENG 2760 Language and the Humanities (3,2,1)The course is designed to progress from the question of what isdistinctively human about the use of language as a communicationsystem to the nature of the routine language events throughwhich we constantly perform the realities we have created. Inestablishing the framework for the main body of the course, thefirst unit explores five topics: the distinction between signs andsymbols; the relationship between early theories of the originsof language and theories of human nature; the consequences ofthe fact that language first developed as an oral system and mostroutine communication remains oral; the difference that writinghas made in human consciousness; and the relatively recent rise ofconstructionist theories of language. The subsequent units eachexamine one of the critical levels of the language system/process(vocabulary, grammatical structure, speech acts, narrative texts,and language event genres) and illustrates how they contribute toconstructing the world we recognize as distinctively human.ENG 2820 Comparative Literature: Theory (3,3,0) (E)and MethodologyPrerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces various theories and methodologies used incomparative studies which cross cultural, national, and linguisticboundaries and familiarizes students with the basic conceptsinvolved in the study of comparative literature. It considers thefollowing topics: the inter-relations of several literatures; themain currents and movements in Western literary history; thedevelopment of literary themes, types and genres; and East-Westliterary relations.ENG 2830 Western Critical Approaches to (3,3,0) (E)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureA study of various critical approaches, such as New Criticism,psychoanalysis, cultural studies, feminism, reader response theory,and their application in the analysis of literature. Readings mayrefer to ancillary disciplines such as sociology, anthropology,linguistics, and psychology.ENG 3280 Major Theme in Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces students to the special features of a themechosen for study as presented in poetry, fictional prose, creativenon-fiction and drama. Students will study the selected theme inits social, cultural and historical contexts.ENG 3290 Major Genre in Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThe study of genre remains an integral element in teaching thecanon of English literature, even as the notion of genre itselfdiversifies. The course will study the special features of a genrechosen for study and address the significance of that specificgenre in the context of a focused period, topical emphasis, ornationally based study (e.g. detective fiction, Restoration drama,and contemporary Hong Kong poetry).ENG 3410 Major Movement or Trend in (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces students to representative texts thatbelong to a specific literary movement or trend. Students will beencouraged to discuss comparisons between ideas and texts. Eachmovement or trend will be examined in its historical and culturalcontexts and its intellectual and literary impact will be considered.ENG 3420 Modern Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtA study of theatrical writing from Ibsen to the present day. Thecourse will examine significant modern works from anywherein the world. It will explore theories and styles of drama andplace the specific readings in their social, political, and theoreticalcontexts.ENG 3430 The Short Story (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces students to representative short storiesfrom the Western world. Students will study selected short storieswritten in or translated into English. Each short story will bediscussed in its sociohistorical and cultural contexts and will beexamined in terms of its literary significance.323Course Descriptions

324Course DescriptionsENG 3440 Literature and the Nobel Prize (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG1160 Narrative Art or ENG 2320 Literary WorldMasterpiecesThe course will focus on specific Nobel Prize winning literaryworks (poetry, drama, and/or fiction in English or in Englishtranslation). Literary works studied will also recognize the varietyand scope of Nobel laureate writing in different genres and acrossdifferent national or regional literary traditions.ENG 3450 Language and Gender (3,3,0) (E)This course introduces a range of current issues in the academicfield of language and gender, as well as different approaches toanalyzing the impact of gender in both spoken and written texts.Cultural variation will also be discussed. The emphasis will beon developing students’ awareness and critical thinking of genderin their own experience of language use and learning. Besidesworking on assigned materials, students will be asked to collectand analyse their own examples, using the theoretical frameworksacquired in the course.ENG 3591-2 Honours Project (3,0,3)Under the guidance of an adviser, the student will: identify asuitable research or creative topic; find research materials; narrowthe topic; read, evaluate, and interpret materials; write, edit, andpolish, and, finally, document and present the work. Creativeprojects will include a manuscript of fiction, poetry, or drama aswell as an introductory essay reflecting a scholarly understandingof the manuscript. This course is open to Year III majors inEnglish Language and Literature only.ENG 3610* Bilingualism and Bilingual (3,3,0) (E)EducationPrerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageThis course takes an interdisciplinary approach to bilingualismas a social issue and as a phenomenon of individual languageuse. The course will give special attention to the managementof English as an international (foreign) and second language,including bilingual education. Bilingualism in relation to thebilingual person’s thought processes and education will also bediscussed.ENG 3640 Special Topic in Linguistics (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors), or ENG 1190 Introductionto the Study of Language and any others whichthe lecturer may designate as appropriate for theparticular topic being offeredAn in-depth study of selected themes and issues in sociolinguisticsand/or discourse studies. The selected topic may varyfrom semester to semester.ENG 3650 Special Topic in Language Studies (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors), or ENG 1190 Introductionto the Study of Language and any others whichthe lecturer may designate as appropriate for theparticular topic being offeredAn in-depth study of selected themes and issues in languagestudies. The course will allow students to study in depth aparticular theoretical framework or issue in language studies. Theselected topic may vary from semester to semester, with a focuseither on a theory/framework or on a language issue.ENG 3660 Language and Education (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageThis course opens with an examination of the language aspects ofthe home to school transition. It assesses the range of discoursetypes and genres which may typically have been acquired byyoung children, such as conversation, dispute, narrative andstories. It covers issues in cultural and subcultural variations inhome-language environments and the implications for children’sdevelopment: the acquisition of literacy; entry into school androle of language in organizing school life; the conduct of lessons;the relation to learning; constitution of educational texts; andother materials. Focusing on Hong Kong issues, problemsrelative to the medium of instruction, language proficiency andschool effectiveness are addressed. The course concludes withan overview of basic policies on language in education, theirevolution and implications.ENG 3670 Discovering Grammars (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of Language; and ENG 2650 Topics inEnglish GrammarThis course introduces students to the current theories ofgrammar and to contemporary research on formal syntax. As ithas been developed in recent years, formal syntax is a theory ofthe knowledge of language, not of its use. Its concern is with thelanguage faculty, that is, the internal structure of the human mind.Knowledge of language is perceived as working according touniversal principles and according to parametric variation acrosslanguages. This course will help students familiarize with theexplanatory aims of syntactic theorizing.ENG 3680 Discourse Analysis (3,3,0) (E)This course examines conversations from various perspectives,including conversational analysis, ethnography of communicationand critical discourse analysis. Selected types of English discoursewill be analysed according to the system constraints and the ritualconstraints of communication, and according to the role of scriptsin discourse.ENG 3710 Single Author Forum: Prose (3,3,0)FictionPrerequisite: Any one Literature-in-Depth courseThis course will focus on a single prominent fiction writer,presenting the work in the author’s biographical, historical, andcritical contexts. Readings will include a representative selectionof the author’s works plus secondary critical and historicalmaterials as appropriate to the author chosen.ENG 3720 Single Author Forum: Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course will focus on a single prominent poet, presenting thework in the author’s biographical, historical, and critical contexts.Readings will include poems written over the span of the poet’scareer plus secondary critical and other relevant materials.ENG 3730 Single Author Forum: Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThe course explores the work of a single author, placing thework in the playwright’s political, social and theoretical contexts.While the emphasis is on the dramatic canon of the dramatist inquestion, due cognizance will be taken of influences and parallelsin other genres and in the writings of other authors. The notionof the play as stage performance is important to the study of thiscourse, and the course involves some practical theatrical work.Students will be encouraged to draw and discuss comparisonsbetween texts, ideas and performance approaches. Readings willinclude representative plays plus secondary critical and otherrelevant materials.ENG 3740 Functional Approaches to (3,3,0)GrammarPrerequisite: ENG 1150 English Grammar and MeaningThis course introduces ideas and argumentations concerning thesemantic and pragmatic correlates of morpho-syntactic structures.Aspects of propositional semantics and discourse coherence arein focus which are felt to be problematic and therefore interestingto Hong Kong students who have to manage discourse in English.These aspects are: grammatical relations in argument structures,

clause structures of the English language resulting from differentclasses of complement-taking verbs, the shapes of the noun phraseas resulting from information states, and the factors influencingthe finiteness of the verb.ENG 3750 Special Topic in Comparative (3,3,0) (E)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor others as may be required depending upon thetopic offeredThe selected topic will be determined by the individual instructor,and will focus on a disciplinary or interdisciplinary concernrelevant to the study of comparative literature, e.g. Homosexualityin Literature, Western Influence and Modern Chinese Poetics, andother topics related to comparative literary study.ENG 3760 The Child and Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course seeks to examine a wide variety of literature forand about children. It hopes to encourage students to identifyand articulate currents of thought in the texts they encounter, toexplore the manner of the expression, and to make comparisonswhere appropriate. Finally, and to a limited degree, the coursealso endeavours to locate its study within an educational context,regarding literature not only as literature but as a medium ofinstruction as well.ENG 3770 Literature and Film (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course will allow students to examine critically the process ofstorytelling across different media. Emphasis will be put on theroles played by the narrator and the camera in shaping readers’/audience’s understanding. It will explore the inter-relationshipbetween literature and film, and examine how the word and theimage (re)present reality.ENG 3780 Great Novels in English (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThis course involves close analysis of selected novels in theEnglish language, and considers the historical, social, politicaland/or philosophical contexts of the novels studied. Thedevelopment of the novel is introduced and narrative techniquesand theories considered.ENG 3820 Chinese-Western Literary (3,3,0) (E)RelationsPrerequisite: ENG 2820 Comparative Literature: Theory andMethodologyThis course provides a synoptic view of literature from a worldperspective. The course will explore European and Chinesewriters of several centuries. Their works will be analysed in termsof literary influence, borrowings, and adaptations. The coursewill also address the international appeal and significance of thereadings.ENG 3830 Literature and Translation (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureand ENG 1190 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThe course focuses on the inter-relationship between literatureand translation. Using literary texts in English and Chinese, thecourse addresses the differences between the two languages, thedifferences between the Chinese and Anglo-American cultures,and the role translation plays in cross-cultural studies. Readingswill include poetry, drama, and fiction as well as critical essays.ENG 3850 Special Topic in Literature (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor others as may be required depending upon thenature of the course offeredThis course provides senior students with an opportunity to studyand discuss selected topics of an advanced nature in literaryand critical studies. The selected topic will be determined bythe individual instructor and will focus on a disciplinary orinterdisciplinary concern relevant to the study of literature, e.g.literature and art, new literatures in English, Asian Americanliterature, postmodernism, and other issues related to literarystudy.ENG 3860 Styles and Structures (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literature;or ENG 1180 English Grammar and Meaning (forNon-English Majors) or ENG 1190 Introduction tothe Study of LanguageThis course introduces students to theories and features of stylesand structures of literary and non-literary texts characteristicof the English language in various periods. Selected textsrepresentative of past and contemporary writers will be analysedfrom the perspective of style, structure and meaning.ENG 3870 American Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course aims to familiarize students with the historicalcauses of American literature, its major movements and specificqualities. The course concentrates on literature of the Americasand how it reflects American historical, geographical and culturalcircumstances. It conveys the changes in thought and concernsof Americans through reading works of various periods andexplores the changing ideological context of American writingand the emergence of new voices. It also seeks to developsome appreciation of the quality of American literature and itsinnovations.ENG 3920 Twentieth-Century Literature (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of Literatureor ENG 1130 Literary Appreciation or ENG 1160Narrative ArtThe course provides students with the opportunity to exploresignificant 20th-century works of fiction, including novels and/or collections of short stories. Students will be encouragedto consider literary works in context—in relation to a givenauthor’s wider canon and with regard to the work of his orher contemporaries. Particular emphasis will be placed on thepolitical, social and theoretical underpinnings of texts underconsideration, and students will be invited to draw comparisonsbetween the content and contexts of such texts.ENG 3930 Twentieth-Century Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThis course introduces students to the new styles, courses andpoetic imperatives that emerged in the 20th century. The courseconsiders poets both as individual talents and as participants inpoetic schools and movements. Selections may include Englishlanguage poetry written anywhere in the world as well as somepoetry in translation.ENG 3940 Shakespeare and His (3,3,0)ContemporariesPrerequisite: ENG 1110 Introduction to the Study of LiteratureThe course focuses on selected Elizabethan and Jacobean plays,and examines the evolution of ideas and writing in Shakespeare’sage. Emphasis is placed on the theoretical, political and socialbackground to practical movements in dramatic and other writing.The notion of the play as stage performance is important to thestudy of this course. It should be noted that while the focus ofthis course is likely to be theatre, due cognizance will be taken ofother genres.ENG 3950 Creative Writing Workshop (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ENG 2720 Creative WritingThe course continues the work initiated in ENG 2720 CreativeWriting. The major emphasis is on the workshop sessions inwhich students will discuss and write their own short stories,poems and plays. Students can choose to write on one or morethan one genre. Through creative writing—a sincere expression325Course Descriptions

326Course Descriptionsof self—students will learn their basic urges. They will betterunderstand themselves, others and their environment.ENG 3990 Special Topic in Western Critical (3,3,0) (E)TheoryPrerequisite: ENG 2830 Western Critical Approaches toLiteratureThe aim of this course is to provide a rigorous study of a specific,influential area of modern literary theory. The analytical skills ofthe advanced student of literature will be sharpened further by anengagement with basic questions about literary practice througha particular theoretical perspective. The content of the coursemight vary from time to time, with the focus either upon a specifictheory (e.g. Psychoanalysis, Post-colonial Theory, or Feminism)or upon a particular writer in the English language, who has had adecisive influence in the development of critical theory.ENG 4710 Advanced Topic in Comparative (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: Two Level III courses from the Stylistics andComparative Literature ConcentrationThe selected topic will be determined by the individual instructor.The course will focus on interdisciplinary and cross-culturalconcerns relevant to the study of comparative literature.ENG 4720 Advanced Topic in Literatures (3,3,0)in EnglishPrerequisite: ENG 2830 Western Critical Approaches toLiterature, ENG 3850 Special Topic in Literatureor ENG 3990 Special Topic in Western CriticalTheoryThis course will define critical and disciplinary parametersnecessary to in-depth study and research of literature(s) writtenin English. Students will be introduced to methodologies orapproaches relevant to the study of the selected topic. Illustrationof the topic will be done through close readings of selectedprimary and theoretical texts.ENG 4730 Advanced Topic in Linguistics (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Two Level III courses from the Language in DepthConcentrationThis course will introduce students to a specialty or issue inlinguistics. The selected topic will focus on either a branchof linguistics (e.g. Discourse Studies, Language Acquisition,Sociolinguistics) or an issue (e.g. Contrastive Grammar of Chineseand English, Gendered Discourse). Regardless of the specialtyor issue selected, students will be encouraged to be critical ofalternative approaches, and to analyse authentic data usingdifferent theoretical frameworks.ENG 4740 Advanced Topic in Language (3,3,0)StudiesPrerequisite: Any course(s) which the lecturer may designateThis course allows students to study a selected theme or issue inlanguage studies at an advanced level. Students will examine thestrengths and weakness of different paradigms in studying thechosen topic and evaluate the various methodologies in handlingthe topic based on their advanced knowledge of the concepts andprinciples pertaining to the chosen theme or issue.ENG 7010 Required Readings for Translation (3,0,0)StudiesThe supervisor and the student will be required to work outa reading list to cover the areas of translation pertaining tothe student’s research area. The list will be submitted to thedepartment for record.ENG 7020 Required Readings for Comparative (3,0,3)Literature StudiesThe supervisor and the student will be required to work out areading list to cover the areas of comparative literature pertainingto the student’s research area. The list will be submitted to thedepartment for record.ENG 7030 Required Readings for Literature (3,0,3)StudiesThe supervisor and the student will be required to work outa reading list to cover the areas of literature pertaining tothe student’s research area. The list will be submitted to thedepartment for record.ENG 7040 Required Readings for Language (3,0,3)StudiesThe supervisor and the student will be required to work out areading list to cover the areas of comparative linguistics pertainingto the student’s research area. The list will be submitted to thedepartment for record.ENG 7210 English Grammar and Meaning (3,3,0)This course deals with the grammatical system, the lexical systemand the semantic system of English.ENG 7220 Sounds and Words in English (3,3,0)This course focuses on morphological structures and phonologicalstructures of English words, phrases and sentences.ENG 7230 Language, Culture and Society (3,3,0)This course examines relationships between social organizationand language use and deals with relationships at both micro- andmacro-levels of analysis with interdisciplinary bases in sociology,anthropology, ethnography of communication, and linguistics.ENG 7240 Narrative Art (3,3,0)This course introduces students to different genres of literatureand children’s literature. It develops students’ ability to appreciatevarious language arts in English, including fiction and non-fiction,poetry and verse speaking, plays and dramatic activities, the massmedia, movies, hypertexts and hypermedia.ENG 7250 Discourse Analysis (3,3,0)This course introduces students to a range of resources andtechniques for analysing texts and dialogues, including registeranalysis, functional analysis of clauses and sentences, as well asanalysis of text cohesion and generic structure.ENG 7260 Language Acquisition and Language (3,3,0)LearningThis course studies both first and second language acquisition.Factors affecting language learning such as cognitive development,age, gender, individual differences and theoretical issues in secondlanguage acquisition will be examined with special reference tobilingual education in Hong Kong.ENG 7310 Literary Theory (3,3,0)This course explores several topics in the history of literarycriticism and critical theory. These include, among others,interpretation; canon formation; ideology; class, race, gender, andsexuality; discourse; hegemony; signification; and performativity.We will read key texts from every period in the Western canon,concluding with New Historicism and trauma theory.ENG 7320 Global Modernisms (3,3,0)In acknowledgement of the broad plurality of modern experience,and of the literatures in English depicting it, the course willexplore the broad canon of modern literature as constructedcomparatively across diverse linguistic, cultural and nationalcontexts. The course will search for a broader rendering of“Modernist” culture, embracing old and new and ranging acrossthe arts and media.ENG 7330 Graduate Research Seminar (3,3,0)This course is designed to engage students in critical discussionsabout aspects of literature from a world perspective. Studentswill examine major issues and concepts pertaining to the studyof world literature and/or comparative literature with referenceto selected literary texts. The relationship between literatureand culture will be emphasized and different perspectives will be

adopted for reading and interpreting world literature. Specifictopics may vary from year to year.ENG 7340 World Literatures in Modern Times (3,3,0)This course seeks to understand world literature not as a collectionof national literatures created in different linguistic and culturallocations, but as instances of human imagination firmly secured inand actively engaged with the processes of the world. Reading aselection of texts, fictional and critical, we will discuss the conceptand practice of world literature—its genealogy and vision, aswell as its idealism, politics, and limitations—in close relation tohistorical forms and forces of globalization. Themes followed inthis course may include: worldliness, philology, national literatureand cultural imperialism, canonization and institutionalization,translation and its limits, world literature and global modernity,the futures of humanism.ENG 7350 Comparative Literature and Arts (3,3,0)This course compares and analyses different national literaturesand their non-literary counterparts. Emphasis will be placed onwidening students’ literary horizon, examining the similaritiesand differences among cultures, analysing the aesthetic exchangebetween literature, media, and nonfiction in a global context,and helping students develop their moral and ethical positions inresponse to different cultural, political, religious traditions.ENG 7360 The Ecocritical Imagination (3,3,0)The course will examine the variety of texts and genres, literaryand critical, that document the relationship between the livingworld and its physical environment—focussing on the urgentecological relationship between sentient creatures and the nonsentientsubstrate. What are the global implications for theliving world, and how has the awareness of potential and actualproblems found reflection in the literatures of environmentalconsciousness?ENG 7370 World Theatre (3,3,0)This course provides a platform for students to examine thehistory of world drama, and the influence of dramatic movementsacross cultural contexts. Topics of interest may include the studyof genres, dramatic schools, theories, movements, and specificplaywrights. Equal emphasis will be given to various theoreticalpursuits, as we analyse plays in light of gender theories, ideology,historicism, and performance studies.ENG 7380 Twenty-first Century Fiction (3,3,0)Twenty-first century fiction provides a forum from which toexplore recent novels from around the world. Topics that maybe investigated include the transnational, the post-postcolonial,the late-postmodern, the spectacular, the performative, hybridity,immigration, mass culture, sexuality, reliability, disaster, andprotest. Given the global context of the course, English-languagetexts are selected from countries as diverse as Canada, India,Ireland, the USA and broader regions like the Caribbean andAsia. Particular emphasis will be placed on the political, cultural,and global underpinnings of the texts under consideration,drawn from this still-young century. Students will be encouragedto juxtapose the contents and contexts of chosen works whilecharting apparent shifts and trends in early 21st century artisticrepresentation.ENG 7390 Advanced Topic in Literary and (3,3,0)Comparative StudiesThis course will define critical and disciplinary parametersnecessary to in-depth study and research of literature(s) writtenin English. Students will be introduced to methodologies orapproaches relevant to the study of the selected topic. Illustrationof the topic will be done through close readings of selectedprimary and theoretical texts.ENG 7400 Advanced Topic in Genre Studies (3,3,0)This course will examine the features and/or development of agenre or subgenre, up to the present time. In a particular year,the focus of the course may be on a specific period and/or a (sub)genre, rather than a broad survey. Aside from a solid theoreticalcomponent, the course will offer a focus on selected texts with aview to developing the analytical and critical tools necessary tounfold their artistry and meaning.ENG 7410 Advanced Topic in Critical Theory: (3,3,0)Popular Cultural StudiesThis course will focus on the interdisciplinary, and still-emerging,field of cultural studies. Moving through the evolution of thecritical discipline, which integrates its Marxist inceptions in1950s Britain, its post-colonial and post-structuralist inclinationson the Continent in the 70s and 80s, and its contemporarymultidimensional applications in places as different as the USand Hong Kong, this course will utilize the various discourses ofculture and pop culture (including theory, the novel, and film) toexcavate topics like stardom, the chic, the bourgeois, urbanism,democracy, globalism, reality television, mass identity, anderoticism. Students will be encouraged to develop their owninformed ways of reading “culture” in its numerous modalities.ENG 7420 Master’s Project (3,3,0)The project is an elective course during the second semesterdesigned for students who have (a) achieved a satisfactory (passing)grade in the Graduate Research Seminar and (b) submitted asatisfactory prospectus to the Programme Planning Team (PPT)no later than the end of March of their final (or only) year ofstudy. Although supervised by a member of staff, students willbe encouraged to achieve a high level of self-directed explorationin their research and writing. The Project enables students todevelop their own thinking and scholarship in an area relevant tothe broad ambit of the degree. The project will demand rigorousstandards of research and writing and, aside from its intrinsicvalue as a piece of scholarship, will provide valuable evidence(initially, in the form of an article-length research paper output) ofa given student’s worthiness for academic appointments or furtherstudies.ENG 7430 The Erotics of Humanism (3,3,0)Taking its departure from the Western cultural project of historicalhumanism, this seminar will ask questions about the eroticand affective developments that occur within the processes ofhumanism’s emergence as the cultural dominant within domainsof knowledge production, creativity and species formation. Thesequestions presume that the erotic is both a necessary component inthe development of humanism—one of its necessary conditions—and also one of the consequences of that emergence. Readingswill move from Plato to Foucault and shall include creative,critical and theoretical works.ENG 7440 The Postcolonial and India (3,3,0)This course considers “India” as a site of literary productionwithin colonial and postcolonial discourse before and after Indianindependence in 1947. A privileged site in diasporic Anglophonehistory, India was among the earliest nations to delink its historyof English from colonial culture. As both material locus ofpostcolonial reality, and an imaginary site in language, “India”both constitutes and problematizes contexts of race, class andnation and the canons deriving from these.Note: The prerequisites for the English courses marked with an asterisk (*)can be waived with the consent of the Head of the Department. Allprerequisites, unless otherwise stated, apply to English majors only.ENGL 1005 English, Creativity, and Cultures (3,3,0) (E)This course will (1) examine the changing nature of language, andhow creativity forms and transforms the English language anddifferent cultures in English; (2) question and challenge students’perceptions of language, culture and creativity; (3) reflect onhow creativity has played a role in the production of literary andeveryday texts; and (4) lay a foundation for linguistic and literarystudies.327Course Descriptions

328Course DescriptionsENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study of (3,3,0) (E)LanguageThis course will (1) raise students’ awareness of language,especially the English language, as an object of study; and (2)lay a foundation for students’ knowledge of language use andlanguage structure including its phonology, morphology, syntaxand semantics.ENGL 2006 Language, Culture and Society (3,3,0) (E)This course will help students (1) understand the interactionbetween social systems and language varieties; (2) examine thenotions of standard and non-standard varieties of a language,especially as they relate to the language situation in Hong Kong;(3) understand how language use differs across individuals andgroups based on social class, gender, identity, and ethnicity; and(4) understand how language ideologies and attitudes impactlanguage policies and language education.ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative Studies (3,3,0) (E)This course will (1) introduce students to basic concepts andterminologies used in literary and comparative studies; (2)introduce students to techniques and skills used in analysingliterary texts across cultures; (3) explore the interrelations betweenliteratures by exploring common themes, genres, etc.; (4) developstudents’ literary and cultural literacy by introducing them toliterary masterpieces; and (5) develop students’ basic researchskills, critical thinking and analytical abilities.ENGL 2015 Literature and Culture (3,3,0) (E)This course will (1) introduce students to the notion of literaryculture; (2) illustrate the impact of culture in redefining Englishliterature as a discipline; (3) locate the reader of English literatureas a consumer of culture in a variety of popular forms; and(4) encourage the appreciation of culture and literature in theirimagistic, graphic, literary, critical, and iconoclastic forms.ENGL 2016 Sounds of English around the (3,3,0) (E)WorldThis course will (1) provide basic knowledge of phonetics andphonology, one of the major subsystems of language; (2) exposestudents to subtleties in language sounds; (3) train students totranscribe language sounds in the International Phonetic Alphabet(IPA); and (4) familiarize students in the analysis of the soundsystems of language, especially the sound systems of Englishin the speech of native and non-native speakers and of learnersacquiring English as a first or a second language.ENGL 2017 Stepping Stones in English (3,3,0) (E)GrammarThis course will lay the foundations for students’ acquisition ofcompetence in and knowledge about the English language.ENGL 2025 The Art of Storytelling (3,3,0) (E)This course will (1) explore various forms of storytelling inliterature; (2) analyse literary devices used in the selected texts; (3)examine the observance of literary conventions in different genres;and (4) assess literature and its impact on society.ENGL 2026 Argumentation and Persuasion (3,3,0) (E)Students will be introduced to the basic principles of publicspeaking; guided opportunities are provided to develop the skillsnecessary to implement these principles. The emphasis is on usingthe English language effectively in everyday conversation, smallgroup discussion, and public speaking. Students are expected toresearch, prepare and give public speeches, and to engage in groupactivities such as discussions, role plays, and listening exercises.ENGL 2027 Academic and Professional Writing (3,3,0) (E)Students will be introduced to the basic principles of writing;guided opportunities are provided to develop the skills necessaryto implement these principles. The course will be content driven,but the content will provide the means by which students willhone their skills.ENGL 2055 American Popular Fiction after 1950 (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) explore the impact of popular culture onAmerican literature from 1950 to the present; (2) examine theimpact of emerging, alternative genres on the American canonduring the same period; and (3) approach ideologies of Americanexceptionalism in the specific context of the globalization ofAmerican literature, culture, and economy after 1950.ENGL 2056 Comparative Literature: Theory and (3,3,0)MethodologyPrerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to various theories andmethodologies used in comparative literature; (2) study theinterrelations of several literatures according to common themesand genres; and (3) familiarize students with the basic conceptsinvolved in the study of comparative literature.ENGL 2057 Creative Writing (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) give students an opportunity to understandhow a piece of creative work is written; and (2) examine the threeprimary genres of creative writing.ENGL 2065 Literary World Masterpieces (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to representative andestablished literary works from different cultures; (2) engagestudents in literary discussion that will improve their skills inliterary appreciation and critical thinking; and (3) equip studentswith the knowledge and skills necessary for analysing literaryworks as a foundation for further studies in the discipline.ENGL 2066 Literature and Society (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) investigate the aesthetic and politicaldimensions of socially committed literature; and (2) highlight theinteractive relationship between literature and society.ENGL 2067 Literature and Persuasion (3,3,0)This course will (1) introduce students to the literature ofpersuasion as a specific kind of writing in various forms; (2)introduce students to an understanding of the role of literatureand persuasion in society; and (3) encourage students to view theirown persuasive writing in English from the perspectives acquiredin this course.ENGL 2075 Literature, the Arts and Media (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) appreciate the aesthetic dimension ofliterature; (2) examine the relationship between literature andother forms of imaginative and artistic endeavors; (3) heightenstudents’ interest in literary and artistic topics; and (4) assess theimpact of non-print media on literary arts and representation.ENGL 2076 Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to selected poets’ works,particularly in several different periods; (2) show how historyand culture influence poetic works; and (3) give enjoyment andencourage appreciation of the skills, beauty and quality of finepoetry.ENGL 2077 Western Critical Approaches to (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) strengthen students’ analytical skills; (2)introduce major Western critical perspectives; and (3) providebasic critical approaches for effective reading and literary analysis.ENGL 2085 Western Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to the formative influences,subgenres, and the critical and creative traditions of Western

drama; and (2) introduce Western drama in its historical contexts,including the specific interests and techniques of significantplaywrights.ENGL 2086 Western Poetry and Poetics (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to the creative, formal, andcritical traditions of Western poetry and poetics; and (2) introducestudents to Western poetry in its historical contexts, including thespecific interests and techniques of significant poets.ENGL 2095 Foundations of Language Studies (3,3,0)The aim of this course is to raise students’ awareness of language,especially the English language as an object of study; as to lay afoundation for knowledge of language structure (its phonology,morphology, syntax and sematics) and language use, particularlywith reference to issues relating to the English language.ENGL 3005 Research Skills in English (3,3,0)Language and LiteratureThis course will (1) familiarize students with basic research skillsin language and literature; (2) improve students’ writing skills inEnglish; (3) strengthen students’ ability to discuss linguistic andliterary topics; (4) develop students’ critical and analytical skills;and (5) prepare students to undertake research-based writing suchas the Honours Project.ENGL 3007 Discourse Studies (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThe course will focus on introducing approaches to study oflanguage in relation to the contextual background features;facilitating understanding of the relationships among linguisticforms, meanings and contexts; and developing awareness of thepatterns of linguistic features beyond the sentence level.ENGL 3026 Special Topic in Language (3,3,0)Prerequisite: To be specified by instructor(s)This course will provide focused study of a specific themepertaining to language. Specific themes may be selected accordingto the need of the students and developments in linguistics.ENGL 3027 Special Topic in Linguistic Theory (3,3,0)Prerequisite: To be specified by instructor(s)This course will provide focused training on a linguistic analyticalskill set. Topics vary from semester to semester.ENGL 3035 American Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) familiarize students with the various historicalcontexts of American literature, its major (revolutionary)movements and specific qualities; and (2) explore the changingideological contexts of American writing and literary productionand dissemination, as well as the emergence of new, challengingvoices.ENGL 3036 Chinese-Western Literary (3,3,0)RelationsPrerequisite: ENGL 2056 Comparative Literature: Theory andMethodologyThis course will (1) encourage students to acquire a synoptic viewof literature; (2) study the interrelations of literatures, especiallyChinese-Western literary relations; and (3) place significantliterary works in an international and inter-cultural context.ENGL 3037 Creative Writing Workshop (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2057 Creative WritingThis course will (1) give students the opportunity to writecreatively and discuss each other’s work in class; and (2) encouragestudents to experience creative writing as the expression of self.ENGL 3045 Great Novels in English (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) provide a close analysis of selectedEnglish-language novels in their historical, social, political andphilosophical contexts; and (2) situate works of recognized qualitywithin their broader canonical context, including the traditions ofthe novel as they have emerged.ENGL 3046 Literature and the Nobel Prize (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to the winners of thepremier prize for global literary achievement; and (2) introducestudents to the best, globally recognized literatures in poetry,drama, and fiction in English or in English translation.ENGL 3047 Literature and Translation (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study of Languageand ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) help students understand the dynamicsbetween literature and translation, and different problems in crosscultural,literary studies; and (2) enhance students’ awarenessof language use and culture-related issues in literature andtranslation.ENGL 3055 Literature and Film (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) investigate the relationship between film andliterature; (2) analyse how plot, characterization, and themes aredeveloped across both literary and filmic texts; (3) defend theuniqueness of prose and filmic narratives; and (4) debunk howliterature and film can function as ideological texts revealing theoperation of power in different cultural contexts.ENGL 3056 Major Genre in Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) investigate the concept of genre; (2) closereadspecific texts within a focused genre area; (3) demonstratethe continued relevance of a specific genre to the study of Englishliterature; (4) equip students with the knowledge and skills foranalysing literary texts generically.ENGL 3057 Major Movement or Trend in (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) chart and examine a significant literary andcultural movement or trend; (2) apply different concepts learned tothe analysis of selected texts; and (3) enhance students’ analyticalability by studying representative works that belong to thatmovement or trend.ENGL 3065 Major Theme in Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) investigate a significant theme or motif inliterature; (2) classify and categorize different schools and literarytypes in relation to the study of themes; and (3) equip studentswith the knowledge and skills necessary for analysing literary textsthematically.ENGL 3066 Modern Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) examine significant modern works of dramafrom anywhere in the world; (2) compare and explore theoriesand styles of drama, and posit the selected texts in their social,political, and theoretical contexts; and (3) acquire knowledge ofdifferent texts, ideas and performance approaches.ENGL 3067 Shakespeare and His (3,3,0)ContemporariesPrerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) explore Shakespeare’s works in light of thesocial, political, and philosophic contexts of Renaissance drama;and (2) examine the selected plays produced by Shakespeare andhis contemporaries.329Course Descriptions

330Course DescriptionsENGL 3075 Single Author Forum: Drama (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) assess a single prominent dramatist in English;and (2) examine the chosen dramatist’s plays in light of relevantbiographical, political, social, historical, and cultural contexts.ENGL 3076 Single Author Forum: Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) analyse in depth one distinguished poet inEnglish; and (2) examine poetry in light of a poet’s biographical,historical, and cultural contexts.ENGL 3077 Single Author Forum: Prose (3,3,0)FictionPrerequisite: Any one Literary and Comparative Studies courseThis course will (1) examine the works of a single prominentfiction writer in English; (2) analyse the major themes, style,and techniques characteristic of the chosen author; (3) evaluatethe chosen author in his/her biographical, historical and criticalcontexts; and (4) assess the author’s contribution to fiction writingas a genre and his or her position with regard to national traditionsand world literary contexts.ENGL 3085 Special Topic in Comparative (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative Studiesor others as may be required depending upon thetopic offeredThis course will provide advanced students with an opportunity toexplore selected topics in comparative literary studies in depth.ENGL 3086 Special Topic in Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative Studiesor others as may be required depending upon thetopic offeredThis course will (1) provide advanced students with an opportunityto study and discuss selected topics in literary and critical studies;and (2) prepare students for further study in the same (or related)special topic.ENGL 3087 Special Topic in Western Critical (3,3,0)TheoryPrerequisite: ENGL 2077 Western Critical Approaches toLiteratureThis course will (1) provide the in-depth study of a specific areawithin modern literary/cultural theory; and (2) sharpen students’analytical and interpretive skills through an engagement withbasic questions about literary/cultural practice using a particulartheoretical perspective.ENGL 3095 Styles and Structures (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study of Languageor ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) convey the concept of style; (2) analyselinguistic structures and how they affect the meaning andreception of texts; and (3) view differences in style in texts ofvarious genres and periods.ENGL 3096 The Child and Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) introduce students to a wide variety ofliterature for and about children; (2) enable students to identifyand articulate currents of thought in the texts they encounter, toexplore the manner of their expression, and to make comparisonswhere appropriate; and (3) encourage students to view thestudy of literature from an educational point of view, regardingliterature not only as literature but as a medium of instruction aswell.ENGL 3097 The Short Story (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) examine representative short stories written inor translated into English; (2) demonstrate knowledge of differenttypes of short stories, and different writers’ styles and literarytechniques; and (3) evaluate the production of short stories in aninternational and inter-cultural context.ENGL 3105 Twentieth-Century Literature (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) examine short stories and novels written inEnglish whose diversity of styles and subjects demonstrate thechanging perceptions of literature and life during the last century;(2) explore significant twentieth-century works of fiction includingnovels and/or collections of short stories; and (3) encouragestudents to consider literary works in a historical context, inrelation to a given author’s wider canon, and with regard to thework of her/his contemporaries.ENGL 3106 Twentieth-Century Poetry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2007 Literary and Comparative StudiesThis course will (1) investigate twentieth-century poetry as a modeof thought and expression; and (2) introduce students to the styles,subjects and poetic imperatives that emerged in the twentiethcentury.ENGL 3107 Acquiring and Learning a (3,3,0)LanguagePrerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThe course familiarizes students with central issues in the areaof language acquistion and language learning. It also introducesmajor theories concerning the central issues and enables studentsto interpret data on first or second language acquisition againstthe background of theoretical insights.ENGL 3205 Components of a Word (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will provide students with analytical knowledge ofmorphology, familiarize students with the various dimensions inthe notion word and the relationship between words.ENGL 3206 Critical Discourse Analysis (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThe course will focus on introducing analytical techniquesof critical discourse analysis and developing students’ criticalawareness of how ideologies position discourse.ENGL 3207 Language and Intercultural (3,3,0)CommunicationThe course will give students the opportunity to explorethe interrelationship between linguistic and communicativephenomena on the one hand, and cultural phenomena on theother.ENGL 3305 Studying Meaning (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will provide analytical knowledge of word-level andsentence-level semantics.ENGL 3306 Understanding Phonological (3,3,0)PatternsPrerequisite: ENGL 2016 Sounds of English around the WorldThis course will enable students to have an in-depth understandingof phonological theorizing and analysis. It will familiarizestudents with phonological patterns in languages beyond English,and relate phonological properties across languages.ENGL 3307 Architecture of Grammar (3,3,0)The focus of the course is to provide students with a fundamentaltraining in English syntax and to inform students of the bases ofgrammaticality through empirical studies.

ENGL 4005 Advanced Topic in Comparative (3,3,0)LiteraturePrerequisite: Two Level III courses from the Literary andComparative Studies ConcentrationThis course will (1) provide students with in-depth knowledgeof a selected topic in comparative literary studies; (2) enablestudents to engage with issues from a cross-cultural and/orinterdisciplinary perspective; and (3) enhance students’ criticalthinking and analytical skills necessary for cross-cultural studies.ENGL 4006 Advanced Topic in Language (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Two Level III courses and any addition courses tobe specified by instructor(s)This course will provide an in-depth study of a specific themepertaining to language. Specific themes may be selected accordingto the need of the students and developments in linguistics.ENGL 4007 Advanced Topic in Linguistic (3,3,0)TheoryPrerequisite: Two Level III courses and any addition courses tobe specified by instructor(s)This course will provide an in-depth study of a theoretical issue,theme or model in linguistics. Topics vary from semester tosemester.ENGL 4015 Advanced Topic in Literatures in (3,3,0)EnglishPrerequisite: ENGL 2077 Western Critical Approaches toLiterature, ENGL 3086 Special Topic in WesternCritical Theory, or ENGL 3087 Special Topic inWestern Critical TheoryThis course will (1) provide advanced students with in-depthknowledge of a selected topic pertaining to a given literatureor literatures written in English; and (2) enable an in-depthunderstanding of a specific topic pertaining to students’ advancedresearch.ENGL 4017 Advanced Seminar in Language (3,3,0)and GenderPrerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce a range of current issues in theacademic field of language and gender, and explore differentapproaches to analysing the impact of gender in both spoken andwritten texts. Student will be encouraged to appreciate culturalvariations on gendered language and identities. The course willalso develop the students’ awareness and critical thinking ofgender in their own experiences of language use and learning, andstudents’ analytical skills to analyse data collected by students invarious contexts by using the theoretical frameworks acquired inthe course.ENGL 4025 Analysing Multimodal (3,3,0)CommunicationPrerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce the different frameworks ofmultimodality and examine the interactions of words and visuals.It will also examine how linguistic tools can be utilized in thestudy of visuals and how a multimodal corpus can be built.ENGL 4026 Exploring Intercultural (3,3,0)Communication through Filmsand LiteraturePrerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce students to the linguistic andcommunication theories underpinning intercultural understanding.It will evaluate the different paradigms of interculturalcommunication and the different data sources of interculturalcommunication, that is, the advantages and disadvantages ofusing authentic data and creative productions.ENGL 4027 Exploring Bilingualism and (3,3,0)Bilingual EducationPrerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will familiarize students with the variety of interdisciplinaryperspectives on bilingualism and bilingual education.It will give students exposure to major concepts and theoriesconcerning bilingualism and bilingual education. It will alsoenable students to apply the concepts and theories introduced tothe analysis of important issues in the Hong Kong situation.ENGL 4035 Functional Grammar (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce relevant theorems within functionalgrammar and familiarize students with the explanatory aims ofeach module. This course will also create awareness of the majorfunctional patterns of the English language.ENGL 4036 Language, Communication and (3,3,0)AdvertisingThis course will introduce students to different approaches tothe study of advertisements, including semiotics, grammar ofvisual design, discourse analysis and multimodality. It will alsointroduce students to the whole range of communicative featuresin advertisements and commercials, including text (linguistic andparalinguistic features), image, composition, colour, and sound,and illustrate how and what they communicate. Students willbe able to apply their knowledge of advertising to analyses ofdifferent types of advertisements and commericals.ENGL 4037 Language and the Workplace (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce the functions of language in theworkplace and examine the different linguistic frameworks tostudy the texts and conversations in the workplace. It will alsoexamine the ideologies of work in creative productions such asfilm and literature, appreciate the use of the workplace in creativeproductions and compare the meaning of work in differentcultures.ENGL 4045 Language in Education (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will help students grasp the essential characteristicsof children’s developing communicative competence at home andschool. It will demonstrate the variations in the level and profileof language development depending on home conditions. Thecourse will familiarize students will the basic policies on languagein education.ENGL 4047 Perspectives on Universal Themes (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will help students relate at a philosophical level thethemes in linguistics that cut across disciplines. It will broadenstudents’ perspectives on the properties of their discipline byplacing it in the large context of academic inquiry, and cultivatecourage in students to approach issues outside their field oftraining as well as rigour in attempting to understand issues thatlie beyond their field of training.ENGL 4055 Stories of English (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will provide students with an understanding of thehistorical development and of the present state of the Englishlanguage around the world. It will familiarize students withboth the internal and external principles of language change andlanguage diversity.331Course Descriptions

332Course DescriptionsENGL 4056 Theoretical Linguist Meets World (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will enable students to relate and apply their disciplinein theoretical linguistics to a wider spectrum of disciplinesand to the practicalities of daily life. It will broaden students’perspectives on the relevance of other disciplines to linguistics andcultivate a sense of a larger academic context. The course willalso provide greater interdisciplinary scope.ENGL 4057 Unravelling Syntax (3,3,0)Prerequisite: ENGL 2005 Introduction to the Study ofLanguageThis course will introduce current theories of grammar, and themajor contemporary research on formal syntax in particular. Itwill familiarize students will the explanatory aims of syntactictheorizing.ENGL 4898-9 Honours Project (3,0,3)This course will (1) require students to demonstrate theirknowledge of the field within their selected topic, their researchskills, as well as their ability to express their ideas in a persuasiveand well-structured exegesis; and (2) engage the student inindependent research and the production of an extensive researchor creative project.EPHM 7010 Sustainable Management Systems (3,3,0)The course focuses on different management approaches tosustainability from local to global perspectives. Focus will beon how environmental management system and environmentalimpact assessment can help achieve the goal of environmentalsustainability.EPHM 7020 Management of Public Health Risks (3,3,0)This course focuses on understanding the range, limitations andimpact of public health policies. It also trains students to developskills to identify the principal factors imposing impacts on humanand other environmental species and to assess the significance ofemerging issues in an objective manner.EPHM 7040 Land and Water Resources (3,3,0)ManagementThis course provides background information on water, soiland vegetation, as well as the effects of industrial and economicdevelopment on land quality and water safety. Different strategieson land and water resources management for sustainabledevelopment are also discussed.EPHM 7050 Integrated Waste Management (3,3,0)The amount of waste/solid waste produced every day istremendous and ways of properly handling and disposing thempermanently have always been in demand. The course exploresand compares different options and strategies in reducing,handling, and treatment of solid waste with due emphasis on theinportance of adopting an integrated approach in managing waste.EPHM 7070 Research and Environmental (3,3,0)Monitoring MethodologyThe course focuses on different approaches and methods toconduct environmental monitoring and evironmental research.Basic principles of these research and monitoring methods willbe dealt with adequately so that students will be able to formulatetheir own research or monitoring strategies to deal with newenvironmental problems when they have completed the course.EPHM 7110 Principles of Environmental (3,3,0)ManagementThis course studies ecosystems and its relationship withatmospheric, hydrological and geomorphological systems.The impacts of human activities on the delicate balanceof ecosystems, as well as the ethical bases of conservationbiology, will also be examined. The course introduces the basicprinciples in environmental management, illustrates scientificprinciples by building on worldwide and familiar examples, andencourages students to become personally involved with solvingenvironmental problems.EPHM 7311-2 MSc Dissertation (3,*,*)This project is designed for students to apply and integrate theorieslearnt to real-life problems so that better understanding of theenvironmental issues will be resulted. Through the execution ofthe project, students will also learn the proper ways of conductingresearch and preparing documents for review.EPHM 7320 Occupational Health and Safety (3,3,0)ManagementThis course provides an understanding on occupational healthand safety with due emphasis on a variety of commonly adoptedmanagement approaches and methods. This includes theidentification procedures for the principal causes of ill healthand poor safety at workplace and strategies for eliminatingor ameliorating them. The legal and operational aspects ofoccupational health and safety are also adequately dealt with.EPHM 7330 Food Quality, Law and Safety (3,3,0)ManagementThe course is designed to introduce students to the growingconsumer demand in food safety and growing awareness ofthe food industry in the importance of maintaining high foodquality. This course covers the principles and internationalstandards of food quality and safety management, and providesan understanding of the legislative control related to food quality,safety and human health protection in Hong Kong.EPHM 7340 Carbon and Energy Management (3,*,*)This course provides students with an understanding on carbonand energy management with due emphasis on a variety ofcommonly adopted management approaches and methods. Thisincludes carbon accounting or the identificaiton and quantificationof greenhouse gas emission sources and sinks, carbon footprintingof products and services, carbon neutrality, energy auditand management, measurement and verification of energyperformance projects, and the related carbon and energy standards.EURO 1008 Europe: Unity and Diversity I (3,2,1) (E)This is the first part of a two-semester course which providesstudents with the necessary initial background knowledge ofEurope as a whole. It seeks to stimulate the students’ interest bylooking at European history through the particular prism of theshifting balance between unity and diversity, concentrating onparticular turning points. It introduces students to the variousdefinitions of “Europe” and Europe’s historical roots in theantique Mediterranean civilizations. The synthesis of the Greco-Roman and Christian with the Germanic heritages in the MiddleAges and the subsequent Renaissance laid the foundations forthe culturally multi-faceted modern European societies, whichnonetheless share a common tradition in thought and action.EURO 1009 Europe: Unity and Diversity II (3,2,1) (E)Prerequisite: EURO 1008 Europe: Unity and Diversity I orequivalentThis course is a continuation of EURO 1008. It will focus onearly modern Europe from the 16th to 18th centuries. It discussesthe gradual emergence of a “European model of development”characterized by representative forms of government, essentialfreedom of economic activity and protection of private propertyrights, as well as a set of cultural values stimulating growth andsocial development.The course will discuss the formation of European compositeand (eventually) nation states and their interminable domesticand external conflicts, which crucially led to the projectionof European power overseas. It will analyse cultural conflicts

attendant to the break-up of medieval Christian unity, and therise of national and regional diversities still extant today. In theprocess, two competing models of societies evolved: an essentiallymarket-driven, potentially liberal, decentralized structure, and aconservative-autocratic model of governance, typified here by theDutch United Provinces and the kingdom of France, respectively.Out of their conflicts arose the all-European cultural movementcalled the Enlightenment, which arguably remains the singlemost important source for the values and principles on whichthe modern European Union and a common European identity arefounded.EURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity and Diversity (3,2,1)The course introduces students to the various definitions of“Europe” and the continent’s historical roots in the antiqueMediterranean civilizations. The synthesis of the Greek/Roman,Christian and Germanic heritages in the Middle Ages and theRenaissance laid the foundations for the culturally multi-facetedmodern European societies, which nonetheless share a commonphilosophical core. Through successive stages of political andeconomic development marked by significant internal and externalconflicts, modern liberal thought was formed, and its equivalentin the economic sphere: the wealth-generating capitalist societies.The seeming contradiction between the principles of individualfreedom and social equality led the continent to near selfdestructionin ideological warfare, out of which finally emergedthe post-war model of trans-nationally cooperating bureaucraticwelfare states: the European Union.EURO 2005 Contemporary European Societies (3,2,1) (E)I: The French-Speaking CountriesPrerequisite: EURO 1008-9 Europe: Unity and DiversityThis course will enable students to acquire a broad knowledge andunderstanding of the main features of French-speaking countriesof Europe (France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland). Itwill prepare them for their stay in Europe during Year III bytraining them to critically evaluate the social, political, culturaland economic conditions in these countries. It will also help themto elaborate the conceptual framework to be used when gatheringinformation in Europe for the final year Honours Project.EURO 2006 Contemporary European Societies (3,2,1) (E)I: The German-Speaking CountriesPrerequisite: EURO 1008-9 Europe: Unity and DiversityThis is the first part of a course, which spans the internship yearin Europe. It acquaints students with salient characteristics of thesocial, cultural, political and economic life in Germany, Austriaand Switzerland, as these have a direct impact on individual lifestyles and life experiences. The course also prepares students togather and systematize HP-relevant information during their thirdyear in Europe.EURO 2007 The Political Economy of the (3,2,1) (E)European UnionPrerequisite: For GIS/ES major: POLS 1005 Foundations ofPolitical Science or EURO 1008-9 Europe: Unityand DiversityThis is a course which examines the causes and historicalevolution of European integration and looks analytically at theinstitutions and the policies of the European Union. It providesa focused examination of the political economy of Europeanintegration, highlighting the dynamic relationship betweeneconomic and political integration and the respective roles of themember states, the EU institutions, and the market. Moreover,it highlights the complexities and difficulties in constructing aEuropean constitutional order and offers a critical examination ofthe process of institutional building. It provides a critical reviewof the main theoretical contributions to the debate on Europeanintegration, and explores the prospects for the enlarged EU in thepost-communist era.EURO 2110 Contemporary European Societies (3,2,1) (E)I: The French-Speaking CountriesPrerequisite: EURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity and DiversityBased on historical knowledge previously acquired by thestudents, particularly in EURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity andDiversity, the course will elaborate on the specific evolution of theFrench-speaking societies of France, Belgium, Switzerland andLuxembourg. The students are required to grasp the historical,economic, social, political and cultural components that shapedthe present-day European French-speaking countries. The courseprepares students for their stay in Europe during Year III bytraining them to critically evaluate the social, political, culturaland economic conditions of the above-mentioned countries andrelate them to intercultural matters using a conceptual frameworkof social/political study. This course is open to European Studiesmajors only.EURO 2120 Contemporary European Societies (3,3,0) (E)I: The German-Speaking CountriesPrerequisite: EURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity and DiversityThis is the first part of a course, which spans the internship yearin Europe. Essential information about current social, politicaland economic affairs in the German, Austrian and Swiss societieswill be presented. This course follows an inductive approach.It aims to explore the extent to which historical and politicalconditions have shaped individual lifestyles and the Weltbild ofcontemporary citizens. This course is open to European Studiesmajors only.EURO 2140 The Political Economy of the (3,2,1) (E)European UnionPrerequisite: POLS 1510 Foundations of Political Science orEURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity and DiversityThe progressive integration of the countries of Europe since theend of the Second World War has been one of the most originaland significant developments in modern history. At the start theprocess was limited to six core countries in Western Europe andwas concerned most exclusively with strictly economic matters.With the end of the Cold War the European Union has enlarged,and its area of competence has widened to include defence andsecurity, justice and home affairs. The course examines the causesand historical evolution of European unification and then looksanalytically at the institutions and the policies of the Union,assessing their effectiveness and investigating their implicationsfor the rest of the world. It also explores the issues arisingfrom eastwards enlargement in the post-Communist period.Theoretically, it provides focused examination of the politicaleconomy of European integration, highlighting to the dynamicrelationship between economic and political integration andthe respective roles of states, markets and EU institutions. Thiscourse is open to Year II and Year III majors in GIS and Year IImajors in European Studies only.EURO 2610 Comparative Politics of (3,2,1) (E)Post-Communist Central EuropePrerequisite: POLS 1510 Foundations of Political Science orEURO 1111-2 Europe: Unity and DiversityThis course examines the Central European states of Poland,Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in historical andcomparative context. It begins with a discussion of the nature andweaknesses of the Communist regimes of Eastern Europe andthe causes and processes of the 1989 upheavals in the region. Itthen considers the paradoxes and obstacles in the course of post-Communist transition to democracy and the market economy.The key issues of democratic consolidation and pro-markettransformation will be addressed.EURO 3008-9 European Academic/Internship (21,*,*)Semester I & IIPrerequisite: FREN 2009 European Language in Context II(French) or GERM 2009 European Language inContext II (German) and sufficient GPA in Year IIThe European Academic/Internship Semester provides fulllinguistic and cultural immersion into the societies of French- or333Course Descriptions

334Course DescriptionsGerman-speaking countries through a combination of intensivelanguage training, academic study and, whenever feasible,supervised working experience on location in Europe. Semester Iis usually spent at a university. Semester II is spent at a universityand/or a work placement (internship/traineeship) in a privatecompany or public institution.Students will be placed individually or in very small groups atselected partner institutions of the European Studies Course/theDepartment of GIS. The course of study will normally compriseintensive foreign language tuition (French or German) andselected academic courses, as they are available at the respectivepartner institutions. In case of internships, students will be placedindividually with the assistance of the programme co-ordinators.Internships may vary in length but shall not extend six monthsof duration. Internship placements are subject to availability ofplaces, suitability of the student and approval by host companies.EURO 3110 Contemporary European Societies (3,2,1) (F)II: questions d’actualitéPrerequisite: Internship year in French-speaking Europe orequivalent; ability to use French for AcademicPurposes in speech, reading and writingThis is the second part of a course which spans the internshipyear in Europe and builds on the themes examined in the firstpart (see EURO 2110) in the light of students’ living and learningexperience in Europe. A review of the latest and current eventsto be observed in the French-speaking countries of Europe in thesocial, political and economic fields forms the basis of this course.The students are expected to link their experience in Europe withthis most updated knowledge in order to be fully prepared for theirfuture career in a French-speaking context. The course outlinevaries from year to year, according to the latest events and newsof Belgium, Switzerland, Luxembourg and France. The courseends with a special focus on the position and contribution ofthese countries in the European Union. This course is open toEuropean Studies majors only.EURO 3120 Contemporary European Societies (3,3,0) (G)II: Struktur und Zukunft der SozialenMarktwirtschaftPrerequisite: EURO 2120 Contemporary European SocietiesI: The German-Speaking Countries or courseinstructor’s approvalBased on earlier traditions, the Federal Republic of Germanypurposely developed a specific political and economic system—the“Social Market Economy (SME)”. It created an extensive welfarestate, but also institutions, which emphasized non-confrontational,co-operative action of employers and employees within a freemarket. Austria and Switzerland pursued similar strategies. Theresulting “model Germany” underpinned the “economic miracle”of the Bonn republic after 1949 and decisively shaped its culture.In recent years, however, SMEs have faced serious challenges.Social services expansion outpaced economic growth. Thesystem became too costly and was further affected by enormousdemographic changes and (in the nineties) the cost ofreunification. Increasing automation in the industry, changingmanagement structures and the globalization of trade and capitalmarkets all contributed to structural unemployment. At thebeginning of the new millennium, Germany (as well as otherEuropean nations) needs to reform the SME. In the process, newindustrial, labour, fiscal and educational policies are pursued totransform the country into a post-industrial service economy,while trying to retain, as much as possible, the characteristics ofthe successful consensus model of the SME. This course is opento European Studies majors only.EURO 3140 Current Issues of European (3,2,1) (E)IntegrationPrerequisite: For GIS major: POLS 1120 Introduction to PoliticalEconomy or POLS 1510 Foundations of PoliticalScienceFor ES major: EURO 2140 The Political Economyof the European UnionThis course aims at offering students a clear overview of theeconomic, political, social and diplomatic issues raised by recentinstitutional developments of the European Union. On the onehand, it consolidates knowledge of institutional structures andkey policy-making processes and results in recent years. On theother hand, it raises critical awareness of the deeper theoreticaland practical questions these developments pose. One of themain components of the course is the growing importance ofglobalization and the opening of Europe to other regions of theworld, in particular China and East Asia. The course integratestheoretical perspectives and case studies. This course is open toYear III major in GIS and Year IV major in European Studiesonly.EURO 3160 European Economic and Business (3,3,0) (F)Life: travailler en contexte internationalPrerequisite: EURO 3110 Contemporary European Societies II:questions d’actualité and FREN 3111 EuropeanLanguage III (French)The course is mainly based on a project that the students haveto carry through to a successful conclusion through the teacher’ssupervision and advice. It is presented in a seminar format.The project has to involve representatives from the Frenchspeakingworld as well as from Hong Kong/China. It meansthat the professional environment, which is to be imaginedin consultation between the teacher and the students, sets uprelations/contacts between institutions/companies/publicauthorities from a French-speaking country and their counterpartsand/or partners in Hong Kong/China.The various relations and contacts to be established in oral andwritten French will be presented under different forms: letters,interviews/discussions, faxes, telephone calls, e-mails, minutes,etc.In order to increase the authenticity of the project, all data andresources necessary to the students to carry the project through toa conclusion (i.e. information about various existing companies/institutions, public authorities in French-speaking Europe andHong Kong/China) are to be found on the Web.The objectives of this course are (1) to train the students to be ableto achieve efficiently common oral and written tasks in variousprofessional situations in a French-language environment; (2) toenhance the students’ understanding of multicultural professionalcontexts, where are involved (French-speaking) European andHong Kong/Chinese counterparts; and (3) to help the studentsgrasp the logic of professional contacts/relationship and increasetheir sense of initiative and self-reliance in this field. This courseis open to European Studies majors only.EURO 3170 European Economic and Business (3,3,0) (G)Life: Wirtschaft in Wandel/DeutschchinesischeWirtschaftsbeziehungenPrerequisite: EURO 3120 Contemporary European Societies II:Struktur und Zukunft der Sozialen Marktwirtschaftand GERM 3111 European Language III (German)Since the late 1990s, Germany, Austria and Switzerland haveadapted to global economic forces by a restructuring of industries,both on a macro- and a microeconomic level. New managementand production methods have changed the workplace and pose,above all, challenges to the education and training systems. Thecourse will first discuss recent changes in the industry and theirimplications for the labour market. It will then investigate theireffects on human resources development and present case studiesof the new job market.A key element of the new “knowledge economy” is the utilizationof information technologies. The course will attempt to showhow these are applied in industry and trade and how they affectcommercial relation between Hong Kong and Europe (includinglanguage use). Emphasis will be given to business sectors mostlikely to employ students after graduation (e.g. marketing,merchandizing, human resources and information services).Guest speakers from the German, Austrian and Swiss Chambersof Commerce are invited to provide up-to-date briefings, wheneverfeasible. The course may involve project work. This course isopen to European Studies majors only.

EURO 3205 Comparative Politics of (3,2,1) (E)Post-Communist Central EuropePrerequisite: For GIS/ES major: POLS 1005 Foundations ofPolitical Science or EURO 1008-9 Europe: Unityand DiversityThis is a course which examines new European Union MembersStates in Central Europe (in particular, Poland, Hungary,the Czech Republic and Slovakia) from both historical andcomparative perspectives. It begins with a discussion of the natureand weaknesses of the Communist regimes of Eastern Europeand the causes and processes leading to the 1989 upheavals in theregion. It then considers the paradoxes and obstacles in the courseof post-Communist transitions to democracy, the market economyand the civil society. The key issues of democratic consolidationand pro-market transformation will be addressed.EURO 3511 European Academic/Internship (0,0,0)Semester IPrerequisite: FREN 2112 European Language II (French) orGERM 2112 European Language II (German)The European Academic/Internship Semester provides fulllinguistic and cultural immersion into the societies of French- orGerman-speaking countries through a combination of intensivelanguage training, academic study and, whenever feasible,supervised working experience on location in Europe. SemesterI is usually spent at a university in either the French- or Germanspeakingarea of Europe.Students will be placed individually or in very small groups atselected partner institutions of the European Studies Programme/the Department of GIS. The course of study will normallycomprise intensive foreign language tuition and selected academiccourses, as they are available at the respective partner institutions.EURO 3512 European Academic/Internship (0,0,0)Semester IIPrerequisite: EURO 3511 European Academic/InternshipSemester IThe European Academic/Internship Semester provides fulllinguistic and cultural immersion into the societies of French- orGerman-speaking countries through a combination of intensivelanguage training, academic study and, whenever feasible,supervised working experience on location in Europe. SemesterII is spent at a university and/or a work placement (internship)in a private company or public institution in either the French- orGerman-speaking area of Europe.Students will continue to study at selected partner institutions ofthe European Studies Programme/the Department of GIS. Thecourse of study will normally comprise selected academic courses,as they are available at the respective partner institutions. Incase of internship, students will be placed individually with theassistance of the Year III supervisors. Internships may vary inlength but not exceed six months of duration.EURO 3591-2 Honours Project (European Studies) (3,*,*)The Honours Project is carefully selected and designed incollaboration between teachers, students, and possibly, externalagencies. These projects, though rigorous in their essence, areless intended as pure exercises in academic research than asreports presented on topics directed towards real-life problemsand situations encountered in Europe. Although usually writtenin English, the Honours Project will show bibliographicaland citational familiarity with French or German languagepublications and sources. This course is open to European Studiesmajors only.EURO 4005 Current Issues of European (3,2,1)IntegrationPrerequisite: For GIS major: POLS 2006 Introduction to PoliticalEconomy or POLS 1005 Foundations of PoliticalScienceFor ES major: EURO 2007 The Political Economyof the European UnionThis course aims at offering students a clear overview of theeconomic, political, social and diplomatic issues raised by recentinstitutional developments of the European Union. On the onehand, it consolidates knowledge of institutional structures and keypolicy-making processes in the recent years. On the other, it raisescritical awareness of the deeper theoretical and practical questionsthese developments pose. One of the main components of thecourse is the growing importance of globalization and the openingof Europe to other regions of the world, in particular China andEast-Asia. The course integrates theoretical perspectives and casestudies.EURO 4006 European Economic and Business (3,3,0)Life: travailler en contexte internationalPrerequisite: FREN 4008 European Language in Context III(French) and EURO 4015 Contemporary EuropeanSocieties II: questions d’actualité or equivalentThis is mainly a project-based course in which students willuse Web resources to set up a simulated professional situationinvolving representatives from the French-speaking Europeancountries and their international partners (from Hong Kong and/or the People’s Republic of China).Students are expected to develop their knowledge about thebusiness world and its environment and to acquire a “knowhow”tool set in an occupational context. The course will alsoenhance the students’ communication and interpersonal skillsin an international professional setting, with a special focus onthe French-language work environment. These multi-facetedcompetencies will build a savoir d’action (“how to act”) transferablefor successful transitions to work, and ultimately, careers withinglobal companies/organizations.EURO 4007 European Economic and Business (3,3,0)Life: Wirtschaft im Wandel/DeutschchinesischeWirtschaftsbeziehungenPrerequisite: GERM 4008 European Language in ContextIII (German) and EURO 4016 ContemporaryEuropean Societies II: Struktur und Zukunft derSozialen Marktwirtschaft or equivalentThis course discusses recent developmental trends in theeconomies of German-speaking Europe and, in particular,economic relations between China/Hong Kong and the Germanspeakingcountries. It will look at specific business processesand current issues affecting enterprises in Europe and China/Hong Kong. Its objective is to familiarize students with actualbusiness challenges arising from general political and economicchanges, thereby providing insights into potential career fields forgraduates.The course may include guest speakers from the business sectorand visits to enterprises and business-related institutions in HongKong and the Pearl River Delta.The course is held entirely in German.EURO 4015 Contemporary European (3,2,1)Societies II: questions d’actualitéPrerequisite: EURO 2005 Contemporary European SocietiesI: The French-Speaking Countries and Internshipyear in French-speaking Europe or equivalent orAbility to use French for Academic Purposes inspeech, writing and readingThis is the second part of a course which spans the year in Europeand builds on the themes examined in the first part (EURO2110) in the light of students’ living and learning experience ina European French-speaking country. The course outline variesfrom year to year, since it consists of a review of the current eventsand trends to be observed in Belgium, France, Luxembourg andSwitzerland in the social, political and economic field. Supportmaterials mainly comprise the latest press articles and variousofficial and non-governmental institutions’ data available online inFrench.EURO 4016 Contemporary European Societies (3,3,0)II: Struktur und Zukunft der SozialenMarktwirtschaftPrerequisite: EURO 2006 Contemporary European Societies I:The German-Speaking Countries and Internship335Course Descriptions

336Course Descriptionsyear in German-speaking Europe or equivalent orAbility to use German for Academic Purposes inspeech, reading and writingThis course examines the economies of the German-speakingarea of Europe from 1945 to the present, with an emphasis on theGerman “Social Market Economy”. Where appropriate, it takesstudents’ working experience in Year III internships into account.Based on earlier traditions, the Federal Republic of Germanypurposely developed a specific political and economic system, the“Social Market Economy”. It created an extensive welfare state,but also institutions, which emphasized non-confrontational,cooperative action of employers and employees within a freemarket. Austria and Switzerland pursued similar strategies. Theseneo-corporatist structures underpinned the post-war “economicmiracles” and decisively shaped contemporary culture.In recent years, however, SMEs face serious challenges. Socialservices expansion outpaced economic growth. The systemsbecame too costly and are further affected by demographic trends,structural change in the industry and attendant unemployment,European integration and the globalization of trade and capitalmarkets. Germany has also had to cope with the unforeseen costof reunification. As a consequence, the SMEs are undergoinglengthy and painful reforms. New industrial, labour, fiscal andeducational policies are pursued to sustain the development ofglobally competitive, “post-industrial” service economies, whileat the same time trying to retain as much as possible the originalconsensus models.This course is held entirely in German.EURO 4898-9 Honours Project (European Studies) (6,*,*)Prerequisite: Year IV Standing in the European Studies majorThe Honours Project is an independent academic research projectabout a topic chosen and produced individually by the studentunder the supervision of a member of staff. The topic shouldfall within the general area of social sciences, with an emphasison Europe and/or the geographic areas covered in the EuropeanStudies programme.EURO 7010 European Integration and European (3,3,0)GovernanceThe course covers both European comparative politics andEuropean integration. It presents the main features of politicalinstitutions and political sociology of European countries. Itexamines the causes and historical evolution of Europeanunification and then looks analytically at the institutions andthe policies of the Union, assessing their effectiveness andinvestigating their implications for the rest of the world. It alsoprovides a critical review of the main theoretical contributions tothe debate on European integration, and explores the prospectsfor eastwards enlargement in the post-Communist period and thefuture directions that the EU may take.EURO 7020 Topics in Political Economy: Europe (3,3,0)and ChinaThis course focuses on the core approaches to comparativepolitical economy and looks comparatively at the changingrelations between (1) capital and labour, (2) states and markets,and (3) governments and the economy in Europe and Chinarespectively. It introduces students to the relationship betweenthe political and economic underpinnings of functioningmarkets, and to provide students with a general understandingof the institutions, states, and personalities that historically andcurrently have shaped the trajectories of European and Chineseeconomic reforms. This course also focuses on developments atboth the regional and the global levels which are re-shaping theEU and China, and the related diversity in economic and socialperformance respectively.EURO 7030 Europe and China in the International (3,3,0)System: Political and Economic RelationsThis course covers the historical perspectives as well as the currentstate of relationship between Europe and China, includingpolitical, economic and social-cultural dimensions. It enablesstudents to understand the Chinese perceptions of Europe and theEuropean perceptions of China. Since World War II and until theend of Cold War, Sino-European relations have undergone severalmajor changes which are functions of the changes in the strategictriangle between China, the United States and the Soviet Union.After the opening up of China and the end of the Cold War, Sino-European relations have become a strong pillar in Chinese foreignpolicy in an attempt to counterbalance the dominance of thesuperpower, the United States. This course examines the role ofEurope in Chinese foreign policy, the significance of the Europeaneconomy for the Chinese modernization, and the uniqueness ofChina in the foreign policies of the EU and European countries.EURO 7040 European and Chinese Legal Issues (3,3,0)One often hear that one of the most important obstacle whenmaking business with China’s “socialist market economy” isa widespread misconception of law to the benefit of informalrelations (so called guanxi) including illegal practices, a disorderlegal system and a general lack of the rule of law. Withoutmentioning that most of Chinese trade-related laws are stillincompatible with WTO rules. Conversely, Chinese partners withEurope usually consider that laws and regulations are there toonumerous, extremely binding, complicated (the key principle isthat a national court or tribunal must interpret domestic law inaccordance with European law) and remain protectionists.Chinese and European legal institutions appear to be so disparatethat comparing them may seem really innovative but actually, it istruly impossible to engage in Euro-China relations without havinga grasp of fundamental and up-to-date knowledge of legal issuesof both sides.EURO 7050 Methodology for Political Research (0,2,0)The course aims at teaching students to formalize theirindependent study project. It introduces to the different techniquesavailable for field-work in political science, to the differentapproaches in comparative politics and international relations,and to think critically about the relation between fact-findingand theory building, between data collection and interpretation.Students are expected to present a written proposal for theirDissertation or Project at the end of the class.EURO 7060 Politics and Public Policy in China/ (3,3,0)Hong KongThroughout the course we will be focusing on questions such as:In what ways have post-Mao reforms reshaped political rhetoricand rules of game in China? What can we learn about policymaking and policy implementation by studying China as a case?In what ways globalization may affect governance in China?What are the consequences of Hong Kong’s unique politicalsituation? To what extent is policy in the SAR determined by (1)the weight of the past and (2) factors at the national level? Wheredoes the real power in Hong Kong lie?EURO 7070 Politics of Industrial Relations and (3,3,0)Welfare Systems in Europe and ChinaIndustrial relations are a central part of political economy in bothEurope and China. Europe is the birthplace of the industrialrevolution, modern labour movements, and the welfare state, whileChina is undergoing a fundamental socioeconomic transformationthat restructures its industrial relations and welfare regime. Thiscourse examines how politics, ideology, and institutions shapeindustrial relations and welfare systems in both Europe and Chinaand explores theoretical and conceptual issues such as statelabourrelations, class formation, citizenship, social rights, interestrepresentation and intermediation, etc., in two different social andpolitical contexts.EURO 7080 East-Central Europe and EU (3,3,0)EnlargementWith the accession of ten new member states in mid-2004,the European Union embraces 25 countries, and its area ofcompetence has widened to include monetary policy, security,as well as justice and home affairs. For the EU and the member

states, enlargement provides significant opportunities andchallenges. The course examines the historical and theoreticalaspects of the enlargement debate. It considers the costs andbenefits of enlargement and then looks analytically at the EU’scapacity for institutional change and policy reform. It intends toexplain how enlargement affects the future of the regional order inEurope.EURO 7090 European and Chinese Identities: (3,3,0)Comparative PerspectivesThe course will investigate the genesis of contemporary “Europeanidentity” as opposed to earlier concepts of “nationality” and“nation-building”, and the tensions which exist between thepolitical unification project of European transnational elitesand lasting notions of narrowly defined national identities.Comparative references to the ongoing debate about Chineseperceptions of national identity will be drawn throughout.The course will also deal with methodological approaches to andoutcomes of the systematic measuring of current European publicopinion and their possible impact both on Europeans and Non-Europeans, who deal professionally with European partners.EURO 7100 Case Studies in Language and (3,3,0)Cultural PolicyThe importance of language and culture is no more to bedemonstrated as regards the development and unity of a nation.Each country has to ensure the role and status of its nationallanguage(s).However, as far as the training of qualified professionals isconcerned, foreign language-culture education is gaining moreand more importance with the increasing need of communicationand interaction at different levels.At the same time, most of the nations in Europe as well as inAsia, have to face multilingual and multicultural diversity, due tothe presence of permanent and/or immigrant minorities.Country case studies—among which the PRC and Hong Kongwill always be included—will be used in order to illustrate thechoices by decision-makers in view of implementation in theeducational network at the national as well as international levelthrough their representative institutions abroad.The course will highlight the various concerns—educational,economic, social and political—to be found in the field oflanguage and cultural policy.EURO 7110 Case Studies in EU –China Economic (3,3,0)and Trade RelationsWith 380 million consumers and 20 per cent of global GDP,the European Union is one of the major markets for Chinesecompanies and also the source of substantial inward foreign directinvestment. Local Chinese and local foreign or multinationalbusinesses in Hong Kong handle a considerable share of imports/exports between China and the EU.This course will analyse the development of European-Chineseeconomic and trade relations since 1978, with particular emphasison Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. It will address EUand national regulations governing investment in and export tothe European Union as well as the prevailing business climatein Europe, as far as local enterprises are affected. It will alsoinvestigate the parameters for European business practice inSouthern China and Hong Kong.The main focus will be on case studies of selected enterprises andthe support activities of European Chambers of Commerce and/or Trade Commissions in Hong Kong and Guangdong. To thisend, seminar sessions will alternate with presentations by guestspeakers from such institutions or companies. On site visits in thePearl River Delta region will also be organized.EURO 7120 Dissertation/Project (6,*,*)The Dissertation is an essential component of the programme, asreflected in the assessment. It is intended to enhance the students’capacity to construct a topic for research, to make use of theliterature and methodologies of Social Sciences, to collect dataand to develop analytical reasoning. For this reason, the taughtcourses devote a large part to theory building and methodologiesfor empirical investigation. Dissertations should be 15,000 to20,000 words long, and may be written in English, French orGerman. They are prepared under the supervision of a memberof academic staff. Students must prepare a written proposal andobtain approval for their course by the end of Semester 2. TheDissertation is then written in Semesters 3 and 4. Students defendtheir dissertation in front of a jury at the end of Year II.Alternatively, students may write a Project which will be moreprofessionally oriented. It will be less-demanding regardingtheory, and aimed at developing the students’ ability to diagnosisand problem-solving in practical situations. The Project willusually rely on the professional experience of students, and takethe form of a case study. It will develop alternative propositionsfor action regarding the problem considered. Its length will be10,000 to 15,000 words and may be written in English, French orGerman. They are prepared under the supervision of a memberof academic staff. Students must prepare a written proposal andobtain approval for their course by the end of Semester 2. TheProject is then written in Semesters 3 and 4. Students defend theirproject in front of a jury at the end of Year II.EURO 7130 Study Abroad Course I (3,*,*)For students opting and eligible for study abroad, this course isselected in the host institution according to their concentrationand research orientation.EURO 7140 Study Abroad Course II (3,*,*)For students opting and eligible for study abroad, this course isselected in the host institution according to their concentrationand research orientation.EURO 7150 Study Tour (0,*,*)This study tour provides students with an opportunity to go onan extended educational visit to major destinations in Europein order to study the very last developments of integration. Ithighlights the complexities and difficulties in constructing aEuropean order in the aftermath of Communism in East CentralEurope. The tour is designed to enhance students’ ability toperceive, evaluate and understand Europe in transition throughlectures in local universities, site visits, meetings with professionalmilieus, use of media and discussions.337Course Descriptions

338Course DescriptionsFAFS 7010 Food Microbiology (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course aims on the interaction of microorganisms and foodin relation to foodborne diseases, food spoilage and even foodbioprocessing. Food technologies to render and keep foods safewill be addressed in details. Most up-to-date analytical techniquesfor food biological safety monitoring with local relevance will bediscussed in details.FAFS 7020 Analytical Process and Applied (2,2,0)StatisticsPrerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe objective of this course is to help students to developan analyst's approach to solve chemical analytical problemsby equipping them with important basic tools includingstatistics, sampling and analytical planning, data treatment andinterpretation, and experimental design.FAFS 7030 Sample Pretreatment Methods (1,1,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course introduces the principles and applications oftraditional and modern sample pretreatment methods, includingSoxhlet extraction, microwave extraction, pressurized liquidextraction, supercritical fluid extraction and solid-phasemicroextraction. Emphases will be placed on the samplepretreatment of herbal materials and food.FAFS 7040 Food Analysis (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course discusses methods for food analysis in relation tothe nutrition and safety aspects of food products, which are ofincreasing importance as industries strive to meet rising consumerexpectation and regulatory requirements. This course addressesthe principles and applications of various analytical tools infood analysis. Most up-to-date analytical techniques for foodmonitoring with local relevance will be discussed in detail.FAFS 7050 Food Analysis Laboratory (3,*,*)Co-requisite: FAFS 7040 Food AnalysisThis course aims to provide thorough hands-on experiencefor students to perform and understand modern analyticaltechniques/instrumentation in food and its safety analysis.FAFS 7060 Food Chemistry (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course provides students with knowledge on the chemicalconstituents of food, their functional significance in food systemsand chemical transformation of these components in relationto food quality. The role of chemical additives and geneticallymodified organisms in food production is also discussed.FAFS 7070 Food Toxicology (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe course aims to provide the fundamentals on food toxicology.Main emphasis will be placed on the characteristics and toxicologyof man-made (e.g. pesticide, additives) or naturally occurring (e.g.microbial, plant, animal toxins) contaminants in food.FAFS 7080 Food Quality, Law and Safety (3,3,0)ManagementPrerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe course is designed to introduce students to the growingconsumer demand in food safety and growing awareness ofthe food industry in the importance of maintaining high foodquality. This course covers the principles and internationalstandards of food quality and safety management, and providesan understanding of the legislative control related to food quality,safety and human health protection in Hong Kong.FAFS 7090 Dissertation in Food Analysis and (3,*,*)Food Safety ManagementPrerequisite: Students of MSc in Food Analysis and Food SafetyManagementThe course aims to train students to solve or handle real-lifefood analysis, safety and management issues by conducting anindependent project.FAFS 7100 Analytical Spectroscopy for Food (3,3,0)AnalysisPrerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe course aims to provide a thorough discussion on the basicprinciples and applications of modern analytical spectroscopy atthe advanced level. Emphasis will be put on the characteristics,analytical aspects, merits and limitations, as well as the practicalapplications of different spectrochemical methods on foodanalysis.FAFS 7110 Mass Spectrometry for Food Analysis (1,1,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledge onmass spectrometry and its applications for food analysis.FAFS 7120 Management of Public Health Risks (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe course focuses on understanding the principle ofepidemiological methods, their design and application. It alsotrains students to develop skills to identify the principal factorsimposing on human and other environmental species and to assessthe significance of emerging issues in an objective manner.FAFS 7130 Separation Science (3,3,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course provides a systematic study of the modern techniquesof gas chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography,ultra-performance liquid chromatography and capillaryelectrophoresis. Emphasis will be placed on the theory, principleand application of these analytical separation techniques to realworldchemical analysis.FAFS 7140 Laboratory Management (2,2,0)Prerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course aims to provide students with up-to-date knowledge oflaboratory management in modern chemical/clinical laboratories.FAFS 7150 Pharmaceutical and Traditional (1,1,0)Chinese Medicinal AnalysisPrerequisite: Postgraduate standingThis course aims to provide students with in-depth knowledgeon selected topics in pharmaceutical and traditional Chinesemedicinal Analysis.FAFS 7160 Advanced Study on Food Safety (1,1,0)Management SystemPrerequisite: Postgraduate standingThe course is designed to train students to be familiar with andable to apply the HACCP principles to set up a food managementsystem for a food establishment. This course continues fromthe FAFS 7080 the principles and international standards offood quality and safety management, and provides an in-depthunderstanding of the legislative control related to food quality,safety and human health protection in Hong Kong.FILM 2005 Film History (3,3,0) (E)The course will introduce students to some of the key moments inthe history of the cinema, and to a number of key issues relevantto a study of the subject. Topics covered will include the historicalcontext of film production, major movements, stylistic trends,directors and films.FILM 2006 Introduction to Digital Video (3,3,0) (C)and Sound ProductionThe course aims to introduce students to the essential aspects ofsequential media, especially digital video and sound production.With a view to understanding unique potentials, as well aslimitations of the fundamental design with discrete media in theprocess of visual-aural communication, students will learn how

to create and develop ideas via related practical skills includingvideo shooting and editing, sound recording, and media designand production. In line with aesthetic and theoretical studiesof different digital video and computer animation artworks,students will be provided with hands-on practices of digital videoand sound production skills and knowledge. Both theoreticaland practical trainings aim to provide students the developingmultidisciplinary knowledge for using sequential media in digitalvideo and computerized media productions.FILM 2007 Principles of Photo-imaging (3,2,2) (E)This course introduces students the basic visual grammar ofphotographic language. They will experience and appreciatecontemporary photo imaging forms and concepts through apractical, analytical and critical approach. Students will learnphotographic seeing from the practical knowledge of analog/film,digital manipulation and control of professional quality output.FILM 2008-9 Film and Media Arts Practicum I (0,*,*)(1) Film Concentration: This course aims to engage students inprojects operated by The Young Director (TYD). The TYD isa student organization, which is jointly run by second and thirdyear of Film Concentration students. Students gain practicalexperience by participating in the planning and execution ofmoving image production, circulation and promotion projects.(2) Media Arts Concentration: Students gain practical experience inmanaging Media Arts projects by operating under the Digiforce(DF). Digiforce is a student organization which is jointly runby second and third year Media Arts Concentration students.Through a series of projects, students learn how to plan, organize,visualize, design and work as a team.FILM 2015 Script Writing (3,3,0) (C)This course is designed on the principle that creativity can becultivated through the deliberate and dynamic use of creativethinking and the creative process. Students will be encouraged toengage in critical and creative thinking in all aspects of learningand to gain on-hand experience of the creative process.FILM 2016 Film and Video Cinematography (3,3,0) (C)Instruction in the use of the equipment available for handsonexercises is provided to illustrate fundamental principles ofcinematography in film and video. Workshops are also conductedto allow students to learn to shoot in the studio and on location.By the end of the semester, students must demonstrate an abilityto communicate in basic visual terms and to produce work in bothfilm and video cinematography.FILM 2017 Introduction to Film and Media Arts (3,3,0) (E)This course introduces students to the fundamentals of cinemaand media arts as interdisciplinary fields with distinct historiesand practices. The course has a bifocal approach. The first partfocuses on film elements and reading film through the study ofkey works. This part also emphasizes both the institution ofcinema and specific film texts (including mainstream, avantgardeand non-fiction). Students will be asked to consider waysin which cinema makes sense to audiences, practitioners andtheorists. The second part of this course will engage studentswith a comprehensive understanding of media arts by coveringits historical developments and intersections between arts anddigital technologies to the evolution of applications from earlyexperimentations to contemporary creative and media arts.Students will learn the fundamental theories and principlesthat have empowered the media to serve as a tool for creativeexpression and as a medium of artistic production.FILM 2025 Visual Communication (3,3,0)This course attempts to introduce students the basic knowledge ofvisual principles and its cultural and originative contexts. Studentswill identify visual communication as a form of non-verbalcommunications. The functions of visual design and its cognitiveusage and context will be expressed and analysed. Examples ofart and design will be employed to illustrate the different ideas anddesign approaches.In addition, students need to study and identify the functions anddevelopment of visual practices and technological movement andits applications. This course will also facilitate students to expresstheir own findings through visual studies.Eventually students will be able to appreciate good visual practicesand understand the aesthetics of visual communication in oureveryday lives.FILM 2035 Fundamentals in Computer (3,3,0) (C)GraphicsThis course is designed to introduce the fundamentals ofcomputer graphics as how they are applied to arts and design,from both an academic and studio perspective. Both technical andaesthetic issues will be addressed. Aesthetic issues will encompassconcepts, composition, appreciation and historical context.Technical topics will include raster and vector imaging, scanning,retouching, printing, animated graphics, and other related topics.The course is based on lectures, demonstration, and a series ofworkshops which will involve the creation of computer generatedimages.FILM 2036 Cinema Theories and Aesthetics (3,3,0)of FilmThe course starts with a survey of the major concept of aesthetics.Fundamentals on the different perspectives, cultural in general andmedia in particular, on beauty will be discussed. Then the coursewill focus on film. It starts with the aesthetic elements in movingimage production: frame, perspective, composition, cameramovement, plan-sequence, montage, lighting, colour, sound, andlast but not the least, acting. Then it proceeds to see how theseelements join together to create different aesthetic forms of audiovisualworks. Large amount of audio-visual materials will bepresented in the classroom to acquaint students with differentsignificant cinematic styles in film history. In the later part ofthe course, besides formal aspects, emphasis will be put on theexperiential aspects. Philosophical questions concerning theessence of film will be addressed.FILM 2037 Fundamentals of Media Arts (3,3,0)Art, science and technology are incorporated as an integralbody of media arts in contemporary interdisciplinary educationand exhibition environments with new possibilities of dynamicinteractions. This course will introduce the meaning of mediaarts through the study of media history and archaeology fromtraditional film and video art to multimedia design, net art,digital art, computer animation, computer graphics, interactiveinstallation, robotic art, biotechnology, and so forth. Differentmedia arts and their applications of different media technologiesand interface design will be studied to explore their relationshipto transforming culture and society. Students will gain broaderunderstandings and critical awareness of different conceptsand developments of media arts and mediated interaction fromearly experiments by futurists and constructivists to most recentpractices like interactive games and virtual reality experimentswith wearable and portable media. Eventually the students willbe able to identify creative ideas of design solutions for differentmedia arts and applications ranging from conceptual to virtualart, computer graphics to digital animation, and performance tointeractive installation.FILM 3005 Film and Video Editing (3,3,0) (C)Prerequisite: FILM 2016 Film and Video CinematorgraphyThis course provides an exploration and practical application ofthe traditional and contemporary experimental theories of filmediting. The fundamental steps of film post-production and newelectronic technologies being utilized in film and video postproductionare introduced.FILM 3006 Sound Recording and Mixing (3,3,0) (C)Prerequisite: FILM 2016 Film and Video CinematorgraphyThe goal of the Sound Recording and Mixing course is to train thestudents in all the basic elements and stages of audio productionas they relate to film/video production. During this course,demonstrations, equipment tutorials, hands-on workshops, in-class339Course Descriptions

340Course Descriptionsexercises and projects will be used to enable student to learn theconcepts, skills and techniques of audio equipment and systemsinvolved in the entire film and/or video production processes.FILM 3007 Film and Media Arts Research (3,3,0)MethodsThis course introduces students to the basic researchmethodologies used in film and digital media. We will identifythe disciplinary elements of film and digital media studiesand the cross-disciplinary aspects of film and digital media incontemporary contexts. The course is structured by a set of issuesconnected to art history, literary criticism, social and criticaltheory and philosophy. It draws on many conceptual, historicaland methodological issues, challenging students to evaluatemoving images critically and creatively. It also aims to explorecontemporary screen theory as an interdisciplinary hybrid offormal, aesthetic, ideological, institutional and technologicalapproaches.FILM 3008-9 Film and Media Arts Practicum II (0,*,*)(1) Film Concentration: This course aims to engage students inprojects operated by The Young Director (TYD). The TYD is astudent organization, which is jointly run by second and third yearof Film Concentration students.(2) Media Arts Concentration: Students gain practical experience inmanaging Media Arts projects by operating under the Digiforce(DF). Digiforce is a student organization which is jointly runby second and third year Media Arts Concentration students.Through a series of external and internal creative projects,students learn how to plan, organize, decide, visualize and workas a team and individually.FILM 3015 Digital Animation (3,3,0)This course introduces the history, language, principles, aestheticsand digital tools used in the creation of animation withinthe context of art and design. Focus is on understanding thedevelopment of animation, the mechanism of animation, and thetechniques of animation sufficient to produce projects of merit.The course is organized to maximize hands-on experience and willinclude numerous in-class exercises. Because of this, attendanceat and participation in the weekly classes is extremely importantand is considered in grading calculations.FILM 3016 Non-fiction Video Production (3,3,0) (C)The course introduces the variety and possibility of non-fictionvideo productions. It aims to illustrate how the non-fiction videoresponded to personal, social, political, and economic realities andto changes in technology and systems of distribution. Studentswill broaden and widen the perspective in the video creation. Itwill introduce all essential stages of producing a non-fiction fromgenerate idea, pre-production, production, and post-production.FILM 3017 Studies in Television (3,1,2) (E)This course is designed to acquaint students with knowledge oftelevision history, institutions and cultures and methodologies oftelevision studies. The first part of the course is an overview oftelevision, with a focus on institutions and structures of television.The second part focuses on television as a manifold cultural formand how contemporary literary, media, and cultural theorieshave redefined studies of television. The impact of television’snew trends and orders, including transnational expansionism, deregulation,and new technology will also be discussed.FILM 3025 Digital Aesthetics and Practices (3,3,0)This course provides a further study and understanding of digitaldesign principles and practices through the creative process.The learning goal will focus on the aesthetic as well as cognitivetheory and applications of visual ideas and industrial standardby different creative media. The major learning activities willbe hands-on practices in digital media and design experienceof communication and transformation such as graphic arts,multimedia design and interactive publication. Exploration ofcontent creations and media solutions in contemporary creativebusiness are expecting to be realized and delivered by students.Cross-media narrative skill and visualization techniques will berequired to achieve the creative expression and idea. In addition,exploiting different visual skill sets together with demonstrationson professional techniques will be provided to students. Aftercompleting this course, students will be able to understand thediscourse of design solutions and cultural changes in digital mediaaesthetics and practices.FILM 3026 Documentary Photography (3,2,2)This course introduces the documentary vocabulary and theorythrough examination of a series of thematic visual works, i.e.photography, video, film, and new media from historical andsociological perspective. Students will be encouraged to formtheir holistic perception and apply their formulation of visualinterpretation to their surrounding reality using photography as amedium.FILM 3027 Television Studio Production (3,3,0) (C)Prerequisite: FILM 2016 Film and Video CinematorgraphyThe course aims to introduce all essential aspects of TV studioproduction for incipient students. Students will learn techniquesof multi-camera shooting in television studio. The equipment,personnel and crew will be explained. Fundamental aestheticsof shot composition, shot variation, shot arrangement, light, useof sound and music, etc. will be instructed. Students will workas group to explore their own strengths and produce project toacquire various knowledge and techniques in television studio.FILM 3035 History and Aesthetics of Chinese (3,3,0) (C)CinemaStudents learn the general development of Chinese Cinema, themajor concepts of film aesthetics and the key idea of Chinesefilm aesthetics. They will be able to appreciate the Chinesenessin Chinese films and write about the achievements of major filmsaesthetically.FILM 3036 Hong Kong and Taiwan Cinema (3,3,0) (C)This course is designed to investigate histories, aesthetics, genres,directors and modes of production of Hong Kong and Taiwancinema. Students need to have a basic understanding of cinema asan artistic medium as well as a cultural product subject to marketeconomy and cultural policy of nation-states. Lectures focus onthe idea of cinema as a never-ending process of struggles amongfilmmakers, film languages, the film industry, official culturalagendas, the audiences, and film culture. Each class meetingconsists of screening and lectures.FILM 3037 Interactive Arts I: Visual (3,3,0)ProgrammingThis course aims to extend students’ visual literacy andapplication of creative ideas from static medium to dynamicinteractive media with the introduction of programming skillsand the relationship between codes and visual elements. In orderto harness the full potentials of the emerging dynamic media, athorough understanding of the general programming principlesand interactivity design is indispensable. However, this course isnot going to train students as programmers but prepare them withsufficient knowledge to develop and exploit the dynamic mediafor their creative endeavors. Students will learn the underlyingmechanisms of manipulating, creating and transforming visualelements using programming codes. Moreover, students willexplore the domain of generative visuals and arts through theevolutional computing concepts of iterations, recursion, randomfunction and L-system. After finishing this course, students willbe able to develop dynamic and generative visual applications forvarious domains of creative and media productions.FILM 3045 Creative Arts and Visual Strategy (3,3,0)This course introduces the art and science of persuasion:creative concepts. It outlines the criteria of effective creativecommunication, the techniques and creative process involvedand how to generate ideas from brief to creative strategy. Itgives students an overview of the creative department increative bureaus. Students will also analyse the creative

strategies of awarded campaigns to uncover the secrets ofeffective communication. Learning will be emphasized throughparticipating in real world competition, practical class exercisesand group projects. Students will judge the aspect of good visualstrategies and come up with better solutions of their own.FILM 3046 Radio Production (3,3,0)The goal of this course is to introduce radio terminology and theoperation and production aspects of radio studio work. Topicsinclude sound recording, editing and mixing technique, musicand sound effects for radio, voice delivery, programme designand radio scriptwriting. Student will get practical experience inaudio labs and broadcast control rooms and further their skills bycreating both short-form and long-form radio programme formatssuch as radio drama, features, music programmes, talk shows,phone-in programmes, interviews as well as radio jingles andcommercials.FILM 3047 Studies in Hollywood Cinema (3,3,0)The objective of the course will be to introduce students to thehistory of Hollywood film production, and to a number of keyissues relevant to a study of the subject. Topics covered willinclude the development of the studio system, relationship tosociety, the star system, and key films and directors. The secondpart of the course will focus on the films of one major filmdirector.FILM 3055 3D Modelling, Texture and (3,3,0)Rendering3D computer graphics and digital animation have beenincorporated into many different forms of digital media and designproduction among disparate sectors of creative industries. Thiscourse is an extension of the foundational knowledge of computergraphics and aims to prepare the students with histories, theories,principles, genres, and practical skills of 3D modelling, texturingand rendering from preproduction, production to postproduction.The students will learn both technically and artistically (1)different methods of geometric modelling—NURBS, polygonand subdivision surfaces; (2) shading and texturing—from surfaceshading to procedural texturing; and (3) lighting and rendering—lighting and shadows, raytracing and radiosity. Simple animationand camera techniques from keyframing to path animation willbe introduced. Eventually, the students should be able to createinnovative 3D design from concepts, sketches and storyboardsto 3D models and renderings for different kinds of 3D digitalvisualization and simple animation applicable to film, TV, game,environmental and industrial design, as well as other multimediaproductions.FILM 3056 Apps Design and Programming (3,3,0)Smartphones and tablet computing have offered traditionalsoftware applications an outreach from general desktop computersto an unprecedented mobile and networked platform. This newlandscape has spawned a new breed of software applicationscalled Apps which revolutionize how people entertain, socialiseand communicate. This course aims to introduce the frameworksand principles behind the Apps design from both platformdependent and independent perspectives.Starting from general principles of Apps design to specificplatform programming, students will learn both theories andpractical skills to exploit the creative potentials of mobileinteractions for different types of applications ranging fromentertainment to social networking. The latest open standardWeb technologies such as HTML, JavaScript and CSS will beintroduced as the backbone for platform-independent Apps designwhile contemporary platforms such as iOS and Android will becovered in specific implementations.FILM 3057 Character Animation (3,3,0)This course builds on the knowledge foundation from thecourses “Computer Graphics” and “3D Modelling, Textureand Rendering” and focuses on the principles and techniques indeveloping character animations for narrative purposes.Unlike motion graphics and effects animations, characteranimation demands the capability of relating the characters withthe audience for effective communication of messages. Thiscan only be achieved with fluid animations and vivid characters’personalities. This course will start with the classical Disneyanimation principles and demonstrate how to apply these invarious scenarios to deliver the sense of weight and convincingphysical movements. Students will then learn and master the artof timing and spacing in order to express emotions in the form ofanimation. This course will also cover some basic principles inacting, posing and body languages so that students can developcharacters for performance and storytelling applications in film,TV and games.FILM 3065 Creative Media and Art Direction (3,3,0)This course provides an overview of creative media and artdirection. Student will learn art direction through the study ofdifferent creative media applications ranging from traditionalfilm and multimedia design to digital animation and interactiveinstallation. The course will establish an understanding ofthinking conceptually and visually, current art direction standards,skills necessary for entry level work, behaviours and attitudestowards professional design and production processes. Afterfinishing this course, students will have better attention to details,improved craft skills, sharpened critical instincts and a deeperunderstanding of art direction in different creative media anddisciplines.FILM 3066 Television Programming and (3,3,0)ConceptsThis course explores TV programming strategies, practice,sources, and services at local (Hong Kong), national (China) andinternational levels; network, public, and independent broadcastand cable operations; audience research; schedule development.This course explores the management of television within the newinformation environment. Emphasis is focused on the evolutionof the various programme types, the planning of programmeformats, and the creation of programme ideas. It is designed togive students an understanding of the contextual factors that affectthe structures, policies, programming, and management practicesof various telecommunications industries.The convergence of broadcasting, cable television, computing, andtelephony will be examined. The function of telecommunicationsin providing new communications products and informationservices will be covered. Programming strategies, scheduledevelopment, and audience research will be discussed.FILM 3067 Creative Media Management (3,3,0)This course is designed for student to learn and acquire theknowledge of operational strategies and business communicationin relation with Hong Kong creative industry. This course isto introduce the basic understanding of the business worldand the foundation of communication design entities and tothe management concepts, which are specific to the process ofcommunication design. Students will be able to identify andapply economics to creative endeavours. They will develop anunderstanding of people as resources and individuals in differentcommercial sectors and learn the strategic skills of projectmanagement and problem solving. In reality, student will need tolearn and understand the genuine practices of creative industry.Study of departmental works and role-play of operating a creativecompany will be introduced. Students will eventually distinguishbusiness strategies and opportunities in the real world as distinctfrom the need for better creative media management.FILM 4005 Advanced Animation and Special (3,3,0)Effects WorkshopPrerequisite: FILM 3015 Digital AnimationThis course focuses on the overall workflow of an animationproduction, explores advanced issues of 3D Animation, andintroduces the basic principles behind each process among thespectrum of special effects that are being practised in the currentfilm and video industry. Hands-on experience is provided in the341Course Descriptions

342Course Descriptionsworkshops in order to assist students in expanding their visualvocabularies.The course is organized to maximize hands-on experience and willinclude numerous in-class exercises. Because of this, attendanceat and participation in the weekly classes is extremely importantand is considered in grading calculations.FILM 4006 Advanced Experimental Image (3,2,2)ProcessingThis course will advance students’ fluencies in photographicexpression by introducing them the analogue/film experimentto advanced manipulation of digital capture. Students will learnpin hole imaging technique, view camera capture and advancedphotographic lighting and design technique to create highquality digital output, of which utilizing the industry standardfor photography exhibition. The technique and photo designproficiency will be developed within a context of historical,critical and conceptual photography conventions.FILM 4007 Advanced Script Writing (3,3,0) (C)Prerequisite: FILM 2015 Scrip WritingThis course explores the principles of different dramatic forms.Issues in comparative drama, media aesthetics and adaptation willalso be discussed. Advanced techniques for creating full lengthoriginal or adapted script will be introduced.FILM 4015 Film and Television Directing (3,3,0)This course covers the fundamental, practical elements fordirecting dramatic film and television productions in the studioand on location. The director’s role and the working relationshipsamong actors, producer, art designer, cameraman, editors andmusic director, etc. are explored. Opportunity to experiment withthe creative use of camera movement as well as mise-en-scene isprovided.FILM 4016 Film and Media Arts Internship (0,0,0)Prerequisite: Year III standing(1) Film Concentration: Cinema and Television students areencouraged to undertake a non-graded and zero-credit professionalinternship during their study. The aim is to help them find outtheir strength and weakness, learn and apply working experiencein real-world industry setting, realize their responsibility as a teammember and communicate with other people in a real workingsituation.(2) Media Arts Concentration: Digital Graphic Communicationstudents are encouraged to undertake a non-graded and zerocreditprofessional internship during their study. The internshipis normally of at least two months full-time employment orprofessional practice during the summer between the secondand third years but it can be a minimum of 160 hours of work.Students are required to conform to all reasonable requirements oftheir internship employer. Both the employer and the student filereports with the Department of Communication Studies after theinternship.FILM 4017 Motion Graphic Design (3,3,0)This course will explore the design requirements for professionalquality broadcast graphics and title design for feature filmsand multimedia projects. Using combinations of still images,graphics, video footages and audio sound tracks, we will examinethe relationships of motion, pacing, textures, transitions, designand composition in space and time. Emphasis will be placed oncompositing techniques, design concepts, art direction, aestheticsand the overall style of professional motion graphics productions.Asset management, aspect ratios, resolutions, interpolationalgorithms, colour depth and image stabilization techniques arealso addressed. Students will learn to work with lighting, grainmatching, perspective control and camera moves to create thefinal composite. The Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, AdobeAfter Effects and Apple Final Cut Pro software packages will beused to illustrate the principles and techniques and to produce theprojects.The course is organized to maximize hands-on experience andwill include in-class critiques, exercises, and work sessions. Thecritiques will be run as seminar-style discussions, with everyoneparticipating in the critiques and discussions of each student’swork. Because of the way the classes run, attendance and theactive participation in the weekly classes is considered veryimportant and is considered in grade calculations.FILM 4025 Interactive Arts II: Interface and (3,3,0)Game DesignThis course aims to equip students with the thoroughunderstanding of the computational concepts behind theresponsive interfaces and intelligent games so that they canapply the techniques in developing new interfaces and gameson different media platforms. Interactive and intelligent visualinterfaces are the windows and faces of various contemporarymedia such as games, smartphones, tablets and interactive TV.Those engaging visual interface and novel interaction experienceare driven by sophisticated computational concepts andmeticulous implementations. Going beyond buttons and pointand-clickinterface, this course will cover physical-based interfacesbuilt with particles, springs, elasticity, forces and collisions, andexplore various input modalities using webcam and microphonefor gesture and voice recognition. Special topics on Path-finding,Cellular Automata and Genetic Algorithm will also be introducedto expand student’s arsenal of tools in interactive art and designdevelopment.FILM 4026 East Asian Cinemas: History and (3,3,0)Current IssuesThe course centres on various Asian cinemas and is designed tointroduce students to a basic understanding of this unique clusterof cinemas, particularly their respective industrial, directorialand stylistic features. Focus is on Orientalism, modernism,colonialism and post-colonialism of Asian Cinema (and cultureand society), also on the relation between cinemas in Asia andcinemas of the West. The areas covered in this course range frommajor film production centres of Japan, South Korea, India tomarginal cinemas such as Singapore and the Philippines; feminist,diasporic and independent filmmaking will also be included in ourtopics.FILM 4027 Special Topics in Film and (3,3,0)Media ArtsThis course allows new topics to be taught, enabling a degree offlexibility within the curriculum, for emergent ideas to appear andbe realized within the teaching and learning environment, andto reflect the changing interests and expertise of staff members.There are, therefore, no subject-specific aims and objectives here,but rather general aims and objectives, within which subjectcontentwill be articulated. The course aims to study a particularsubject in a comprehensive manner. Students will attend lectureson the subject, read on the subject, view relevant films, and carryout required modes of assessment. At the end of the coursestudents will have a good understanding of the subject, and willbe able to demonstrate that understanding in specified forms ofassessment.FILM 4035 Production Management (3,2,1) (C)Prerequisite: Year IV standingThe course aims to introduce the entire structure of filmproduction nowadays. It explains all duties and importance ofmain posts, “above-the-line and “below-the-line”, in the filmproduction system including script writer, producer, director,cinematographer editor, grip, gaffer, etc.The course will introduce the updated management of mediaorganisations and the development of latest media in video andfilm production. It will be conducted in seminar form. Guestswill be invited to share their dynamic experiences of mediamanagement. Students will broaden and widen the perspective inproduction and media management and development.FILM 4037 Studies in French Cinema (3,3,0) (E)The course will introduce students to some of the importantmovements within French cinema history, and to importantFrench films and film-makers. The central themes and

characteristics of films, film-makers and film movements will beconsidered, as will historical context. The course will also coverselected areas and issues of European film theory where relevant.FILM 4045 Studies in German Cinema (3,3,0) (E)The course will introduce students to some of the importantmovements within German cinema history, and to importantGerman films and film-makers. The central themes andcharacteristics of film-makers, films and film movement will beconsidered, as will historical context. The course will also coverselected areas and issues of European film theory where relevant.FILM 4898-9 Honours Project in Film and (6,*,*)Media ArtsPrerequisite: FILM 2008-9 Film and Media Arts PracticumI and Film and Media Arts Practicum II (forFilm and Video Production Projects); or FILM4007 Advanced Script Writing (for Script WritingProjects)An Honours Project is proposed and designed by the student, withthe approval of a supervising faculty member, in an area relatedto the student’s selected final major electives. The HonoursProject involves the individual student in a creative pursuit andrepresents the peak of the student’s creative achievements in thecourse. Students receive regular reviews of their progress fromsupervisors. The final project must be presented in production orwritten format and will be assessed by a panel of teaching staff.The proposed project categories may come from the followingfields: film and video production, animation, scriptwriting,research, publishing/web design, creative strategy and multimediainstallation. Prior to the approval of the project, the student mustsubmit a written proposal. Assessment criteria include judgmentson communication and artistic quality, and the creative use ofelectronic and digital media techniques. Workshops and seminarsprovide an informal forum to discuss progress in the work.FIN 1610 Financial Planning and Investment (3,3,0) (E)AnalysisThis course provides students with an understanding of basicinvestment products and financial planning techniques commonlyused today. Various investment products will be introduced inthis course, such as common stocks, fixed income securities, unittrusts, derivatives, etc. Particular attention is given to forminga sound and executable financial plan. This course is offered tonon-BBA students only.FIN 2210 Banking and Credit (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: BUS 1240 Business and Corporate SocialResponsibility or BUS 1630 The World of BusinessThis course offers students a basic understanding of banking andthe importance of an efficient banking industry to the workingof a market economy. It examines the structure of the bankingindustry, the role of the central bank, and the basic functionsof commercial banks. Emphasis is placed on the generalenvironment of banking in Hong Kong, financial instrumentsbeing offered by the banks and analysing the performance of acommercial bank and also the credit analysis of bank customers.FIN 2230 Financial Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ACCT 1210 Principles of Accounting I, or ACCT1220 Principles of Accounting II, or ACCT 1710Introduction to Financial Accounting, or BUS1240 Business and Corporate Social Responsibilityor BUS 1630 The World of Business or FIN 1610Financial Planning and InvestmentThis course is designed to provide business students with solidfoundation on finance concepts and essential basic knowledge offinancial instruments, markets and institutions. It also aims toequip students with the techniques for evaluating financial assets,assessing capital investment opportunities and making long-termand short-term financial decisions.FIN 2250 Investment Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2230 Financial Management, or FIN 2260Financial Management or FIN 2280 Principles ofFinancial ManagementThis course examines the investment environment in HongKong, the basic principles of valuation of financial assets, andthe development of portfolio and capital market theories. Thepurpose is to offer students guidance in the management offinancial investments.FIN 2260 Financial Management (2,2,0) (E)Prerequisite: (1) ACCT 1110 Principles of Accounting I andACCT 1120 Principles of Accounting II, or (2)ACCT 1710 Introduction to Financial Accounting,BUS 1180 Introduction to Business or BUS 1630The World of BusinessThis course enables students to (1) understand the fundamentalconcepts in finance, (2) assess alternative investment possibilities,and (3) evaluate different sources of financing projects.FIN 2270 Financial Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: PA 0021 Financial Accounting II (HKBU'sAssociate of Science in Professional Accountancycurriculum) or PA 0051 Business Enterprise(HKBU’s Associate of Science in ProfessionalAccountancy curriculum) or EquivalentFinance is the cornerstone of a business and good financialmanagement is vital to its success and growth. This courseenables students to (1) understand the fundamental concepts infinance; (2) assess alternative investment possibilities; and (3)evaluate different sources of financing projects. On completionof this course, students should have a good understanding how tochoose among the variety of investment and financing possibilitiesthat are available in the market.FIN 2280 Principles of Financial (3,3,0) (E)ManagementPrerequisite: ACCT 1710 Introduction to Financial Accounting,or BUS 1630 The World of Business or FIN 1610Financial Planning and Investment AnalysisThis course introduces the basic concepts and techniques ofbusiness valuation for non-business students. The course enablesstudents to (1) understand the fundamental concepts in finance,(2) assess alternative investment possibilities, and (3) evaluatedifferent sources of financing projects.FIN 2610 Introduction to Futures and (3,3,0) (E)Options MarketsPrerequisite: FIN 2250 Investment ManagementThis course introduces students to futures, options, and otherderivative contracts. Class lectures will be focused on thetheoretical aspects of these securities; however, students’understanding of the practical issues relating to these contracts forthe local and foreign markets will be enhanced by their works on aterm project.FIN 3110 Fixed Income Securities (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2250 Investment ManagementThis course explores various fixed-income securities and themethods for analysing them. Moreover, the course also discussinterest rate related derivative instruments and how to use thesecontracts to modify the exposures and enhance the yields of thefixed-income portfolios. Class lectures will be focused on thetheoretical aspects of these securities. Formal lectures will befollowed with class discussions. Students’ understanding of thepractical issues relating to these contracts for the local and foreignmarkets will be enhanced by their works on a term project.FIN 3120 Business Valuation Using Financial (3,3,0) (E)StatementsPrerequisite: FIN 2230 Financial Management or FIN 2260Financial Management or FIN 2280 Principles ofFinancial Management and ACCT1210 Principles343Course Descriptions

344Course Descriptionsof Accounting I or ACCT1220 Principles ofAccounting II or ACCT1710 Introduction toFinancial AccountingThis course introduces analytical tools and business valuationtechniques commonly used by professional business analysts,investment bankers, and stock brokers. Students equippedwith these tools will be able to evaluate the financial positionand operating performance of an enterprise, and conduct basicbusiness valuation in various industries, both domestically andinternationally.FIN 3240 Multinational Finance (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: (1) FIN 2230 Financial Management, FIN 2260Financial Management or FIN 2280 Principlesof Financial Management, and (2) FIN 2610Introduction to Futures and Options MarketsThis course is designed to help the student comprehend theissues faced by the firm operating in an increasingly internationalenvironment, and to deal with them in an efficient manner.International dimensions of finance are explored from a corporateperspective. The nature, role and current state of internationalfinancial markets are considered.FIN 3320 Financial Markets in China (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2230 Financial Management or FIN 2280Principles of Financial ManagementThis course is designed to help the students understand the issuesfaced by firms operating in China, and to deal with them in anefficient way. It examines the structure of financial system, thedevelopment of financial market, the regulation of capital market,the management of financial institutions, and the operationof corporations in China. Emphasis is placed on the generalenvironment of financial market in China.FIN 3610 Financial Forecasting (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: (1) BUS 1190 Mathematics for Business orequivalent, (2) BUS 1200 Statistics for Businessor equivalent, and (3) FIN 2230 FinancialManagement, FIN 2260 Financial Management orFIN 2280 Principles of Financial ManagementThis course introduces students to ordinary investment assetforecasting techniques that include technical analysis andtraditional time series methods, linear and nonlinear regression,ridge regression and neural network. Class lectures will befocused on the applications of these methods in the forecasting ofstock prices, earnings, dividends and financial ratios. Students’understanding of the practical issues relating to these methodswill be enhanced by their work on project assignments and a termproject.FIN 3710 Management of Financial (3,3,0)InstitutionsPrerequisite: (1) FIN 2230 Financial Management, FIN 2260Financial Management or FIN 2280 Principles ofFinancial Management, and (2) FIN 3110 FixedIncome SecuritiesThis course focuses on the management of financial institutions,such as banks, unit trust companies and insurance companies.Using the risk management approach, it provides studentswith the understanding of the challenge of globalization to theinternational financial institutions.FIN 3730 Corporate Finance (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2230 Financial Management, FIN 2260Financial Management or FIN 2280 Principles ofFinancial ManagementThis course addresses the controversial issues and the moreadvanced topics in financial management. It offers studentsan opportunity to examine the theory of corporate finance andthe role theory can play in leading practitioners towards soundfinancial decisions.FIN 3760 Financial Risk Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2610 Introduction to Futures and OptionsMarketsInitially much neglected by non-financial and financial institutions,risk management has become an increasingly important area offinance and nowadays attracts widespread attention in companiesin various business sectors. This course will apply financial riskmanagement methods using concepts from areas such as valueat risk, derivatives, hedging and financial engineering. Some ofthe markets studied will include commodities, stocks, bonds, andcurrencies. Analytical methods to quantify market risks, interestrates risks, forex risks, credit risks as well as operational risks willbe covered in this course. This course aims at training futuremanagers to use the framework to actively manage the financialrisks their organization faces.FIN 3790 Seminar in Finance (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FIN 2250 Investment ManagementUnder guidance of the instructor, students have the opportunityto explore and discuss in this seminar, the latest developments andthe major areas of concern in the field of finance.FIN 3810 Advanced Financial Planning (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FIN 2610 Introduction to Futures and OptionsMarketsThis course provides students with an understanding ofthe financial planning process. The six processes will bediscussed, including (1) data gathering, (2) goal setting, (3)identification of the problems, (4) preparation of writtenalternatives and recommendations, (5) implementation of agreedrecommendations, and (6) review and revision of the plan. Thecourse emphasizes the integrated approach of financial planningprocess and help students to attain practical skills to prepare andmonitor financial plans on behalf of the investors.FIN 7040 Corporate Finance (2,3,0)This course introduces the basic concepts and techniques inmaking investment and financing decisions. It enables studentsto evaluate some basic investment options, understand howcorporations finance their investments, and appreciate differentcapital structure.FIN 7050 International Financial Markets and (2,3,0)Derivatives TradingPrerequisite: FIN 7040 Corporate Finance or FIN 7080 BusinessFinanceThis course provides students with knowledge to understand theinternational financial environment, options, futures and otherderivative contracts. Basic trading and hedging strategies will beintroduced as an application.FIN 7060 Investment Analysis and Portfolio (2,3,0)ManagementPrerequisite: FIN 7040 Corporate Finance or FIN 7080 BusinessFinanceThis course analyses different principles in the valuation offinancial assets including common stocks and bonds. Thedevelopment of portfolio and capital market theories areintroduced. The issue of market efficiency is investigatedwhile techniques on performance evaluation and mutual fundperformance are also examined.FIN 7070 Finance and Accounting for the (3,3,0)Public SectorThis course intends to introduce students with the principles andpractices of financing, accounting and financial managementfor the public sector. Fundamental concepts and applications offinancial management in a dynamic financial market environmentwill be covered in the course, to develop students’ knowledgeof fundamental financial management and their ability inunderstanding and applying relevant tools to make appropriatedecisions concerning short-term and long-term financing,investing and financial planning for individual entities, including

346Course DescriptionsFINE 1005 Financial Planning and Investment (3,3,0) (E)AnalysisThis course provides students with an understanding of basicinvestment products and financial planning techniques commonlyused today. Various investment products will be introduced in thiscourse, such as common stocks, fixed income securities, unit trustsand derivatives. Particular attention is given to forming a soundand executable financial plan. This course is offered to non-BBAstudents only.FINE 2005 Financial Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ACCT 1005 Principles of Accounting I or ACCT1006 Principles of Accounting II or ACCT 1007Introduction to Financial Accounting or BUSI1005 The World of Business or FINE 1005Financial Planning and Investment AnalysisThis course is designed to provide business students with solidfoundation on finance concepts and essential basic knowledgeof financial instruments, markets and institutions. It also aimsto equip students the techniques for evaluating financial assets,assessing capital investment opportunities and making long-termand short-term financial decisions.FINE 2006 Banking and Credit (3,3,0) (E)This course offers students a basic understanding of banking andthe importance of an efficient banking industry to the workingof a market economy. It examines the structure of the bankingindustry, the role of the central bank and the basic functionsof commercial banks. Emphasis is placed on the generalenvironment of banking in Hong Kong, financial instrumentsbeing offered by the banks and analysing the performance of acommercial bank and also the credit analysis of bank customers.FINE 2007 Principles of Financial Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: ACCT 1007 Introduction to Financial Accounting,BUSI 1005 The World of Business or FINE 1005Financial Planning and Investment AnalysisThis course introduces the basic concepts and techniques ofbusiness valuation for non-business students. The course enablesstudents to (1) understand the fundamental concepts in finance;(2) assess alternative investment possibilities; and (3) evaluatedifferent sources of financing projects. This course is offered tonon-BBA students only.FINE 3005 Investment Management (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: FINE 2005 Financial Management or FINE 2007Principles of Financial ManagementThis course examines the investment environment in HongKong, the basic principles of valuation of financial assets, andthe development of portfolio and capital market theories. Thepurpose is to offer students guidance in the management offinancial investments.FINE 3006 Introduction to Futures and (3,3,0)Options MarketsPrerequisite: FINE 3005 Investment ManagementThis course introduces students to futures, options, and otherderivative contracts. Class lectures will be focused on thetheoretical aspects of these securities; however, students’understanding of the practical issues relating to these contracts forthe local and foreign markets will be enhanced by their work on aterm project.FINE 3007 Fixed Income Securities (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 3005 Investment ManagementThis course explores various fixed-income securities and themethods for analysing them. Moreover, the course will alsodiscuss interest rate related derivative instruments and how to usethese contracts to modify the exposures and enhance the yieldsof the fixed-income portfolios. Class lectures will be focused onthe theoretical aspects of these securities. Formal lectures will befollowed with class discussions. Students’ understanding of thepractical issues relating to these contracts for the local and foreignmarkets will be enhanced by their work on a term project.FINE 3015 Corporate Finance (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 2005 Financial Management or FINE 2007Principles of Financial ManagementThis course addresses the controversial issues and the moreadvanced topics in financial management. It offers studentsan opportunity to examine the theory of corporate finance andthe role theory can play in leading practitioners towards soundfinancial decisions.FINE 3016 Financial Forecasting (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 2005 Financial Management or FINE 2007Principles of Financial ManagementThis course introduces students to ordinary investment assetforecasting techniques that include technical analysis, traditionaltime series methods, linear and nonlinear regressions, ridgeregression and neural network. Class lectures will be focusedon the applications of these methods in the forecasting ofstock prices, earnings, dividends and financial ratios. Students’understanding of the practical issues relating to these methods willbe enhanced by their work on project assignments and a teamproject.FINE 3017 Management of Financial (3,3,0)InstitutionsPrerequisite: FINE 2005 Financial Management or FINE 2007Principles of Financial Management and FINE3007 Fixed Income SecuritiesThis course focuses on the management of financial institutions,such as banks, unit trust companies, insurance companies.Using the risk management approach, it provides studentsthe understanding of the challenge of globalization to theinternational financial institutions.FINE 4005 Multinational Finance (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 2005 Financial Management or FINE 2007Principles of Financial Management and FINE3006 Introduction to Futures and Options MarketsThis course is designed to help the student comprehend theissues faced by the firm operating in an increasingly internationalenvironment, and to deal with them in an efficient manner.International dimensions of finance are explored from a corporateperspective. The nature, role and current state of internationalfinancial markets are considered.FINE 4006 Financial Risk Management (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 3006 Introduction to Futures and OptionsMarketsInitially much neglected by non-financial and financial institutions,risk management has become an increasingly important area offinance and nowadays attracts widespread attention in companiesin various business sectors. This course will apply financial riskmanagement methods using concepts from areas such as valueat risk, derivatives, hedging and financial engineering. Some ofthe markets studied will include commodities, stocks, bonds, andcurrencies. Analytical methods to quantify market risks, interestrates risks, forex risks, credit risks as well as operational risks willbe covered in this course. This course aims at training futuremanagers to use the framework to actively manage the financialrisks their organization faces.FINE 4007 Seminar in Finance (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 3005 Investment ManagementUnder guidance of the instructor, students have the opportunityto explore and discuss in this seminar, the latest developments andthe major areas of concern in the field of finance.FINE 4015 Advanced Financial Planning (3,3,0)Prerequisite: FINE 3006 Introduction to Futures and OptionsMarketsThis course provides students with an understanding ofthe financial planning process. The six processes will bediscussed, including (1) data gathering, (2) goal setting, (3)identification of the problems, (4) preparation of writtenalternatives and recommendations, (5) implementation of agreed

348Course Descriptionsequip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursueacademic studies as well as internships in France during year III.To this end, the course will help the students to: reach a sufficientand autonomous level in spoken/written French language; collectuseful information about French civilization and contemporarysociety; and last but not least, acquire the right attitudes that willenhance their learning and communication strategies. Studentsat the end of this course achieve the B2-Level of Competence ofthe Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(CEFR) as laid down by the Council of Europe.FREN 2111-2 European Language II (French) (8,6,6) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 1111-2 European Language I (French)This is a continuation of the Year I course (FREN 1111-2). Theobjective is to have students reach acceptable standards in Frenchlanguage for further studies and internship period while in Europeduring Year III.At the end of Year II, all students must at least be able (1) tounderstand recorded statements and topical conversationsin standard French about previously not specified situationsat normal speed; (2) to participate actively and with clearpronunciation and correct grammar in conversations aboutpreviously not specified topics of general interest; (3) to presentorally with clear pronunciation and correct grammar personalfindings about previously specified topics of general interest; (4) tounderstand texts of a length of not less than 1,000 words in regardto their overall intentions and line of argumentation with the helpof a monolingual dictionary (the texts will cover general-interesttopics as well as political, historical, economic or other socialissues); (5) to summarize texts of a length of not less than 1,000words orally and/or in written form; (6) to take appropriate noteswhen listening to an oral presentation delivered at slow speed;and (7) to write personal and formal letters according to acceptedstandard conventions.The aspect of area background studies will be intensified in linewith EURO 2110 Contemporary European Societies I: TheFrench-Speaking Countries delivered during the second semester.FREN 2620 French III (3,3,0) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 1620 French II or equivalentThis course builds on the acquisitions of French I and II andaims at giving students the ability to conduct a conversation inFrench in order to deal with situations a person might encounterwhile staying in France for a few months (registering on a Frenchlanguage course, finding a flat, looking for a job, talking aboutone’s daily life, seeing the doctor, etc.). To achieve this, a range ofclassroom activities will be proposed, to which active participationby students is expected. French culture will be introduced,particularly through the Internet. Pronunciation and grammarwill also be taught. In French III, students will be working atthe A2 level of the CEFRL (Common European Framework ofReference for Languages).FREN 2630 French IV (3,3,0) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 2620 French III or equivalentThis course builds on the acquisitions of French I to III and aimsat giving students the ability to conduct a simple conversation inFrench. While many activities are still dealing with transmittinginformation (talking about what’s on TV, listing the moviescurrently on show, describing a traditional Chinese festival,etc.), the focus is progessively switching to expressing ideasand opinions and arguing for or against them (discussing withfamily or friends about which TV programme to watch, whatto do tonight or next weekend, etc.). To achieve this, a range ofclassroom activities will be proposed, to which active participationis expected. French culture will be introduced, particularlythrough the Internet. Pronunciation and grammar will also betaught. In French IV, students will be mostly working at the A2level of the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Referencefor Languages), with some activities being at B1 level.confidently in spoken and written French. Students will learnhow to deal with everyday situations (e.g. organizing a party,complaining about one’s neighbours, asking for financial help,talking about past events, asking for medical advice). This coursecontinues to build up students’ abilities to argue, express anddefend an opinion, make suggestions and hypotheses, etc. Toachieve this, a range of classroom activities will be proposed, inwhich students will participate actively. French culture will beintroduced, particularly through the Internet. Pronunciation andgrammar will also be taught. Most activities will be at the B1 levelof the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference forLanguages).FREN 3006 Contemporary French Society (3,3,0) (E)through Its National CinemaThis course introduces students to contemporary French society.It will use movies as a medium to present some of French society’scurrent major issues. These topics will then be discussed andanalysed cross-culturally. This course will be taught in English.No prior knowledge of French is necessary.FREN 3111-2 European Language III (French) (2,2,0) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 1111-2 European Language I (French) andFREN 2111-2 European Language II (French)This language course is based upon the experience and knowledgeacquired by the students during one year in a European Frenchspeakingcountry. That is why at the very beginning of the firstsemester, a test will be given to assess the students’ proficiency inoral and written French. The results of this test will determinethe content, organization and progression in the course, whichmay vary from year to year. Nevertheless, the four skill areas oflistening, speaking, reading and writing will always remain themain components of this course.The students are expected to be able to talk about various aspectsof European French-speaking countries (social, economic,political, etc.) studied in EURO 3110 Contemporary EuropeanSocieties II: questions d’actualit as well as of Hong Kong/mainland China in a correct and adequate style. They are alsorequested to make an oral presentation about the topic chosen fortheir Honours Project dissertation, which is to be followed by agroup discussion.Small activity workshops will be set up in which the studentswill improve their writing skills (syntax, style, grammar, etc.)according to their needs in the perspective of the preparation oftheir Honours Project dissertation.FREN 3620 French V (3,3,0) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 2630 French IV or equivalentThis course builds on the acquisitions of French I to IV andaims at helping students acquire the ability to express themselvesconfidently in spoken and written French. Students will learnhow to deal with everyday situations (e.g. organizing a party,complaining about one’s neighbours, asking for financial help,talking about past events, asking for medical advice). This coursecontinues to build up students’ abilities to argue, express anddefend an opinion, make suggestions and hypotheses, etc. Toachieve this, a range of classroom activities will be proposed, inwhich students will participate actively. French culture will beintroduced, particularly through the Internet. Pronunciation andgrammar will also be taught. Most activities will be at the B1 levelof the CEFRL (Common European Framework of Reference forLanguages).FREN 3630 Contemporary French Society (3,3,0) (E)through Its National CinemaThis course introduces students to contemporary French society.It will use movies as a medium to present some of French society’scurrent major issues. These topics will then be discussed andanalysed cross-culturally. This course will be taught in English.No prior knowledge of French is necessary.FREN 3005 French V (3,3,0) (F)Prerequisite: FREN 2006 French IV or equivalentThis course builds on the acquisitions of French I to IV andaims at helping students acquire the ability to express themselvesFREN4008-9 European Language in Context III (French)

GCHC 1005 China and the Global Economy (3,2,1)1800–2000During the last three decades China has experienced very rapideconomic growth. Much of the popular as well as academiccommentary on the contemporary Chinese economy beginswith the economic reforms of the late 1980s and assumes thatthe introduction of market competition can explain almost allthat has happened. This course will consider the contemporaryChinese “economic miracle” in the context of the last 200 years,exploring links between China’s traditional business practices andcontemporary economic patterns.GCHC 1006 Modern China and World History (3,2,1) (E)This course aims to introduce China’s relations with the outsideworld from the Opium World to the present. It discusses thetreaty system, the impact of WWI on China, the WashingtonConference, the Sino-Japanese War, and China’s opening to theworld in 1978. In addition, it traces the problems, difficulties, andprospects of China’s foreign relations. The course examines theimpact of issues like human rights on China’s relations with othercountries and international organizations.GCHC 1007 Christianity and China (3,2,1) (C)This is a survey course of the history of Christianity in Chinawhich aims at acquainting students with the development ofChristianity in China from the Tang dynasty to the present andat helping them to grasp the reasons for the ups and downs ofChristian missions in China. A special emphasis will be placedon the overall impact of missionaries on the transformation ofmodern China.GCHC 1015 Culture and Everyday Life (3,2,1) (C)/(P)in Modern China (1840–1949)This course aims to provide an overview of social and culturaldevelopment in China from the 1840s to the 1940s, attemptingto look at the changes and continuity in arts, music, fashion,food, travel, architecture, education as well as other everydaylife’s practices in a time when Western culture exerted a growinginfluence on the Chinese people. While paying particularattention to Chinese people’s unique ways to respond to the inflowof Western values and lifestyle, this course also throws light on thegradual transformation of Chinese culture when traditions metmodernity.GCHC 1016 European Culture since the (3,2,1)EnlightenmentEuropean culture has experienced dramatic ups and downssince the eighteenth century. While the great thinkers ofthe Enlightenment, dissatisfied with despotism and religiousintolerance in Europe, turned to see China as their nationalmodel, European culture characterized by rationalism, industrialprogress, parliamentary democracy, scientific and technologicaladvancements etc. helped shape the modern world. The twoworld wars, the rise of totalitarianism, and the economicdownturn seemed to mark its decline. However, European artistic,scientific and education accomplishments are still too importantto be overlooked in the post-war era. This course throws lighton major European cultural developments and assesses theirworldwide impact since the eighteenth century.GCHC 1017 Gender Issues in Imperial Chinese (3,2,1) (E)HistoryThis course aims at providing students with basic knowledge ongender issues in imperial Chinese history. A variety of interestingtopics such as arranged marriage, concubinage, widow chastity,footbinding, femme fatale, gender-specific education, maleconstructedideology, male friendship, masculinity and femininitywill be covered. Students will not merely be taught to rediscoverwomen in history, but also to understand the significance ofgender in history, as well as to re-examine history with a genderperspective. The course will offer a gender analysis of imperialChinese history through demonstrating how history would lookdifferent if a gender perspective is added. The importance ofgender as a category of analysis will also be taught.GCHC 1025 Historical Changes and (3,2,1) (C)/(P)Intellectual Trends in 20th Century ChinaFocusing on major intellectual movements in the last hundredyears, including the Chinese Enlightenment, the rise of socialism,nationalism, the Cultural Revolution and the great reform since1978, this course aims to trace how twentieth century Chineseintellectuals respond to social, political and economic changes bycritically reviewing Chinese culture and by integrating Westerncultural elements into the traditional worldview and ways of life.Special attention will be given to the contributions of leadingChinese thinkers, and their works and theories which have lostlittle of their influence in 21st century China.GCHC 1026 Hong Kong in World History (3,2,1) (C)This course offers a survey of Hong Kong history in general andits relevance to world history in particular. Chronologically, itcovers a wide range of time span from the early history througharchaeological findings to the contemporary developmentsthrough a wide range of source materials and scholarly literature.Thematically, it discusses basic patterns of development in historythat are of relevance to nowadays Hong Kong.GCHC 1027 Modern Military History: China (3,2,1) (E)and the WestThis course deals with the military traditions of China and theWest, which include Europe and America, and the changes thatthey have experienced since the late eighteenth century. Throughanalysing the advancement of their war technology, militarystructure and organization, strategic thinking and war practice,this course aims to acquaint students with not only modern majormilitary events and developments, but also the impact of war ontheir cultures and societies in the last two hundred years.GCHC 1035 Popular Culture in Modern China (3,2,1) (C)This course provides a historical survey of popular cultures fromthe early twentieth century to contemporary China, includingTaiwan and Hong Kong, with special emphasis on how culturalproduction, media technology, business culture and politicaldiscourse interact to shape their development.GCHC 1036 Tackling Popular Misconceptions (3,2,1) (C)about Chinese History and CivilizationThis course adopts a query-based approach and will guide studentsto tackle a number of existing influential misconceptions aboutChinese history and civilization. Common misunderstandings ontraditional Chinese manners and customs, political practices andinstitutions, agricultural and commercial activities, and religionsand philosophy will be chosen for discussions. It is expectedthat after completing this course, students will be able to tellwhat common people knew about China is wrong and that muchmore sophisticated understandings can be achieved by means ofhistorical inquiries.GCHC 1037 Taiwan: Past, Present and Future (3,2,1) (C)This course examines the origins and development of majorissues of contemporary Taiwan, including its political system,its relations with mainland China, the power struggle betweenthe KMT and the DPP, the rise and fall of its economy since the1980s, social structures and social changes, the emergence of anew Taiwanese culture and the impact of de-sinicization, etc.Special emphasis will be put on figures, events and factors thathave created and shaped the above issues.GCHC 1045 The Heritage of Asian (3,2,1) (E)Civilizations: Persians, Arabiansand IndiansThis course aims to acquaint students with the culturalachievements of some Asia’s oldest nations, including thePersians, the Indians and the Arabs, and their persistent influencein the contemporary world. In addition to investigating intotheir art, architecture, myths, religions, science, philosophyand literature, etc., this course strives to show how they weretransmitted to different parts of the world. It is hoped that349Course Descriptions

350Course Descriptionsstudents, after taking this course, will be able to appreciate theAsian traditions and to analyse some current issues in Asia fromcultural perspectives.GCHC 1046 The Rise of Contemporary China (3,2,1) (E)This course aims to introduce contemporary Chinese historyfrom 1949 to the present. It discusses the rise of Communism inChina, the different political movements (campaigns), the role ofMao Zedong and other political leaders in shaping the country’sdevelopment, and the relaxed outcomes and problems. Then, thecourse assesses the contribution of Deng Xiaoping and the FourModernizations. It also traces the various economic policies from1949 to the present.GCHC 1047 Traditional Chinese Culture and (3,2,1) (C)the Contemporary WorldFor quite a long time, Western thinkers and their non-Westerndisciples, having great faith in science, rational reasoning,universalism, progress, individualism, etc., rejoice the “depreciationof the old and traditional” in modern society. For them, traditionsstand in the way of modernization that promises them “permanentinnovation” and “continual creation of the new”. However,social and cultural problems of contemporary Western societyand the enviable development of non-Western societies in the lastdecades compel them to believe that “modernity does not dissolvetraditions, but rather they serve as resources for modernity'sperpetual constitution and reconstitutions.” (S Eisenstadt) Thiscourse, with its focus on the cultural dynamic of the Chineseculture in the contemporary world, explain what solutionsdifferent Chinese schools of thoughts such as Confucianism,Daoism and Buddhism can offer to contemporary social andcultural problems.GCHC 1055 Music, Society and Culture (3,3,0) (E)The course addresses changes in and the significance of musicalstyles and music-making, and the functions of art music andpopular music in society. Specific topics explored include thepractice and value of music in musical culture; music and socialmeaning; music and politics; music and gender; music in worship;the construction of music markets; the globalization of musicproduction; and production and reproduction technologies.GCHC 1056 Musical Civilizations of the (3,3,0)East and WestThe course provides a broad perspective of exploring civilizationsof the East and West by investigating the development of music,from the angles of history, culture, theories and performancecontext. Students will learn to appreciate a selected repertoire ofmusic, including Western classical music and music from China,Japan and Korea, and trace their origins through appreciating,analysing and working out how particular pieces are evolved. Itwill be possible to make a connection between music and otherdisciplines, such as literature, visual art, dance, drama and rituals.Parallels drawn between the different musical cultures allowstudents to develop a global and critical attitude in appreciatingmusic, which can then be extended to other arts. It is envisagedthat traditional geographic and cultural boundaries will beminimized, as a comparative approach is adopted in handlingmusic of different cultures.GCHC 1057 Chinese Popular Music: Its (3,3,0) (C)Cultural and Musical MeaningsThis course introduces students to the history, style characteristics,and sociopolitical meanings of Chinese popular music from theMainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Its aims are three-fold: (1)to help students develop the listening skills to differentiate themusical/style characteristics of different types of Chinese popularmusic from different eras; (2) to provide students an overviewof the trends and developments in Chinese popular music in thecontext of the PRC, Taiwan and Hong Kong’s sociopoliticalhistory; (3) to foster students’ critical abilities through examiningthe various meanings of popular music in the larger context ofpopular culture and in relationship to issues of gender, identity,globalization, marketization, politics, subculture, etc.GCHC 1065 Music, the Arts, and Ideas (3,3,0) (E)Through examining how music and our musical tastes andactivities form an important part of our personal and culturalidentities, this course will provide an introduction to aesthetics—the philosophy of art—from a music perspective. Students willbe introduced to (1) questions about the nature of music (and artin general) and the nature of musical creation in a non-musicaltechnicalmanner; (2) major Western philosophical theories aboutmusic from antiquity to the 20th century; (3) problems in criticallyand aesthetically evaluating music of all kinds, from the popularmusic industry, to traditional musics, to the Western classicalrepertory; and (4) some current topics in music with philosophicalramifications, including culture and copyright, politics and music,and music as a commodity in advertising and media. Individualinstructors may emphasize particular areas of expertise in music,aesthetics, and philosophical discourses.GCHC 1066 Paradigm Change of Christianity (3,2,1)and Its Impact on Western IndividualCultural and Social LifeIn the course of development of Western history, Christianity asa paradigm underwent several changes in response to the socialand cultural challenges in the West on the one hand, and insertingsignificant impacts on the Western society and individuals on theother. This course will use Thomas Kuhn’s theory of paradigmchange and Hans Kong’s analysis on Christianity as foundation,through which its impacts on individual spirituality and social life,aesthetics, economics and politics in the West will be examined.This course will study the development of Christianity as westernweltanschauung in the first four centuries after Jesus Christ, andthe Renaissance and the Reformation and see how they affectedthe individual, cultural and social life in Europe.GCHC 1067 Religious Conflicts and Social (3,2,1)Harmony in the WestThis course examines major episodes of religious conflicts inthe West, identifying major trends and historical figures thatare inherent in them. Special attention would be paid to howthese conflicts fizzled or played themselves out, resulting in nearpermanent states of social harmony which have effectively grownpast such conflicts. The evolution and nature of such harmoniousstate are particularly interesting to all religious people, who wanttheir religions to play positive rather than negative roles in society.GCHC 1075 The Power of Ideas (3,2,1)This course will study the correlation between historical and socialchanges to some of the important ideas in religion, philosophy,science and technology. Students will learn to grasp the basicmethod of reading and interpreting great historical documents andgreat books which form the conceptual groundwork of moderncivilization.GCHC 1076 (3,3,0) (P)The History of Chinese Medicine Developmentand Chinese CivilizationThis course aims to introduce the formation and development ofthe most important philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM), and its relation to the Chinese civilization. It will helpthe students to use different perspectives to think of the interdependenceand impacts between the two. Upon completion ofthis course, students should be able to use different perspectivesto think of the formation and development of the philosophyof other disciplines and their relation with the civilization in thesociety.GCHC 1077 Understanding the 20th Century (3,3,0)through FilmAs the 20th century is the century of media technology andrepresentation, cinema comes forward as the pivotal institution.The course aims to demonstrate and illustrate major events of

the period with a special focus on aesthetics, narrative structureand spectacle. The birth of cinema in 1895 affords a pictorialandlater audiovisual-representation of key developments in everysociety: urbanization, technology, globalization of warfare andsocioeconomic transformation. It also comes to play a crucialrole in modernization and circulation of contemporary trends andnorms. Cinema itself evolves into an institutional, industrializedforce that later gives rise to television, the internet and otherpostmodern forms of infotainment. Films thus can be framed asdevices for visualizing and imagining the 20th century.GCHC 1085 Human Civilization, Cultural (3,3,0)Heritage and LandscapesIn the long period of human civilization, people have createdmany magnificent historical landmarks and cultural landscapes.The course will introduce students to the concept of civilizationand cultures. In particular, cultural heritage and landscapes willbe discussed as products of human history, civilization, cultures,and physical spaces. By using both local and worldwide examples,the course will assist students in acquiring the skills to observe andinterpret cultural landscapes.GCHC 1086 The Making of Humankind (3,3,0)The course will present an alternative history demonstratinghow non-traditional approaches (archaeological, geological,science archives) can tell stories from the past. An introductionwill be given to the history of planet Earth and how events inthe distant past have determined the nature of, and limits to, ourmodern civilizations. A more intensive narrative is developeddealing with human pre-history and the initiation of the earliesthuman cultures. The main focus will be on understanding ourown ancestors and their spread across the world. Their culturaladaptations will be discussed by examining the developmentof stone tools, the origins of art, the earliest forms of writing,and the shift from hunter-gathering to agricultural and fishingactivities and, subsequently, to the rise of the earliest civilizations.Questions will be raised as to what may happen to us in the future,given the evidence of our past.GCHC 1087 Collective Memories, Constructed (3,2,1)Cultures: The European MuseumThe course will introduce the major European cultural centers,which have developed around the existence of large-scale publicmuseums. Students will study the origins of such museums, theirevolving structures (including attendant research institutions) andfunctions, and the controversies surrounding their collections andactivities in past and present. Emphasis will be given to their rolein heritage conservation and national identity building, as well astrans-national cultural research, dialogue and conflict. The coursewill finally discuss contemporary approaches to commoditizemuseums while at the same time sustain their capacity to influencenational and global cultural discourse.GCIT 1005 Essential IT for Enterprises (3,1,2) (E)and SoHoThis course aims to provide students with an overview of thebusiness IT environments from large enterprises to SoHo (Smalloffice Home office). It covers key concepts of informationtechnology, specially addressing the opportunities it brings to thebusiness world at large, and SoHo startups in particular. Thiscourse also aims to let students experience how informationtechnology increases the efficiency and productivity in theworkplaces. It covers topics including e-commerce, e-marketing,network security, intellectual property, etc. Practical knowledgeon business applications such as spreadsheet, database and webportal management software will also be stressed.GCIT 1006 IT for Success in Everyday Life (3,1,2) (E)and WorkThis course aims to prepare students for the challenges oftheir everyday life and work by equipping them with practicalknowledge and skills to engage in fast-moving informationtechnology. Its main thrust is the incorporation of essentialforward-looking IT concepts illustrated with real-world examplesand coupled with hands-on experiences in the support of problemsolving and creative application of IT.GCIT 1007 IT and Digital Media (3,1,2) (E)Due to the advancement of information technology, moretraditional media, like photo, music, movie, etc, have becomedigital and some also contain interactive elements like computergames. Digital media even change our daily experience, like theway of advertising. This course aims to introduce the key ITconcepts behind different digital media, explain the proper use ofIT to better manage them, as well as how the evolution of digitalmedia affects different aspects of our daily life. This course alsoaims to introduce various digital media software tools and letstudents experience the content creation of various digital media.GCIT 1015 IT Innovations Shaping Our World (3,1,2) (E)This course aims to equip students with knowledge on the keyIT innovations that are shaping our world, including the latestdevelopment of digital media technology, the advancement ofdigital communication technology, and the development of smartIT systems, for digital media technology, this course covers lateststandards and basic scientific principles of digital imaging, digitalTV and digital music, this course also introduces the key of ITinnovations in telecommunications and wireless technologies.GCIT 1016 Life-long Learning with (3,1,2) (E)Information TechnologiesThis course is designed to develop students’ understanding aboutthe theories behind various IT-supported learning strategies. Itfocuses on the enhancement of learning by adopting a varietyof IT-supported learning strategies. With both theoreticaland practical components, this course aims to enable studentsto explore their individual learning style and consequentlydevelop their own learning methods with the appropriate use oftechnologies to cater for their study needs in university settingsand for life-long learning.GCLA 1005 University Chinese (3,2,1) (C) (P) This course comprises three teaching and learning units: 1)Practice on speech and debating skills; 2) Critical reading andwriting; 3) Advanced language knowledge. The objectives ofeach unit are: Unit 1: To examine the strategies and techniquesof speech and debate, and to improve the debating and publicspeaking competence of students through practice; Unit 2: Tointroduce students to the theories and strategies of critical readingand writing, and to guide students in writing critical readingreviews of an academic, expository or argumentative nature; Unit3: To equip students with advanced Chinese language knowledgefor a better understanding of the cultural elements of Chineselanguage and the enhancement of effective communication.GCLA 1008 University English I (3,2,1) (E)Important contemporary themes are selected to motivate andengage students in thought-provoking and purposeful use ofEnglish. The themes also provide a framework for a diversity ofmultimedia materials, including academic texts, news reports,magazine articles, web articles and videos, TV and radioprogrammes, etc. Students will have extensive opportunities toread and listen to, as well as discuss and write about, major issuesarising from each theme, thereby improving both their languageproficiency and their intellectual maturity and cultural knowledge.Generic academic and professional skills (summary writing,graph/table description, discussion strategies, etc.) are distributedand explicitly practised in the course.351Course Descriptions

352Course DescriptionsGCLA 1009 University English II (3,2,1) (E)This course, as a continuation of University English I, adoptsthe same approach to reinforce the learning outcomes at a moreadvanced level. Students will have extensive opportunities toread and listen to, as well as discuss and write about, major issuesarising from each selected contemporary theme. Students willlearn to read and analyse the issues critically and from multipleperspectives to gain a deeper understanding and insight, andto present their arguments and points of view convincingly inclass and in writing. Advanced academic and professional skills(synthesizing, debating, panel discussion, etc.) are distributed andexplicitly practised in the course.GCNU 1005 Beating the Odds (3,3,0) (E)This course begins with a list of well-selected and counterintuitiveexamples to help students become aware of the existence ofmathematics in every aspect of our lives. Chance plays a hugepart in life; one will have a better management of risk andopportunities and hence higher odds to become a winner inlife if he knows more about how probability works. Ratherthan focusing on calculating a few specific combinations orpermutations, which are tiresome and tedious to most, this courseuses real-life situations as incentives and utilizes mathematics asa tool to figure out the “Best Bet” in some everyday problems.Casinos and games are topics commonly seen in probability; afterequipping students with the knowledge necessary for identifyingthe “Best Bet”, we move on to a very practical problem—knowingthat the chance of winning is 99.9%, how much should we investon this “Best Bet”? Our investigations (not the formulas andcalculations) are then extended to cover more real-life situationsin which its odds cannot be predicted by counting techniques.Students will discover new ways of expressing known information,connecting reality to math, applying meta-tools to predict chances,and making statistically-justifiable decisions.GCNU 1006 Discovering Hong Kong by (3,3,0) (E)Statistical SoftwareThis course serves as an introduction to statistical analysis,engaging basic descriptive statistics and advanced regressionmodels. Students often memorize the relevant equations andsymbols without understanding the reasoning and motivationsbehind them, which is not a student-friendly approach tolearning statistics. Here, we skip all of the hard statisticalideas in distribution, formulas or calculus, which differs fromtraditional courses targeting major-students. Rather, this courseis concerned with the logical processes involved in obtaininganswers. Statistical software is useful in helping students graspthe underlying concepts involved. Students are able to follow theappropriate steps and engage with the innovative pedagogy. Thiscourse uses examples from real-life situations and local data,rather than complicated calculations, to guide students in buildinga strong foundation in statistical thinking, which enables themto develop problem-solving techniques and to criticize statisticalarguments. This course can also open up a window into the useof statistics, which will encompass not only simple descriptivestatistics, but also other influential methods including statisticaltests. Ultimately, students will conceptually come to know moreabout statistical tests than their mouse-clicking counterparts.GCNU 1007 Estimating the World (3,3,0) (E)This course begins by introducing the motivations behind whywe need to estimate. While simple estimations can be doneeasily with pen and paper, more complicated ones will require thehelp of modern computing algorithms. To become proficient incomputing, students will learn the differences between familiarmathematical operators (i.e. addition, subtraction, multiplicationand division) and operations (i.e. square root and exponential),as well as the corresponding operators and operations built intocomputers. Equipped with the “computational senses”, students(who are assumed to have no previous exposure to calculus andlinear algebra) will be introduced to several carefully selectednumerical methods applicable to real-life applications, whichare simulated with the aid of the popular mathematical softwareMATLAB. Similar to how today’s researchers approach researchtopics and handle newly invented algorithms, we will adopt astep-by-step investigative experimental approach instead of atheoretical one. This course will guide students to experience andunderstand the essence of estimation via computing by buildinglinks to several basic mathematical ideas, such as sequences andlimits. Although numerical methods covered in this course arelimited, their applications to real-life problems are not. Thiscourse aims to transform the next generation of citizens in HongKong from a fact-consumer into informed question-asker, withtopics such as, “How can I estimate the Gini index for Hong Kongusing basic facts and data?”, “How polluted is the air inside thecross harbor tunnel?” and “Taking inflation into account, is thecost of raising a child in Hong Kong really $4 million?” Underthis course, logical thinking and scientific reasoning combinedwith hands-on experiment will allow students to verify thetrustworthiness of quantitative estimations reported in the newsand its impact on daily life.GCNU 1015 Manage Your Money without (3,3,0) (E)FormulasThis course begins with an introduction to different typesof interest arisen in e.g. savings, student loans, credit cards,mortgages and life insurance policies, followed by basic growthmodels and the more complicated annuity models commonlyfound in Hong Kong. An EXCEL Tutorial will also be includedin order to introduce the computer skills needed to model andsolve problems using EXCEL spreadsheets. We will also covermore advanced ideas including forecasting trends in interestrates, estimating the market-price behavior, and carrying outsimulations. This knowledge will allow students to select thebest deals from the overwhelming number of plans offered byHong Kong financial institutions. Local examples not onlyprovide a sense of familiarity for students, but also make the skillsacquired in this course applicable to Hong Kong situations. Theseexamples will help build a strong foundation in logical thinkingand problem solving and enable students to use cost-benefitanalysis as a decision-making tool in their daily lives. We hopethis course will help students learn to enjoy using mathematics inreal life.GCNU 1016 Mathematics around Us (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to “make sense” of the mathematicaltopics Hong Kong students spend years to learn (mainly forexaminations). Although the compact syllabus in high schoolmakes good use of students’ golden learning years to improvetheir calculation skills, the standalone and often unrelated topicscan result in a lack of connections and linkages to real-life.Students may wrestle with abstract mathematical concepts androbotic calculations that appear to be unpractical. To changethe already-frustrated students’ view towards mathematics andallow them to enjoy and benefit from mathematics, a deeperunderstanding of both the foreground (i.e. real-life applicationsaround us) and background (i.e., motivation and origin) mustbe provided. Don't let years of efforts end in vain! This coursebegins with the mathematical logic in our daily conversions. Thispractical opening provides students a sense of familiarity andallows them to gradually see the usefulness of mathematics. Toanswer a common question from students, “Why am I learningthis?”, The interconnections between high school geometry,trigonometry functions (i.e. sin, cos, and tan), Pi, nature numbers,and complex numbers will be built from a historical and practicalpoint of view. The applications of these high school topics indaily life and beyond will also be presented, in the hopes that theymay capture students’ imaginations.GCNU 1017 Mathematics of Fairness (3,3,0) (E)This course begins with an introduction to the way in whichstatistical information can be used to interpret and affect electionphenomena and other everyday issues. Students will learn anumber of election systems and address the problem of finding the

est decision-making procedures. Moreover, a variety of possiblemethods of electing our future Chief Executive are investigated(although we cannot promise you that he or she will ever beelected through universal suffrage). After equipping you with theknowledge of different electoral systems, we then introduce youto the weighted voting system, in which voters may be treatedunequally. Next, the course turns to an investigation of a numberof simplified but real-life cases, such as the distribution of seatsin the Legislative Council of Hong Kong. Finally, we addressthe mathematically well-known cake-cutting problem, which isformally known as the fairness problem. You will find the answerto many fairness-related questions in this course.GCNU 1025 Numbers Save the Day (3,3,0) (E)Numbers play numerous roles in our everyday lives. They areused to describe the natural world, to communicate information,and to model important daily applications. This course beginswith a simple math topic: “integers 1, 2, 3,…” and guidesstudents through its important (unknown to most) propertiesand everyday applications. After a reminder about the basicproperties of numbers, besides the obvious example of telephonenumbers, students will begin to see the how “features” can behidden within, say, our HKID number. From “fun to know” to“extremely important” applications, topics will range from suchthings as the composition of digital pictures and photo-touchingsoftware to security that helps us assess the risk of everyday onlinetransactions (which is based completely on “numbers”). With anewfound awareness of “numbers” around them, students canmake sense of many more things in their daily lives. We hope thatthis course will help students see the many diverse applications ofmathematics and what makes it all possible.GCNU 1026 Smart Decisions (3,3,0) (E)This course focuses on finding the best way to solve a givenproblem—the so-called operations research, management science,or optimization methods. We begin with a walk-through to helpstudents see the hidden mathematics, or mathematical model,behind seemingly unrelated real-life situations, such as, “Whatis the quickest way check out a shopping mall or a tourist area?”While small-scaled problems can usually be solved by intuitionor trial-and-error, a logical and systematical approach must beused to tackle the large-scaled ones. One of our main goals is togeneralize the concept of “function” learned in high school andextend its applications to real-life problems. Students will learnthat functions can take in different inputs other than real numbers;for examples, the route one decides to go around in the shoppingmall is an input. Identifying the appropriate “function” is highlysituational-dependent which is exactly where students can buildthe connections between real-life and mathematics. Insteadof presenting cookbook-procedures as is (which we find dull,meaningless, and inflexible), we will help students understandall motivations behind the solution process; say, “How hard isthe problem really?” For difficult ones (even with today’s speedycomputers), it makes sense to go with the second-best or nearoptimalapproach than insisting on having the “best” way. Wehope that this course will help students getting used to “practicalmathematics”and benefit from doing so in their future careerachievements.GCNU 1027 Speaking of Statistics (3,3,0) (E)This course begins with an introduction to different ways tointerpret data in a proper statistical sense or misinterpret datawith unjustifiable arguments. Misuse of statistical claims anddata are not at all uncommon in Hong Kong. To become a smartconsumer or citizen, we must not blindly believe in everythingwe are being told. Even though not everyone is trained to be astatistician or a scholar (which is not what we aim to do either),having some overall idea about how statistics works helps usbe aware of the phony statistics around us and remain doubtfulabout the credibility of various claims. This course uses real-lifeexamples to help students build a strong connection between thepresented materials to the real world. We go easy on calculations;it is more important to understand “What are we doing?” and “Whyare we doing this?” than the actual calculation (which is mostlydone by computer software nowadays). By having the full picturein sight, students can see why a “statistically significant” discoverycan be unimportant or even irrelevant—which is commonly usedto trick people who “think” they understand statistics. We hopethat this course will help students strengthen and apply theirlogical thinking skills effectively to their reading (i.e. by identifyingthe suspicious data), writing (i.e. by producing honest selffavorabledata), and future learning (i.e. by extending the criticalskill to other fields of study).GCNU 1035 Introduction to Spatial Numeracy (3,2,1) (E)The course will teach students mathematical concepts and toolsfor measuring space, location and spatial relationships in termsof distance, direction, location, size, area, etc. These includeplane and spherical geometries such as coordinates, latitude,longitude, Euclidean and great circle distances, etc. The coursewill also introduce basic quantitative spatial models and toolsfor mapping, positioning and navigating, for examples GoogleEarth, Geographical Information Systems and Global PositioningSystems, and satellite images.GCNU 1036 Business Numeracy (3, 3, 0) (E)Taking you clearly and concisely through numerous fundamentalfunctions, both elementary and advanced, this course arms youwith the tools necessary to not only approach numbers withmore confidence, but also solve business numeracy problemsmore easily, analyse information more accurately, and makedecisions more effectively. Quantitative writing assignments (e.g.understanding how economic indicators, market share, marketprice, share prices, financial ratios, volume of units produced,profit margins, cost of living indexes, supply and demand statisticshave impacts on the business environment) in this course willnot only enrich students’ computational ability, but also providean adventure for students to explore, to deduce and to drawconclusions based on numerical or other quantitative evidence.GCPE 1005 Badminton (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic rules,knowledge, as well as the basic motor skills of badminton. It alsoprovides students with an understanding of the principles of ahealthy lifestyle and means to apply fundamental sports scienceknowledge to analyse and enhance badminton performance.Upon completion of this course, students will be able to performthe basic skills of badminton, apply the offensive and defensivestrategies under game situations, and adopt an active healthylifestyle.GCPE 1006 Basketball (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andtechniques of basketball. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance basketball performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform basketball techniques in shooting,dribbling, passing and catching; understand the competition rulesand scoring method; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1007 Competitive Sport for People with (1,2,0) (C)Special NeedsThis course aims to acquaint students with the knowledge inthe work of a selected National Sport Association that offerscompetitive sport for people with mobility/sensory/health needs.It also helps students acquire knowledge in physiological andpsychological effects of the selected sport practised by personswith mobility/sensory/health needs.GCPE 1015 DanceSport—Latin Dance (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the fundamentalknowledge and motor skills in Latin Dance of DanceSport. Italso provides students with an understanding of the principles of353Course Descriptions

354Course Descriptionsa healthy lifestyle and means to apply fundamental sports scienceknowledge to analyse and enhance performance of Latin Danceof DanceSport. Upon completion of this course, students will beable to perform the basic routines of the selected types of LatinDance of DanceSport; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1016 DanceSport—Standard Dance (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the fundamentalknowledge and motor skills in Standard Dance of DanceSport. Italso provides students with an understanding of the principles ofa healthy lifestyle and means to apply fundamental sports scienceknowledge to Standard Dance of DanceSport. Upon completionof this course, students will be able to perform the basic routinesof the selected types of Standard Dance of DanceSport; andadopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1017 Exercise and Sport for People with (1,2,0) (C)Special NeedsThe course is offered to students whose mobility/sensory/healthneeds require special teaching and learning attention. It aims toprovide students with an understanding of the benefits of exerciseand sport for persons with mobility/sensory/health needs, skillsto participate in exercise/sports, and knowledge in selecting andperforming exercise and sport.GCPE 1025 Fitness and Body Building (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the scientific basesand techniques in fitness training in the sports of body building,including weight training machines, free weights, calisthenics,fitball, body bar, and thera-band exercise. It also provides studentswith an understanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle andmeans to apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyseand enhance the effects of fitness training.GCPE 1026 Flag Football (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic knowledgeand motor skills in flag football, including the rules, scoring,terminology and equipment of flag football. It also providesstudents with an understanding of the principles of a healthylifestyle and means to apply fundamental sports science knowledgeto analyse and enhance flag football performance.GCPE 1027 Flying Disc (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic knowledgeand motor skills in Flying Disc, including the rules, scoring,terminology and equipment of Flying Disc. It also providesstudents with an understanding of the principles of a healthylifestyle and means to apply fundamental sports science knowledgeto analyse and enhance Flying Disc performance.GCPE 1035 Folk Dance (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the fundamentalknowledge and skills of folk dance. It also provides students withan understanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance folk dance performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform selected types of folk dance;develop a sense of rhythm and confidence in dance performance;improve physical fitness; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1036 Golf (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skillsand techniques of golf. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance golf performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform proper swinging techniques;understand etiquette and competition rules of golf; and adopt anactive healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1037 Gymnastics (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the fundamentalknowledge and skills of gymnastics. It also provides studentswith an understanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle andmeans to apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyseand enhance gymnastics performance. Upon completion of thecourse, students will be able to develop awareness and competencyin performing the Dominant Movement Patterns of gymnastics;establish a sense of rhythm and confidence in gymnasticsperformance; improve physical fitness; and adopt an active healthylifestyle.GCPE 1045 Handball (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the knowledge ofthe scientific bases of handball. It also provides students withan understanding of principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance handball performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform basic skills of handball andvarious types of offensive and defensive strategies, understand therules and regulations of handball; and adopt an active healthylifestyle.GCPE 1046 Jazz Dance (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic steps andmovements of jazz dance. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance jazz dance performance. Upon completion of thecourse, students will develop a sense of rhythm and confidence inperforming jazz dance, develop an appreciation of different stylesof the dance form, understand the importance of physical fitnessas it relates to jazz dance, and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1047 Korfball (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andsimple tactics of korfball. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance korfball performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform techniques in shooting, passingand catching in korfball; understand the competition rules andscoring method for korfball; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1055 Soccer (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic knowledgeand motor skills of soccer. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance soccer performance. Upon completion of the course,students should be able to improve physical fitness throughparticipation in soccer; become familiar with the rules, scoring,terminology and equipment of soccer; perform the basic skills,offensive and defensive strategies of soccer; and adopt an activehealthy lifestyle.GCPE 1056 Softball (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andtechniques of fast-pitch softball. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance softball performance. Upon completion of the course,students should be able to perform throwing, fielding, batting andrunning techniques for softball; understand the official rules andregulations of softball; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1057 Swimming (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andknowledge in swimming. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance swimming performance. Upon completion of thecourse, students will be able to perform basic swimming strokes,such as front crawl stroke and breaststroke; understand the rulesin swimming competition; improve physical fitness throughparticipation in swimming; acquire water safety knowledge andthe survival skills in water, and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.

GCPE 1065 Table Tennis (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andtechniques of table tennis. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance table tennis performance. Upon completion of thecourse, students will be able to perform different grips, servesand strokes of table tennis; understand the competition rulesand scoring method in table tennis; and adopt an active healthylifestyle.GCPE 1066 Tai Chi (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic knowledgeand skills of Tai Chi. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance Tai Chi performance. Upon completion of this course,students will be able to perform the 24-form Tai Chi Chun andadopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1067 Tennis (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skillsand knowledge of tennis. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance tennis performance. Upon completion of this course,students will be able to perform ground strokes, volley, smashes,and serves for tennis; understand the rules and scoring method intennis; and adopt an active healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1075 Track and Field (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the scientific basesand techniques of track and field events. It also provides studentswith an understanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle andmeans to apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyseand enhance performance of the selected track and field events.Upon completion of this course, students will be able to performand understand the rules of shot put, high jump, short distancerunning, middle distance running and relay races; and adopt anactive healthy lifestyle.GCPE 1076 Volleyball (1,2,0) (C)This course aims to acquaint students with the basic skills andtechniques of volleyball. It also provides students with anunderstanding of the principles of a healthy lifestyle and meansto apply fundamental sports science knowledge to analyse andenhance volleyball performance. Upon completion of the course,students will be able to perform techniques in passing, serving,blocking and spiking for volleyball; understand the competitionrules and scoring method in volleyball; and adopt an activehealthy lifestyle.GCPS 1005 Public Speaking (3,1,2) (E)The aim of this course is to help students develop their abilityto prepare and present informative and persuasive speeches fordelivery before a variety of social and professional audiences. Itis expected that enhancing their skill in structuring their ideas andcommunicating them to others will contribute to their personaland professional effectiveness. To help accomplish this goal, thecourse will introduce the key concepts of the public speakingprocess and show how to apply them to construct and deliver highquality informative and persuasive speeches. Also supporting thegeneral goal, the course will help students assess, critique, andappreciate the speeches of others by teaching them the standardsof evaluation that apply to effective public speaking.GCVM 1005 Christian Faith and Humanistic (3,2,1) (E)ValuesBoth in the West and in contemporary Chinese societies, there isa perceived tension between humanistic values and the Christianfaith. Some mount a critique of the Christian faith on the basisof humanistic values, such as human rights and equality, whereassome Christians consider humanistic values deviating from genuinefaith. The course will begin with putting this “quarrel” in a largerhistorical context, namely the interaction between Christianityand humanism in the course of western history. The course will:(1) uncover the spiritual roots of modern Western humanism inthe ancient, medieval and modern Western culture; (2) explainand assess the critique of Christianity by secular humanism;(3) explore the possibility of an integration of Christianfaith with humanistic values in Christian humanism; and(4) conduct an assessment of the rivalry and reconciliationbetween Christianity and modern humanistic values in theChinese context (ethical and political issues of Hong Kong, inparticular).GCVM 1006 Dao and Good Life: Laozi and (3,2,1) (E)ZhuangziWhat is good life? How should I live my life? What values andethics should guide me? This course will explore the answers thatthe Daoist philosophers Laozi and Zhuangzi have offered to thesequestions. Students will be introduced: (1) the major conceptsand views of Laozi on the principles of Dao and the way of lifein the Dao De Jing, including the notion of the constant Dao ofemptiness, the idea of weakness, and the concept of reversion; (2)how these principles can be employed to tackle problems in life inorder to achieve a good life; and (3) major concepts and views ofZhuangzi’s ethics and philosophy of life, including the notion ofthe Dao of transformation, the authenticity of the true self, theequality of things and opinions, etc.GCVM 1007 Dao, Ch’an and Personal Freedom (3,2,1) (E)What is freedom and what are the possibilities of humans actingfreely? This course is designed to acquaint the student with anunderstanding of Daoism and Ch’an Buddhism in conjunctionwith the question of personal freedom. The course will explainhow Ch’an is a blending of Daoism and Buddhism, and how aform of other-worldly orientd freedom of early Buddhism hasbeen transformed into a form of this-worldly oriented freedom inCh’an Buddhism. Special attention will be given to contemporaryinterpretation of the texts related to the concept of freedom andthe traditional understanding of freedom related to other ethicalissues such as happiness, personal integrity, and responsibility inboth Daoist and Buddhist traditions.GCVM 1015 Ethical Controversies in (3,2,1) (C)Hong Kong TodayThis course is designed to provide students with an introductionto ethical theories and their applications to ethical issues inHong Kong in the last few years. The course will begin with anoverview of the major ethical schools, namely, utilitarianism,deontological theories and virtue ethics, which will providestudents with some basic concepts that can be used throughout thecourse to understand ethical problems. It will continue by lookingat selected topics of ethical controversies in Hong Kong society.Major areas may include topics such as life and death; love, sexand marriage; environmental ethics and business ethics. Withinthis format, we will give special attention to issues relevant tothese considerations in Hong Kong today.GCVM 1016 Ethics for Professionals in a (3,2,1)Multicultural WorldThis course examines a set of problems and dilemmas (e.g.deception, privacy and confidentiality, professional dissent, socialresponsibility and justice, professional virtue) that arise across abroad range of professions (e.g. business, medicine, journalism,social work, education, accounting), and discusses how they canbe approached in morally and culturally sensitive ways. Studentswill recognize that life in many professions involves grappling355Course Descriptions

356Course Descriptionswith some common and interconnected ethical issues throughcase studies. Codes of conduct of different professions andcodes of conduct of the same profession in different cultureswill be compared. Different patterns of moral reasoning andtheir underpinning moral philosophies (deontological theory,Utilitarianism and virtue ethics) will be examined.GCVM 1017 Freedom in Modern Society (3,2,1) (C)This course will discuss the moral foundation of freedom andthe ethical issues related to the ideas of freedom in the modernfree society. First, the history of liberty and tolerance will besketched. Then different concepts of freedom, e.g. negative andpositive freedom, will be explained through discussions of theprominent philosophers like John Locke, John Stuart Mill, IsaiahBerlin, and Charles Taylor. Different theories of freedom fromboth secular and religious perspectives (such as secular liberalism,conservatism, Confucianism and Christianity) will also beexpounded and compared.GCVM 1025 Give and Forgive: Christian (3,2,1) (E)PerspectivesThis course examines two major practices at the heart of theChristian faith—giving and forgiving, together with the underlyingChristian concepts of grace and human person. It explorescritically the implications of Christian giving and forgiving forour contemporary culture which is increasingly self-serving andunforgiving. Students will be introduced to the Christian conceptsof creation and providence, justification and reconciliation, graceand personhood, God the Giver and the Forgiver, etc. This courseevaluates critically these concepts together with all related theoriesin the contexts of competition and conflict.GCVM 1026 Globalization and Ethics (3,2,1)This course is designed to introduce students to the identificationand evaluation of moral dilemmas in the context of change anddevelopment in an increasingly globalized world. This courseinterrogates the relation between globalization and ethics in twosteps, analytic and constructive. The sessions of analysis includethe attempt to understand the constitutive economic and culturaldynamics of globalization, some of its ecological impacts, andthe ways in which it generates different forms of social life andmodes of thinking. Then it will turn toward study of the insightsof some philosophers, such as Peter Singer, William Sullivan andWill Kymlicka, in order to learn from as well as to challenge thequestions they raised.GCVM 1027 Good Life in a World of (3,2,1)Self-interestSome philosophers characterize the contemporary world as aworld of self-interest. People of this age live largely self-interestedlives. Is living a self-interested life the only rational option thatwe have? Is there still anything else to live for? Is anything worthpursuing apart from money, love, good career, prestige and socialstatus? Is there any better alternative to the conventional pursuitof self-interest? The course will address these questions throughexploring philosophical ideas and theories that have importantbearing on how to answer the questions. Special attention willbe given to the philosophical views such as Hedonism, Egoism,Aristotle’s theory of good life, Utilitarianism, Confucianism andDaoism.GCVM 1035 Green Living and Spirituality (3,2,1)This course will study the statements made by the five establishedreligions within the People’s Republic of China—Buddhism,Catholic Christianity, Daoism, Islam and Protestant Christianity—along with the Ruist (“Confucian”) tradition about environmentalethics and “green living” in order to justify them in the lightof their spiritual traditions. Much can be learned about thedifferent worldviews they represent and some of their significantshortcomings regarding environmental ethics. Problems suchas how they conceive the relationship between humans and thenatural environment, and how influential these various claimsare within Chinese social and political contexts (including HongKong, Macau, Taiwan, and the mainland) will be addressed andcompared.GCVM 1036 Human Rights in a Multicultural (3,2,1)WorldIn this course, the basic concepts of rights will be explained andthe historical development of these ideas traced briefly. Then theperspectives of different philosophical traditions (such as liberaldeontological,liberal-utilitarian, communitarian and Marxist)on human rights will be expounded. Further, both western andnon-western religious views on human rights will be introduced,e.g. Confucianist, Buddhist, Islamic and Christian. Students willlearn to identify, understand and reflect on ethical issues such asthe ethical foundation of rights, the balance or tension betweenindividual rights and good society, and conflicts between differentkinds of human rights.GCVM 1037 Marriage and Family: Dreams (3,2,1)and RealityThis course aims to introduce students to ethical issues in marriageand family such as cohabitation, adultery, open marriage,homosexual marriage, polygamy, divorce, having children,rearing children, and duties of grown up children to their parents.Different underpinning moral-social-political philosophies(liberalism, communitarianism, feminism, Confucianism) will bediscussed and analysed. Both the human aspirations and dreamsabout marriage and family and the reality of human nature andhuman society will be taken seriously. Both the arguments for andagainst a certain view will be critically examined.GCVM 1045 Matters of Life and Death (3,2,1) (C)The course aims at helping the students to develop a criticalunderstanding of issues concerning life and death such assuicide, abortion, euthanasia and grief. Ideas of life and deathin philosophical and religious traditions such as Confucianism,Buddhism, Daoism, Christianity, German idealism, existentialismetc will also be discussed. The course also intends to equipstudents with not only the knowledge about values and beliefsconcerning life and death in different religious and philosophicaltraditions and cultures, but also help them to appreciate beliefsother than their own.GCVM 1046 Moral Challenges in Chinese (3,2,1) (C)Popular CultureThis course will address the problem of the increasing tensionamong traditional Chinese value systems (Confucianism andDaoism), Communist moral codes, and new values generatedfrom mass-mediated popular culture in contemporary China in thelight of a globalized world, and analyse how such critical factorsas self-identity, gender, age, sexuality, class, region and state areshaped by and reshaped in consumerism and popular culture asseen in fashion, fads, entertainment, religion, art, and literature.The course will offer a critical reflection on contemporaryChina which is confronting with ethical challenges and urgentmoral renewals. Relevant moral theories such as utilitarianism,deontological principles, and virtue ethics are discussed inpreparing students to analyse critical issues they face in their dailyexperience of popular culture.GCVM 1047 Moral Heroes in an Immoral (3,2,1)WorldWomen and men who have championed visions of a better life,enduring personal threats and social opposition to realize theirgoals, are moral heroes. On the basis of this understanding,students will be introduced to some of the most influential moralheroines and heroes of the last two hundred years, includingNobel Peace Prize winners such as Mother Theresa and otherswho have endured the controversies inherent in moral leadershipand become highly regarded paragons of particular societies, e.g.William Wilberforce, Mohandes Gandhi and Chuck Colson. Thecourse will identify the values which prompted these people tochallenge the status quo, explaining the power of these values inthe light of virtue ethics, deontology, and the specific religious

and/or philosophical traditions these heroes represent (includingBurmese Buddhism, Roman Catholic and Protestant Christianity,and popular Hindu traditions).GCVM 1055 Real Sex, Naked Truth: Christian (3,2,1) (C)Values in Changing Chinese SocietiesThis course examines Christian perspectives on sex/uality,together with the underlying Christian faith and values, as wellas the integral relation between sex/uality and the whole person.It explores critically their implications for and relevance in fastchanging Chinese societies in the last few decades. Students willbe introduced to Christian concepts of body, intimate relation,sexual intercourse and personhood, etc. These concepts andrelated theories will be critically evaluated in the context ofcontemporary Chinese societies, including the problems, tensionsand challenges arising from selected social issues. Specialattention will be given to public discourses as reflected in Chinesemass media and popular writings.GCVM 1056 Religious Values and Pop Culture (3,2,1) (C)The course utilizes various forms of pop culture such as films,games, internet web innovations and modern play and drama aspowerful new cultural media comparable to literature as modernpeople’s main venue for experiencing, appreciating and reflectingon human life. Such reflections of modern life would be takento the religious dimension in its search for meaning and valuethat seeks to transcend temporality and secularity of life, andreaches for the ultimate elevation of the human spirit. The courseexamines the various ways in which modern people’s myriadendeavors in socio-cultural actions embark on a profound searchfor human reality, possibility, value and meaning in this globalizedand networked world.GCVM 1057 Romantic Love in Humanistic (3,2,1) (C)PerspectivesThis course introduces recent theories of romantic love andsex in humanistic perspectives utilizing insight from both artsand science. This course explains humanistic perspectives onromantic love from different cultures made available in literature,philosophy, religion and mythology, and supplement them withnew understandings of romantic love and sex due to advancesin scientific and sociological disciplines. Students would alsolearn through tutorial some psychology of romantic love and sex,understand their role in the formation of modern identity, andlearn to assess authenticity of romantic love experience.GCVM 1065 The Art of War and the Art (3,2,1)of LivingThe Art of War () by Sunzi is not just about warfare;it is about strategy. It is not only about battlefield maneuvers,but also about economic, political, psychological and moralfactors behind corporate leadership and success. Its most famousliterature on stratagem, “The 36 Strategems”, is widely read andapplied to the business world, sports, negotiation and lawsuits,and leadership training today, East and West. This course willextrapolate further the rich ideas of this book and similar books ofthat period (known as “military strategy” school ( ), e.g., ) and show how they shed light on manyethical issues in life, such as when and how to use violence and themoral ambiguity of deception. The ethical thought and reasoningbehind different strategies will also be examined. This courseshows how ancient Chinese culture can still provide practicalwisdom (phronesis, as Aristotle puts it) to guide the journey oflife.GCVM 1066 The Art of Thinking and Living (3,2,1) (C)Three ethical perspectives, namely, the perfectionist, utilitarianand Kantian, will be discussed in this connection. In this course,students will be introduced to the basic concepts and principlesof good decision-making and effective problem-solving. Specialattention will be given to how these concepts and principles canhelp students improve their decision-making and problem-solvingtechnique. Students will also learn how to apply the concepts andprinciples in making decisions and tackling problems in everydaylife situations critically and creatively. In this regard, generalissues and problems in relation to work, wealth, love, health,death and seeking one’s meaning of life will be used as examplesfor discussions.GCVM 1067 Understanding Christian Ethics (3,2,1) (C)in a Pluralistic SocietyThis course presents a model for ethics in a pluralistic society,examining the ethical theories of obligation and value fromsecular and Christian perspectives. The lectures survey variousethical systems, identify unstated assumptions in ethical theories,and evaluate those theories for legitimacy, relevancy, and cogency.This course addresses the interplay between norms in differingmoral situations and in cases of conflict of duties. We willexamine moral issues of human life, sexuality, class relationships,management of resources, law and authority in conflict situations.GCVM 1075 Virtuous Living in a Virtual World (3,2,1) (E)This course lets students to criticize how can virtues ofdiscernment, moderation, wisdom, humility, authenticityand humanness as presented in traditional and modern virtueethical theories (Aristotelian, Confucian, Christian, Humeanand Nietzschean) be realized with the habits of our high-techlifestyles? It teaches students to develop critical attitudes related tothe ideological overstatements and addictive practices associatedwith cyber-shaped lifestyles. It tells students how to debunk theso-called pseudo-religious ideologies supporting informationismas the panacea for human problems and human boredom.This course also teaches students a need to develop habits ofmoderation which neither support bandwidth envy nor allow forimpersonal crudeness.GCVM 1076 Whose Justice? And for Whom? (3,2,1) (E)Justice is a moral idea that we all appeal to in conflicts ofmodern societies. Opposing sides of an issue both claim tobe the apostle of justice. Hence we need to reflect criticallyon the questions “Whose justice?” and “Justice for whom?”.This course introduces students to some major philosophicalschools of thought on justice, such as liberalism, libertarianism,utilitarianism, egalitarianism, socialism, and the theory of desert.Topics that will be discussed include selected examples fromcorrective justice, gender justice, sexual justice, racial justice,penal justice, economic justice, international trade justice, intergenerationaljustice, and climate justice.GCVM 1077 Wisdom in Chinese Religious (3,2,1)Tales and FictionThe course will focus not only on the wisdom in traditionalChinese religions such as the Buddhism, Daoism andConfucianism, but also that of the popular religions as well.Through a study of the wisdom embodied and manifested inChinese tales and fictions, this course will critically exploretraditional Chinese world views, beliefs and ethical values anddiscuss such perennial issues as filial duty, love relationship,struggle between good and evil, sex and morality from historicaland cultural perspectives.GCVM 1085 Zen Buddhism and Modern (3,2,1)WorldThis course provides a broad and deep understanding of ZenBuddhism in the aspects of doctrine, practice and application inlife. In particular, students will learn to: (1) understand Zen froma critical viewpoint as to how it can be a useful and living religionto be lived and enjoyed in modern world; (2) reflect on the ideasand efforts of important contemporary Buddhist schools such asthe Tzu-Chi School, Dharma Drum Mountain and Buddhist LightMountain in dealing with key problems in modern world; and(3) eflect upon the possible contributions and limitations of Zenideas and practices for both the modern world and the studentsthemselves and, thereby, enrich their future development towardsthe ideal of a whole person.357Course Descriptions

358Course DescriptionsGDAR 1005 (3,2,1) (C)Chinese Knight-errant Heroism andthe Modern WorldThe course will explore an important aspect in Chinese cultureand society throught readings and discussions of literary workson knight-errant heroism ( ). It will guide students toinvestigate the origin and development of knight-errant heroismthrough the reading of representative literature. Students willalso study the concept from philosophical, social, and literartperspectives, with emphases on the sense of moral responsibility( ), the use of un-authorized force (takinglaw into one's own hands), and the manly tragic aesthetics. Itsrelevance in modern society and its contrast with the regard ofrule by law will also be discussed.GDAR 1006 (3,2,1) (P)Life Style, Chinese Literature, Mass CultureThe course will investigate (1) how mass culture—e.g. architecture,food, movies, clothing—are represented in literature; (2) how massculture influences literary writing; and (3) how the relationshipof literature and mass culture makes an impact on our life style.GDAR 1007 (3,2,1) The Review and Outlook of Confucian Cultureas Revealed in Korean Television DramaThis course will study the adaptation and transformation ofConfucian culture in an Asian country undergoing modernization.Korean television dramas of various themes, such as historicalheroes, love stories and family affairs will be used. Throughanalysing the behaviour and thinking patterns of modern andancient characters in the drama, the course will examine thesignificance of Confucian culture in Korea and whereby drawcomparison between Korean Confucian culture and that in theoriginal Confucian classics.GDAR 1015 (3,2,1) (C)Understanding Chinese Literature throughWorld Cultural Heritage in ChinaThis course aims to deepen students’ understanding of a facet ofChinese civilization, namely the relationship between humansand nature in Chinese literature. Through the reading of selectedwritings in the genre of Chinese travel literature, students willbe exposed to the beauty of landscapes. The course containssix topics, each covering one scenic site on which writers of thepast composed their literary works in the genres of poetry andprose. These works will be discussed in conjunction with relevantinformation on the locale in question, such as its history, terrain,religions, science, architecture, and local customs, as well as itslocal artwork, such as calligraphy, sculptures, and gardens.GDAR 1016 Aesthetics, Youth, Action (3,3,0) (E)This course sensitizes students to the kaleidoscopic world ofyouth with particular reference to how youth culture is manifest inliterary and linguistic expressions. This course is theme-driven (e.g.Youth Identity, Love, Sex, Drugs, Aspirations). And the choiceof topics within each theme would be flexible, depending on theinterests of the class.GDAR 1017 Improvisation Comedy for Better (3,3,0)Linguistic AwarenessThis course will study the most fundamental concepts oflinguistics with which students may more effectively manipulateto achieve humour. The kind of humour intended here focuseson theatric comedy typical of Improv and Standup. The pointis to train students in the ability to take different perspectivesof any information presented to them and communicate thoseperspectives. Use of theatric comedy provides training forstudents to take fresh perspectives of life and culture through roleplaying and keen observation. This also has the added effect ofequipping students with a set of theatrical and presentation skillsunique to comedy.GDAR 1025 Love Stories and Romance Movies (3,3,0) (E)“Love Stories and Romance Movies” critically examines a varietyof love discourses in print and visual forms, and helps studentsunderstand the emotional, physical, historical, political, andideological dimensions of love. This course studies different lovestyles, and love in all of its (feudalistic, romantic, modern, andpostmodern) forms, placing special emphasis on gender, ethical,and cross-cultural issues in love relationships. Topics coveredmay include love-shyness, limerence, friendship, companionatelove, passionate love, obsession, unrequited love, ludus, pragma,marriage, betrayal, sexual abuse, divorce and death.GDAR 1026 Food and Humanities (3,2,1) (E)This course discusses the impacts of food in Humanities byexploring the nature of human drinking and eating throughphilosophical, anthropological, cultural and socio-psychologicaldiscourses. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach byintroducing representing theories of the subject, both classicaland contemporary. The discussion starts from anthropologicalfindings of human food consumption in various religions andcultures. It then introduces specific topics which reflect on therelation of food consumption and gender construction, culturalidentities and politics, art and media representation, etc., andfinally reviews eating as a cultural phenomenon in local context.GDAR 1027 Gender and Culture (3,2,1)The course will take an interdisciplinary and multimediaapproach to examine gender constructions socially, culturallyand historically in literature, film, internet, visual art, and otherpopular cultural forms, with concrete analyses of examples fromChinese communities and other parts of the world. Using theperspectives of contemporary gender studies including feministscholarship, gay-lesbian analytical tools, critical theory andpsychoanalysis, this course will focus on the constructed natureof gender roles, the effects of these constructions on the lives ofdifferent gender identities, and the possibilities for change andindividual empowerment that a critical awareness can create.GDAR 1035 Love and Culture (3,2,1)The course aims to help student understand and analyse themajor factors affecting the cultural construction of love and sexvia discussion of exemplary works in both Western and Chinesecultures, and engage them in critical attitudes toward currentissues on love and sex arising in the local context of Hong Kong.It will review the ideas and representations of love, sex anderoticism as cultural phenomena in Western and Chinese cultures,bringing in some representing philosophical, social and culturalperspectives of the subject.GDAR 1036 Being a Communicatively (3,2,1)Effective Language Learner and UserIn this course, students will be exposed to the new targetsand attitudes of language learning and language use. Thecontemporary theoretical concepts (i.e. ethnography of learning,communication and learners, communicative competence) will beillustrated by examples taken from social, academic and workplaceface-to-face and online contexts. To consolidate learning andlanguage use, students will have to apply the new theoreticalconcepts to critically evaluate the ways in which English is usedeffectively, with particular reference to interpersonal/interculturalexperiences. They will also have to record, comment and reflect

on the use of English in various settings and interaction modes asethnographers while they are studying the course.GDAR 1037 English in the World Today (3,2,1) (E)This course will help students better understand different varietiesof English as spoken by people around the world (e.g. Singapore,Australia, North America). Through analysing the socio-culturaland linguistic features of various varieties of English, studentswill be a better educated and more versatile user of the Englishlanguage.GDAR 1045 Current Events (3,3,0) (E)In this course, students will get extensive opportunities to discussand write about (after reading and listening) current issues in everysphere, both local and worldwide, and in the process improvetheir critical thinking and arguementation, their independentlearning and information literacy skills, and their awareness ofand engagement with important issues in the world today, as wellas their competence in spoken and written English.GDAR 1046 Experiencing and Exploring Music (3,3,0) (C)in Hong KongThis course will give student an opportunity to experience firsthand and explore music in relationship to its role in our society.In each of the three weeks devoted to one type of music in HongKong (traditional, popular, classical, theatrical), students areexpected to (1) acquire knowledge in such type of music, includingits brief history and its general musical characteristics; (2) reflecton the musical and aesthetical issues pertinent to the participatedactivity; and (3) relate the themed activity with current issues inHong Kong’s cultural scene.GDAR 1047 Jazz, Blues and Broadway (3,3,0) (E)This course introduces basic terminology and concepts necessaryto develop critical music listening skills; and introduces arepertoire of the American popular music genres of jazz, blues,and musical theatre. It will teach students to examine the culturaland historical context of the music studied; and the interplaybetween societal and musical developments. The course isdesigned for both musicians and non-musicians.GDAR 1055 Music in the Cinema (3,3,0) (E)This course will introduce students to the history and aestheticsof music in the cinema, an every-day experience via TV and videopresentations, and one which we take for granted. The subjectwill cover the origins of music as an adjunct to drama in differentcultures; the proto-cinematic stage of Wagner; and proceed fromthe use of music in the so-called “silent cinema” through theintroduction of recorded sound in the 1920s, to the developmentof fully synchronized sound and music scores in the 1930s, to thepresent day with avant-garde and experimental films. Studentswill acquire skills to identify and evaluate different types of musicas expressive and symbolic elements in film, as well as an abilityto think critically about cinematic music. Through the criticalexploration of a plurimedial and interdisciplinary art form,students will engage with an enriched artistic experience of film.Previous academic study of music or film is not required.GDAR 1056 Music of Our Lives: Understanding (3,3,0) (E)and Enjoying the Musical ArtsThe purpose of this course is three-fold.First, there is afundamental focus on students becoming educated and activemusic listeners of Western and Asian music representative ofa wide range of music literature primarily from 1850 to thepresent. Second, the course will emphasize the development ofan understanding of musical characteristics and artistic elementsreflective of music of Hong Kong, China, Europe, and Americas.Third, students will gain insights into the place and role of musicin not only diverse cultural and historical contexts, but alsoexamine how the students themselves use music in their lives.GDAR 1057 Chinese Thoughts through Films (3,2,1) (C)Chinese thought has immense influences over East Asia at largeand is an invaluable treasure of human kind. The course willstudy the fundamental religious and ethical concepts of theThree Teachings (sanjiao), Confucianism, Daoism and ChineseBuddhism, such as loyalty, filial duties, Dao, Sunyata (emptiness)and the like, which play important roles in shaping the EastAsian mind. With this basic understanding, student will thenunderstand Chinese history and culture. Films that represent anddeal with these Chinese religious and philosophical ideas will beexaimed and discussed.GDAR 1065 Critical Thinking (3,2,1) (C)This course aims to provide a basic introduction to themethodology of critical thinking, in particular, the basicmethodology of the following: the method of linguistic-conceptualanalysis, the method of logic and scientific method. Specialattention will be given to the basic concepts and principles of themethodology of the three areas of the study of critical thinkingaforementioned. The course, in particular, will show how to applythose concepts and principles to problem solving, the constructionof sound arguments as well as the tackling of linguistic pitfallsand fallacies by using both daily life and academic examples.GDAR 1066 Fantasy, Romance and (3,2,1)Religious QuestThrough studying the narratives of the “high fantasy” genre, thiscourse will address some of the most compelling issues in humanlife, such as the origin of mankind and the universe, the motionof reality, the existence of spirits, the seductiveness of humanmind, the justification of God, and the conception of salvation.The course will also explore how traditional Chinese fantastic andromantic narratives—Daoist and Buddhist in particular—seek toanswer similar questions with their respective religious beliefs andphilosophical thoughts. Meanwhile, the course will examine howsome fantasy narratives in the contemporary West—such as thoseby Le Guin and Wachowskis brothers—have been influenced byDaoism and Buddhism.GDAR 1067 Introduction to Western (3,2,1) (E)PhilosophyThis subject aims at providing an introduction to a selection ofmajor philosophical issues in the western tradition. Emphasiswill be placed on showing how these issues can be relevant toour modern day living. The views of representative philosopherson such issues will be introduced along with the lectures anddiscussions. In addition, the course will stress the continuitybetween these philosophers and the connections between theirrespective solutions to the problems under consideration.GDAR 1075 Magic, Demonic Power and (3,2,1)Spiritual Quests in the Western TraditionIn this course, students will be invited to trace the recent hypeof magical/demonic stories as portrayed in media and in popliterature among young people back to their cultural and religiousroots (only deal with the traditions in the West, namely, theHebraic-Judaic religion as exemplified in the Old Testament,ancient Greek philosophies, Greco-Roman mythologies andChristianity). Students will examine the attraction of thesemagical/demonic powers in their reverse dimensions, i.e. thegeneral human quest for identity, truth and meaning in spiritualdimensions. Lastly, students will be asked to compare andevaluate the views and answers offered by the major cultural andreligious traditions in response to the quest for life’s meaning andfulfilment.GDAR 1076 Sex, Gender and Chinese (3,2,1)ThoughtThe course will address the central issues in the history ofChinese attitudes toward sex and gender, and explore howintellectual conceptions of sex and sexuality in China areconstructed linguistically, philosophically, and religiously in theclassical Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist texts. Emphasis willbe given to gender-related issues such as womanhood and femalevirtues, foot-binding, and the epistemological status of bodilyexperience. The course will show how the complicated viewson the interrelationship between sexual identity/corporeality359Course Descriptions

360Course Descriptionsand spirituality in the ancient Chinese texts has both confirmedand defied traditional feminine-masculine dichotomy with theirschematic representations of polarities and unity.GDAR 1077 Understanding Chinese (3,2,1)PhilosophyThis course aims to introduce the major figures and schools inclassical and modern Chinese philosophy. Major theses and issuesin Confucianism, Daoist philosophy and Buddhist philosophywill be explained and discussed. The major concerns of Chinesephilosophy in areas like metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics willbe addressed, and the proposed solutions and theses to deal withthose concerns will be presented and discussed. The developmentof modern Chinese philosophy will be surveyed. The relevance ofChinese philosophy to modern life will also be emphasized.GDAR 1085 Intercultural Theatre and (3,3,0) (E)Cultural TranslationThis course introduces the theatre to students which providesthe best example for inquiry into the operation of language,body and space in the process of meaning-making. Students willdiscuss under guidance the culturally specific nature of variouscommunication channels. They will also be introduced to majorattempts in intercultural theatre by theatre makers includingAntonin Artaud, Jerzy Grotowski, Eugenio Barba, AugustoBoal, Robert Wilson and Robert Lepage. Students will beencouraged to examine the works by these theatre makers fromdifferent disciplinary perspectives including language, translationand theatre studies, as well a range of other perspectives. In theprocess they will be expected to acquire a range of transferableskills from theatre practice to daily communications.GDAR 1086 Interlingual Communication: (3,3,0)English and ChineseThis course is designed to help students develop an interlingualas well as intercultural awareness and competence in suchcommunication. It trains students to identify and understandthe differences and similarities between English and Chinese onlinguistic and cultural levels. It deals with how language andcultural elements carry meaning across language-cultures, andhow students may broaden their vision of the world of linguisticand cultural diversity from a contrastive perspective. Uponcompleting the course, students will be equipped with a generalknowledge about English and Chinese in contrast and an overallreadiness to appreciate linguistic and cultural diversity for bettercommunication with other people.GDAR 1087 Ancient Chinese Medical Prose – (3,2,1) (C)Classical ChineseThis course provides basic, fundamental training in readingAncient Chinese Medical Prose focusing on relevant culturalbackground knowledge, bibliography, and the linguistic featuresincluding Chinese character, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation,and semantics. Through intensive reading and topical discussionof ancient and pre-modern Chinese Medical Prose writings,students’ literacy in Chinese language and knowledge oftraditional Chinese culture will be enhanced. The course alsoprovides training in using multimedia resources for further studyof the language and culture.GDAR 1805 Biotechnology, Altering Nature, (3,2,1) (E)and Being HumanThis course integrates knowledge in molecular biology andphilosophy (including the religious perspectives). Newbiotechnology is a key part of the biological revolution inthe 21st century, which makes news headlines from timeto time. It includes assisted reproduction, genetic therapy,genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell manipulation. Itcan modify our food and our environment, alter ourselves andour offspring. It offers high hopes and arouses deep fears atthe same time. This course is divided into three parts. Part I:Biology—understanding the molecular biology behind the latestbiotechnological advances (e.g. molecular cloning, stem cell,the Human Genome Project, regenerative medicine). Part II:From Biology to Philosophy—understanding the notions of“nature,” “altering nature,” improving nature,” and “unnatural”from both the biological and philosophical perspectives. Part III:Philosophical Anthropology—exploring how we can set the moralguidelines so that, via biotechnological intervention of nature,human beings will neither play God nor play slave of nature,but just being human. This course begins with basic literacy inmolecular biology and ends with the philosophical puzzle, “whatis humanity?”GDAR 1806 Cityscapes: Hong Kong (3,2,1)Neighbourhoods, Urban Voices, andOther Tales of the CityThis course will integrate the teaching of basic ethnographictechniques of Hong Kong city spaces with narratives and storiesabout Hong Kong written in English. Students will learn to gathercontemporary (survey and other) data about the community theycall home, in addition to situate their findings within a largerhistorical context of how Hong Kong has been represented inEnglish literature in the more recent (colonial) past, as well as byHong Kong artists and other writers expressing themselves usingEnglish today.GDAR 1815 God, Creation and the Evolving (3,2,1)CosmosThis course will examine the current scientific views aboutthe origins and the workings of the universe and explorestheir implications for contemporary interdisciplinary dialoguebetween science and religion, especially the beliefs concerningGod, creation and the nature of the universe in the Christiantradition. Students will be introduced to the Christian concept ofcreation and the scientific concepts of Big Bang and other moderncosmologies.GDAR 1817 Religion’s Role in the (3,2,1)Development of City Space and City LifeIn this course, students will learn how religions act as thepowerhouse of city development and city life in selected parts ofworld. Students are led to recognize that, beside secular ideologiesand economic, political, population and cultural ecessities,religions have always played a pivotal role in people’s imaginationand in the construction of city life and city space. Students wouldbe invited to utilize concepts and methodologies learnt fromthe course to conduct value critique and ethical reflections oncontemporary urban development.GDAR 1825 Religious Creativity and (3,2,1) (E)Visual ArtsThis course aims at exploring diverse religious traditions, beliefsand values through visual language of artworks. Investigating avariety of artworks including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts,architecture and interior designs, it encourages students toexamine notions of good and evil, values and belief systems,relationship between human and divine world, and religiousengagements and rituals. Integrating art and cultural history andreligious thinking, this course considers artworks as visual agentsof various religions that broaden the conventional realms ofaesthetics and create profound religious experiences.GDAR 1827 Understanding East Asian (3,2,1) (C)Transformation through FilmsThe course will examine the epochal transformations of East Asiaas a whole region since the end of World War II. Its profoundmultidimensional transformations in economic, technological,political, social and cultural fields, as stimulating and powerfulvenues, will be discussed. Each important film selected for studywould be an occasion for the students to learn the ideas input bythe film artists who produced these films. The students wouldbe led to appreciate the artistic expressions, the humanisticand ethical concern, and the joy and tears of professional andinnovative filmmakers.

GDAR 1835 Music, Mind, and Human (3,3,0) (E)ExperienceIs music a language? Is “Mozart Effect” a myth? Are we born tobe creative? Is emotion processed on the right brain and reason onthe left? In this course students will develop a critical knowledgeof music and the human brain and how they are interrelatedwith other disciplines such as language, psychology, robotics,mathematics, and mental health.GDAR 1837 When West Meets East: Modernity (3,3,0)( E)in the ArtsThis course aims to extend students’ knowledge and experiencebeyond their major study by exploring the Modernist art formsin Western culture, including visual arts, music and literature.Modernity and its theories are culturally specific concepts, and arenonetheless relevant to social-cultural conditions of the twentiethfirstcentury, the Modernist art forms derived a century ago are ofartistic and scholarly value.By examining key concepts and works of arts, students of differentmajor(s) will be able to understand the current world conditionwith references to what had happened and had been happening inthe past.The case study on Chinoiserie, including visual arts and opera,invite students to look closer to modernity and cultural influencein varying perspectives. Opera, once a popular art form,invites fresh insight of students of the 21st century as well asspectatorship and directorship like Zhang Yi-mou. It is expectedthat the course would allow students to link the past to the present,and learn to recontextualise the existing art forms of Hong Kongand the Anglophone, as the former is often considered at thecrossroads of East and West.GDAR 1865 Service Leadership and (3,2,1)Emotional IntelligenceIn order to become successful service leaders, our studentscan be well-prepared before they take up caring positions inthe community. A successful leader must possess abilitiesto understand self and others, to inspire and build strongrelationships and to respond effectively to the situations that oneis engaged in. This course thus brings together two significantcomponents of service leadership, namely leadership andemotional intelligence (EI) through the joint expertise of theSocial Work Department and Counselling and DevelopmentSection, Office of Student Affairs. We believe that to preparestudents to become mature, capable and competent serviceleaders, there are essential knowledge, attitudes and skills to beexamined and learned in the areas of leadership and emotionalintelligence, and to apply them to real life situations.GDAR 1866 Music, Science, and the Sublime (3,2,1) (E)The first half of the course will be devoted to an historicaloverview of the topic and establishing a commonality of keyconcepts and vocabulary for student of differing backgrounds.The second half of the course will comprise a series of more indepthlectures, demonstrations and field trips on topics takenpredominantly from the last 20 years, as well as topics germane tostudent’s interest and backgrounds, and the availability of guestlecturers on those topics. All students will have the opportunityof creating their own, scientifically inspired aesthetic objects ofmusic, visual arts, poetry, graphics, and/or other art forms.GDAR 1876 Psychology of Positive Living (3,3,0)The course is intended to introduce students’ basic concepts andknowledge of psychology of positive living. It is concerned withthe scientific study of different aspect of human functioningincluding behaviors, thoughts, emotions, learning and personalityas well as factors that enable individuals to flourish andachieve positive living, with an aim to promoting students’ selfunderstanding,knowledge and potentials in positive emotions,resilience, creativity and character strengths. The course iscomposed of two parts: (1) introduction of basic conceptsand knowledge of psychological study on human functioning;and (2) introduction of the key concepts and knowledge ofpositive psychology, with the joint expertise of the Social WorkDepartment and Counseling and Development Section, Office ofStudent Affairs.GDBU 1005 Accounting for Business Decisions (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to provide an understanding of what accountingis, what it does, and where it fits into everyday experiencesas students, consumers, investors or managers. This courseintroduces accounting from a user perspective, that is, considersaccounting information from the view point of the people whowill use the information when making decisions. Users may be,for example, individuals who want to know about the future cashflow implications of buying a home versus renting one; investorswho need to assess the overall performance of a company fromits financial statements, perhaps to decide whether to buy or sellshares; or managers who need a more detailed understandingof the costs and profits of the form’s products or activities. Thebasic accounting concepts will be introduced and the decisionorientedapplications of accounting will be emphasized. Studentsfrom this course will have the ability to understand both financialand managerial accounting information and use them effectivelyto make better decisions in various business and non-businesssettings.GDBU 1006 Financial Accounting: Information (3,3,0) (E)Generation and UsesAccounting has been known as the language of business. Intoday’s world, we all need to, to varying degrees, deal withaccounting information in a wide range of business settings. Forexample, a potential investor needs accounting information toevaluate firm performance and select a stock for investment. Abank loan officer relies on accounting information to assessborrower’s financial condition and credit risk in making alending decision. Employees of a business also need accountinginformation to assess whether the business will survive in the longrun and continue to provide employment and pension benefits.As students, you may use accounting information to manage yourcash, to evaluate a job opportunity, and to decide whether you canafford a new computer. Success in any business comes down to athorough understanding of the language of business.This course is designed to help students understand the basics offinancial accounting through exploring three questions: What isaccounting information? How is it generated? How is it used?By focusing on both the generation of accounting informationand the meaning behind these numbers, this course helps studentsunderstand the information of financial reports, become aninformed user of accounting information and equips them withcrucial decision-making skills in various business environment.GDBU 1007 Law for Hong Kong Business (3,3,0) (E)Besides the introduction of the legal systems and relevant lawsin Hong Kong, this course offers a new and interesting way oflearning about Hong Kong laws by emphasizing on discussionon Hong Kong cases selected and presented by the students ontheir research on the web and library. Therefore each session willbe unique with different topics and content to be introduced anddiscussed by the students. After attending this course, the studentswill gain a general understanding of laws in Hong Kong and beable to do basic legal research on business laws in Hong Kong.GDBU 1015 Management Accounting: A Tool (3,3,0)for Planning and ControlManagement accounting is to help allocating money and otherresources within an organization. Management accountinginformation is typically used by company executives for decisionsabout investments, plant closures, pricing, budgeting, and costcontrols, etc. It is however equally useful for individuals inplanning home purchases, household expenditure and holidays;and for the public administrators in their public resourcesallocation and control. The course aims to provide students withan overview of what management accounting information is about361Course Descriptions

362Course Descriptionsfrom a user perspective. It focuses on helping students understandthe meaning of the numbers in management reports, theirrelationship to each other, and how they are used for planningand control in various settings. Technical details are minimizedin this course whenever possible, allowing more coverage on thepractical functions of management accounting reports and howthey can be useful to everyday experience as students, consumersor employees; and to the public administrators.GDBU 1016 Business Economics (3,3,0) (E)The course is designed to provide students basic knowledge inapplying economics concepts in managing firms in the businessenvironment. It introduces essential economics conceptsassociated with the functioning of firms and markets. Throughthe understanding of the production costs, consumer demand,and market structures, students are able to analyse and formulatethe supply decision of a firm. The course will also cover variousmanagerial objectives and corporate behaviour in doing business.Students will learn about and understand the importance ofcompetitive strategy and price strategy in business environment.GDBU 1017 China and the New World (3,3,0) (E)EconomyThis course attempts to discuss the implication of the riseof China to the new world economy. As increasingly moreanalysts have pointed out that China will soon become anotherimportant nation that can rival the US, the course will focus onthe implications of this rise. Questions such as what caused therise of China, how sustainable is the rise, what are the impacts ofthis rise to African countries and how to deal with its economicrelationships with the US will be thoroughly discussed in thelectures. The course will be concluded by looking into whetherthe rise of China will be peacefully or not. In order to deal withthe above issues, concepts like opportunity cost, comparativeadvantages, property right theory, agency costs, domestic demandand exchange rate, etc. will be carefully explained. By and large,the course aims to train the students to comprehend how Chinawill develop in the next few decades and how the internationaleconomic relationships will change over time.GDBU 1025 Economic Indicators and the (3,3,0) (E)Business WorldKnowledge of economic conditions is fully reflected by economicindicators which closely tie with interest rates, inflation, corporateearnings and even overall standard of living. Monitoringeconomic indicators allow managers to make decisions withconfidence on whether to buy more equipment, increaseinvestment, or hire more workers. In a global environment,international economic indicators are of particular importancebecause they facilitate businessmen to explore overseas markets.This course enables students with little or no knowledge about keyeconomic numbers to understand what these numbers tell us aboutthe economy and how we can use them to make better investmentand business decisions. To meet this goal, the course aims atanswering the following questions: (1) Why are the economicindicators important to know? (2) How are the economicindicators computed? (3) What do the economic indicators haveto say about the future? (4) How might various market sectors,such as bond markets, stock markets and the foreign exchangemarkets react to these economic indicators?Upon completion of the course, students should be able torecognize the importance of the economic indicators, and theircorresponding components. By understanding the underlyingmethodology of how they are calculated, students should beable to appreciate the usefulness of these indicators and theirshortcomings. Particular emphasis is placed on highlighting themost interesting and useful data points in the economic release.Guidance is given on how to locate valuable information that mayoffer students a heads-up on how the economy might perform inthe months ahead.GDBU 1026 Globalization and Trade (3,3,0) (E)LiberalizationThis course explains the phenomenon of increasing integrationof the world’s economies and its implications on people’s dailylives and business environment. The process of globalizationand different forms of economic integration, such as free tradeareas, will be covered. This course is especially importantand interesting to students who are interested in the economicaffairs and issues of the Chinese and Asian economies becauseof the recent rise of regional trade agreements. The roles andstructure of international trade organizations such as the WorldTrade Organization, World Bank, and Asian DevelopmentBank, will be explained. Examples such as free trade areas inAsia, including the one between China and the Associationof Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), will be presented anddiscussed. The fundamental question is why and how countriesget more integrated through foreign trade, foreign investment, andinternational labour migration. This course has no pre-requisitesand will not cover any rigorous theory of international trade andfinance. It is especially suitable to those students who want toknow more about the practical and policy side of foreign tradeand foreign investment without relying on formal trade theory.GDBU 1027 Macroeconomic Policies and the (3,3,0) (E)EconomyThis course is designed to help students understand the twomost important features of our macro-economy. First, it helpsstudents understand the sources of economic growth. Second,it helps students understand why the economy does not growsmoothly, but with cycles of economic expansions, recessions,and disturbances. Based on all these introductions, this coursefurther helps students understand the roles played by government’smacroeconomic policies, which include both monetary policiesand fiscal policies. It helps students evaluate these policies’effectiveness and potential impacts. Finally, and most importantly,it helps students well prepare themselves when they face economicbooms and slumps in their future lives.GDBU 1035 IT and Society (3,3,0) (E)The widespread dissemination of information technologycoupled with the expanding application of Internet technologycreates a new digital world. This course will provide you with anunderstanding of the use of IT surrounding us. The implicationsof the IT explosion for you as an individual and for the society asa whole will be discussed in the course.GDBU 1036 Business Operations and Logistics (3,3,0) (E)ManagementThis course introduces the fundamental activities and concepts ofbusiness operations and logistics (e.g. transportation, purchasing,distribution, retailing) management in commercial and sociallife. Students from wide disciplines will expand their knowledgehorizons by participating in logistics field visiting and videoprograms, taking group logistics projects, and closely contactingwith industrial practitioners or professional to learn the operationsof logistics services, and obtaining communication and analyticalskills to solve business problems. In addition, the course will alsointroduce the logistics operational environments, and logisticsoperations in Hong Kong, China and global perspectives, aswell as the relations of logistics operations with other businessmanagement. Throughout this subject, students will have wideviews of business operations, understand the principles andpractice of logistics management, and develop a solid foundationfor business management.GDBU 1037 Exploring Entrepreneurship (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to introduce the students to the concepts ofentrepreneurship and the role of entrepreneurs in the economy.The major contents include entrepreneurial styles, types andcharacteristics of new ventures, innovative business models,entrepreneurial development process, entrepreneurial managementprocess, and entrepreneurial behaviours. In particular, it discussesthe innovative business models and entrepreneurial attitudes that

lead to successful development of new products and services in thecompetitive marketplace. It also explores the elements of creativeproblem-solving, the identification of new business opportunities,the implications of entrepreneurship for economic development,and the social responsibility of entrepreneurs.GDBU 1045 Personal Financial Planning (3,3,0) (E)This course is designed to help students realize the importanceof personal financial planning. Students will understand howto build a disciplined financial plan in an early stage to achievethe financial goals and non-financial goals in their lives. Anappropriate use of credit cards and loans will be emphasized toavoid being destroyed by excessive and irresponsible borrowing,a common and serious problems for youths in other countries aswell as Hong Kong. Other essential tools (e.g. mortgages andsavings) will be introduced to solve problems at various stages oflife. Various investment alternatives will also be described with thefocus on their appropriateness, risk and return trade-off and rolesin personal financial planning. Students will be able to protectthemselves from being pushed into making inappropriate financialdecisions. This course will help students to live a life balancingvarious aspects of humanity.GDBU 1046 Understanding Finance (3,3,0) (E)This course is designed to help students understand the role offinance (in particular, financial markets), in individuals’ dailylives, in the decision making process of corporation and in thesmooth functioning of the society. Students will learn importantfinancial concepts to guard against being misled into makinginappropriate financial decisions so that catastrophic loss may beavoided. Students will also be able to participate in the discussionof financial impacts of issues faced by Hong Kong, and hence areequipped to form a balanced view of the world.GDBU 1047 Applied Negotiation Skills (3,3,0)The course helps students to capture theory and processesof negotiation and power of social capital in order to enablethem to negotiate successfully in a variety of settings, suchas trade agreements, labour settlements, and acquisitions tomergers, sales transactions and government procurement. Thisincludes negotiating and building mutually beneficial long-termrelationship between two parties of conflicting interests. Besideslectures, role play exercises, case studies, and simulation gameswill be employed to enable students to apply negotiation processin various settings effectively and successfully.GDBU 1055 Cross-Cultural Management (3,3,0) (E)With today’s increasingly more globalized world, the chanceof working with someone from a different cultural backgroundis extremely high. The course aims to prepare students for thiseventuality by helping them understand how culture influencesbehaviour and how they can handle the challenges of managingpeople from different cultural backgrounds.GDBU 1056 Developing a Successful Business (3,3,0) (E)The idea of starting and being an entrepreneur has been veryappealing to many people including students. This course willintroduce the many aspects required to create a successful newventure. This course will address many issues involved in startinga new venture from identifying business opportunities andformulation of a viable business plan to implementation of thebusiness plan.The course covers various stages of a starting-up a companyfrom the points of view of inventors including issues of planning,dealing with legal and tax issues, financial opportunities atdifferent stages, and sources of technical assistance. The coursealso examines creativity in start-ups and creative gap analysis.GDBU 1057 Developing Effective Leadership (3,3,0) (E)SkillsThis course aims to provide (1) an introduction to leadershiptheory and to the principles of effective leadership; (2) experiencein applying these in evaluating specific leadership behaviours; and(3) an opportunity to develop an action plan for self- and careerdevelopment.The course will involve a combination of lectures, directedreading, analysis and discussion of case studies, and practicalexercises and role plays. The approach will be highly participativeand student centred, and students will be strongly encouragedto reflect on their own experience as leaders and as followers.Examples will be drawn from the business, government and notfor profit sectors.GDBU 1065 Ethics in Business (3,3,0) (E)This course will use an integrated interdisciplinary approach toteach business ethics. An integrated interdisciplinary approachhighlights the importance of cognitive development in whichstudents are given ample opportunities to experience the worldthrough a variety of perspectives. In theory, the more connectionsstudents have with a concept, the better their chance to applythe knowledge to the real world situation. It infuses businesseducation with moral theory and moral reasoning to help studentsanalyse and explore the ethical dimensions/dilemmas thatmodern managers face.Moreover, the course will present a broad spectrum of moraldecision-making frameworks and show how they can be appliedto functional business settings such as general management,human resources management, accounting, marketing andfinance. Fundamental tenets for effective decision making such asmorality, legality, responsibility, utilitarianism, rights and justicewill be covered. The course will aim to enhance students’ ethicalawareness and sensitivity, and to facilitate the development of asense of moral judgment and obligation. Emphasis will be placedon applying moral thinking to solve real business problems facingbusiness professionals in Hong Kong.GDBU 1066 Doing Business in China (3,3,0)Since its economic reform China has emerged as one of themost fastest-growing consumer markets and low-cost productionsites in the world. Multinational corporations cannot hope tomake a significant presence in their industry without developingsome form of business relationship with China. More and morestudents are planning to work in China to explore better careeropportunities after graduation. However, without understandingthe unique characteristics of Chinese business environments, theirabilities in making effective business decisions are hindered.This course aims at providing non-business students with afundamental understanding of how China’s unique cultural,economical, historical, legal, and social environments affectbusiness practices. Within this framework, the coursewill introduce ways to enter the Chinese market as well asmanagement of major business functions (such as humanresource, financial, and marketing management) in China. Thecourse highlights common problems that managers will encounterand suggests ways to manage a business in China in a sociallyresponsible manner.GDBU 1067 Marketing and Society (3,3,0)Marketing does not operate in a vacuum and as such it impingeson all sectors of society at a macroeconomic, firm, and individuallevel. Marketing is often lambasted for being reckless and sociallyirresponsible. Misleading advertising, predatory pricing strategies,physically dangerous or tainted products are just some examplesof marketing activities that are, by some, considered to be areasonable means of making money.To counter socially reckless marketing activities, this course aimsto introduce non-business students to the fundamental conceptsof socially responsible marketing (SRM). By taking a criticalreflection on the nature of marketing practice, the course exploresthe interrelated areas of corporate social responsibility, marketingethics and social marketing. The effect of marketing activitieson a broad range of societal constituencies is considered, andhow these marketing activities can be used in a positive wayto generate advancement and well-being for the global society.The role of social responsibility in the marketing process is alsoconsidered in terms of the roles and responsibilities of consumers,manufacturers and the government.363Course Descriptions

364Course DescriptionsWhile this is a self-contained course with assessable intendedlearning outcomes, it is also hoped that students will emerge fromthe course with a renewed sense of the importance of sociallyresponsible marketing, and carry this sense with them into theirpersonal lives as consumers and/or corporate employees.GDBU 1075 Marketing Yourself (3,3,0) (E)Marketing does not just apply to conventional products andservices. Marketing applies to any context where competitionexists. Life is competitive. Individuals compete with each other,be it in finding a life time partner or seeking career advancement.In this sense, people require knowledge and skills for how tomarket themselves effectively.The aim of this course is to introduce students to the concepts ofpersonal marketing, from self-analysis and goal setting through tomarket analysis, strategy development, strategy implementation,and evaluation. Grounded in fundamental marketing conceptsand models, students will learn how to formulate their personalambitions, vision, and mission; perform a personal SWOT(strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis; establishpersonal success factors, objectives and personal improvementactions; identify and analyse a target market; and implement andcontrol their personal marketing plan so as to satisfy the targetmarket and in doing so achieve their personal objectives.Although this is a self-contained course with assessable intendedlearning outcomes, it is primarily intended that a more enduringoutcome will be achieved, i.e. students will emerge from thecourse with a renewed sense of the importance of personalmarketing, and carry this sense with them into their lives so as tofacilitate their personal and professional success. Students mayalso use the knowledge and skills gained to assist significant othersaround them who may also benefit from personal marketing. Thisis an inspiring and innovative subject that is ideally matched to alltertiary students since they are at a lifecycle stage where personalmarketing skills may determine their ultimate success or failure.By emphasizing whole person analysis and development, thecourse also concurs with the university’s whole person ethos.GDBU 1076 International Business Etiquette (3,3,0)Business etiquette skills are an essential requirement in today’sglobal business environment. Graduates from all disciplines arelikely to find themselves working in a business of one form oranother, and more open than not that business will be involvedin activities outside of its home country. Even if they are notinvolved in a business, graduates are likely to find themselvesmingling with cultures other than their own.In today’s increasingly diverse and ever-changing global workingenvironment, the old rules of conduct often do not apply.Customs vary, and language and cultural differences are amongthe many factors making interaction an increasingly complexchallenge. As global business continues to expand and bringpeople closer, the most important element of successful businessoutcomes may be the appreciation and respect for regional,country and cultural differences. The rules of proper etiquetteand protocol have been around for years, but they are far moreimportant now-a-days.Business etiquette is a set of rules and guidelines that makean individual’s professional relationships more harmonious,productive, manageable and meaningful. While students areoften taught about functional aspects of business, they are seldomtaught about business etiquette. Employing proper etiquette inany business or social environment communicates an attitude ofrespect, equality and trust toward them. Knowledge of businessetiquette and manners enhances personal effectiveness. The aimof this course is to highlight global business etiquette dos anddon’ts involving dress, body language and gestures, dining, giftgiving,meetings, customs, negotiation, greetings, conversations,and entertaining. By the end of the course students will have anincreased cultural sensitivity and appreciation of how applying thecorrect etiquette can enhance business outcomes.GDBU 1077 Social Entrepreneurship: (3,3,0)Opportunities to Change the WorldThis course is about encouraging the entrepreneurial intentionand venture creation of students to address social issues, createeffective responses to social needs and innovative solutions tosocial problems, suggest ways to change the community andsociety, and provide impacts to the global community.The aims of this course are: (1) to introduce students to theconcepts, practices, and challenges of social entrepreneurship inHong Kong, Greater China and around the world; (2) to equipstudents with frameworks and tools that offer insights into howsocial value is created and how social impact can be measured,and (3) to engage students in a joint learning process with socialentrepreneurs in Hong Kong so as to enable students to acquirea strong grasp of the various forms, models and approaches thatsocial entrepreneurs are using to attain the “triple bottom line”,that is having the greatest financial, social and environmentalimpact.GDBU 1085 Understanding Chinese Consumers (3,3,0) (E)China’s economic reform has made it one of the most promisingconsumer markets in the world. With growing purchasing power,Chinese consumers seek more and better products to improvetheir lives, creating huge opportunities for international marketers.However, traditional understanding of consumer behaviour isbased on Western conceptualizations which make it difficultfor international marketers to understand the psychology andbehaviour of Chinese consumers. In turn, the effectiveness oftheir marketing strategies is also limited.This course aims at providing non-business students with a selfcontainedand fundamental understanding of Chinese consumers.Specifically, it discusses how cultural values, the historicalbackground, legal regulations, and socioeconomic trends affectChinese consumers’ perception, attitude, and behaviour towardsvarious marketing stimuli. Based on this understanding, thecourse will discuss how marketers can formulate effectiveand socially responsible marketing strategies to serve Chineseconsumers.GDBU 1086 Understanding the World of (3,3,0)BusinessEveryone is involved in a business, either as an employee, aconsumer, and/or an owner. It is in everyone’s benefit, therefore,to understand how a business operates. The aim of this course isto introduce students to the central features of a modern business.The course provides students with an overview of the businesstrends both domestically and internationally, the principlesimportant to starting a new business, and different forms ofbusiness ownership. Students will be exposed to a multitude ofbusiness disciplines such as management, marketing, financeand accounting, and appreciate how they come together to forman integrated organization. In addition, various institutions thatoperate in the business environment such as government andfinancial institutions are studied.As we move into the twenty-first century, clear trends areemerging in the business world. For instance, the business worldis becoming more global, social responsibility and ethical practicesare being emphasized more, and demographic and lifestyleshifts are changing the way we shop, where we work and howwe live. Graduates, regardless of discipline, need to understandthe business environment, the changes that are occurring in it,and how to succeed in it. This course enlightens students byusing principles, guidelines and application exercises to illustratethe way in which business impacts our daily lives as employees,consumers, and owners.GDBU 1846 Leadership in Sustainability (3,3,0) (E)The course, Leadership in Sustainability, is proposed to helpdevelop responsible business graduates who can decipher theimportance of leadership practiced by sustainability leadersin the corporate world. The aspects of good practice includeenvironmental protection, good governance, quality and safeproduct and service offerings, motivational human resources

management and proactive stakeholder engagement.This new course extends far beyond the classroom. It includesseveral teaching and learning methods including case studies,mentoring by corporate leaders, field studies, innovative problemsolving, experiential learning and descriptive case writing.The objective is to maximize students’ exposure to real leadershipcases in driving sustainability. In the process, students willgenerate intrinsic motivation to delve into the understanding ofrelated issues, develop the right values for ethical and responsiblemanagement and be prepared to become change agents.Corporate partnership will be sought so that students can learnabout sustainability practice through first hand visits and datagathering for putting together descriptive cases of sustainablepractice.GDBU 1847 Everyday Physics for Future (3,2,1)ExecutivesIn this course, a descriptive approach will introduce non-sciencestudents to concepts of physics that considerably overlap otherdisciplines and impact societal issues; the concepts and analyseswill enable them to develop well-informed opinions and decisionsin business, in public policy-making, in communications, invisual arts, in daily life, etc. Thereby leadership capabilities willbe instilled in our students. This course is adapted from a famousGE course given at the University of California, “Physics andTechnology for Future Presidents”. It will use HKBU’s iQlickersto immediately gauge the students’ understanding, as well as PeerInstruction developed at Harvard by physicist Prof. Eric Mazur.GDBU 1855 Celebrity and Entertainment (3,2,1)BusinessMore than just as a spokesperson of a product/brand, celebritiesand figures of fame play an important role in the creative sectorto date. This course maps the increasingly central importance offame and celebrity from a mass communication and marketingperspective. In this course, students will investigate the culture ofcelebrity in relation to entertainment, media, advocacy, identityand business models. It aims to introduce the phenomenonof stardom including some case studies of individual film,television, advertising, popular music and political stars, and toinvestigate the media influence of celebrities in a Chinese culturalcontext. This is fundamentally a preliminary course designedto help students think more critically about the intersection ofentertainment and civic engagement in the new media era. Italso aims to strengthen student’s understanding of the culture ofcelebrity on the societal values and choices in a Chinese culture.GDBU 1856 How Ideas Spread (3,3,0)This course explores cultural propagation of ideas from aninterdisciplinary perspective that includes communicationstudies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and marketing. Itcomprehensively, yet succinctly, takes you through what getspropagated (nature of popularly propagated ideas), who areinvolved in propagating (opinion leaders, early adopters, etc.),when cultural propagation arises (circumstances leading to thegeneration and spread of ideas), where ideas are spread (socialnetworks, online communities, etc.), why individuals propagateideas (motives, goals, and desires), and how ideas are propagated(modes of transmission).GDBU 1867 Children as Consumers: Marketing (3,2,1)to the YouthChildren and youth are future of the society. Due to theprolonged period of education, the position of youth hadbecome increasingly ambiguous. The course aims at introducingthe different perspectives and often competing interest amongmarketers, parents, educators, and policy makers regardingcommunication to children and youth. The course will begin withthe changing concepts of childhood and the position of childrenand youth in a social context. It continues with the cognitive andaffective responses toward commercial communication, as wellas development of the understanding of brands among childrenand youth consumers. Parental and peer influence and the roleof marketers and legislators will be explored. Ethical issuesconsidered by media executives, marketers, parents, citizens, andthe government regarding children as consumers will be discussed.The course will conclude by examining concems related withundesirable consequences of advertising to children and youthconsumers, such as unhealthy eating, gender stereotyping, andmaterialism.GDCV 1005 Film, History, and Social Change (3,3,0) (E)This course will explore the way in which film has representedhistory and social change, and also seeks to inform studentsabout the nature and character of particular historical events, andperiods of social change. The course will also explore film as film:as a constructed, aesthetic and expressive artifact; and pertinentaspects of film theory will also be considered in relation to this.Emphasis will be on both the historical and social meaning andsubstance of the events portrayed in the film, and the way inwhich film portrays those events.GDCV 1006 Film and Controversy (3,3,0)This course will explore critical issues surrounding films. It willexamine a number of controversial topics regarding History,Politics, Society, Culture and Religion, and will focus on howfilms can both represent and fuel controversies. By explainingand articulating the specific context in which a controversy hasoccurred, students will learn to apply critical judgments andresponsible decisions in their own lives, eventually growingtowards better intercultural understanding and respect, as well asknowledge about cinematic tools, which are crucial to a criticalanalysis of moving images and sounds.GDCV 1007 Hong Kong Cinema and (3,3,0) (C)Hong Kong CultureThrough watching and discussions of Hong Kong films selectedby virtue of their relevance to three general aspects of HongKong culture (identity, cityscape, social structure), the culturaldialectics of Hong Kong will be explored. The emphases will bethe interplays of form and content, and the mutual influence offilm as a medium of expression and film as a cultural product.Students will see how Hong Kong Cinema reflects Hong Kongculture and how local culture and production environments atdifferent times affect the messages, forms, and movements ofHong Kong Cinema. Comparisons to films from the West andother Asian countries may be drawn to position Hong Kong in theWorld.GDCV 1015 Television and Popular Culture (3,3,0)The course will introduce students to the concept of popularculture, the relationship between television and popular culture,and the role which television has played in shaping popularculture. The historical development of television and popularculture will be explored. The course will consist of lectures on thesubject, followed by screenings of selected television programmesor extracts from such programmes, and then by programmeanalysis. The programmes will be analysed in terms of theirnarrative, visual style and deployment of popular cultural forms.GDCV 1016 Advertising and Society (3,2,1) (E)This course will investigate the various social impacts ofadvertising in Hong Kong. Issues including advertising andmaterialism, commercialization of childhood, stereotypes andgender identity, advertising and environment as well as advertisingand food choice will be discussed. The social and economicenvironment where advertising messages are interpreted willbe analysed. The regulation of advertising and public attitudestoward advertising will be elaborated.GDCV 1017 Communication in Interpersonal (3,2,1) (E)EncountersThis course introduces students to the major topics and principlesin interpersonal communication. Students will learn the essential365Course Descriptions

366Course Descriptionsknowledge and skills to facilitate effective, appropriate andaccurate human communication in various contexts, especiallycommunication in the interpersonal relationships with theirsignificant others, peers and superiors in their daily lives. Thecourse will increase students’ ability and sensibility to notecommunication patterns and processes, and to make active andconstructive choices during their interaction with other people.GDCV 1025 Communicating across Cultures (3,2,1) (E)The course covers basic concepts and practices underling thestudy of intercultural communication. This includes knowledgeand skills needed for everyone in an increasingly globalized world.Structures and barriers developed within and between culturesand how they may affect communication in life, work and societywill be examined, with special attention to local contexts (e.g.interaction with mainland parties, ethnic minorities in HongKong, expatriate employees in international business or nongovernmental organizations).GDCV 1026 Critical Perspectives on (3,3,0)International NewsIn this course students examine in depth media coverage ofcurrent international and world issues. Students will learnabout the major players in international news and examine theiroperations. They will study how their news reaches consumersover a variety of platforms in today’s situation where thereare many new and unpredictable information suppliers on theinternet, which has made all news international by allowing accessfrom anywhere on the globe. Key international and/or worldevents happening during the semester will be selected for studentsto learn and practise the research, comparative and collaborativeskills.GDCV 1027 Media Studies in a Changing (3,2,1) (E)SocietyThe purpose of the course is to arouse students’ awareness ofthe role mass media play in their lives and society. It aims atdeveloping students’ critical analytical ability to deconstruct mediamessages. It also cultivates their skill of creative expression. Inthe Web 2.0 age, young people are living in a media saturatedworld. Their values and social actions are significantlyinfluenced by the media. With the rise of the Internet, mediacontent is not only produced by media professionals, but alsoby ordinary people. From YouTube to blogs, information isbeing circulated without filtering and verification. Traditionalmedia are also transforming their ways of delivering news andinformation. Therefore, being media literate becomes vital foryoung people to wisely interact with the changing society. Itis important for them to learn how to conduct news analysis.Media literacy is defined as a life skill which enables youngpeople to critically understand, analyse, use and monitor themedia. A social participative approach is adopted in this courseso that students are cultivated not only as active and critical mediaconsumers but also as informed and responsible citizens.GDCV 1035 News Production and (3,3,0)PresentationThis course will provide students with a basic understanding ofthe theoretical and practical issues underlying the productionand presentation of news. It will also provide a broad overviewof the complex relationship between news and society. Lookinginto how the presentation of news may affect the society on theone hand, the course also examines how the society may induceinfluence on news production on the other hand.GDCV 1036 Writing for Media (Chinese (3,3,0)Session)This course introduces students to the basic skills of mediawriting. Students will gain an understanding of the fundamentalconcepts and general principles of media writing. They willalso equip practical Chinese writing skills for media in local andMainland China context. Industry practitioners will be invited asguest speakers to share their working experience so that studentscan gain insights about media writing in real-lift context.GDCV 1037 Writing in English for News Media (3,3,0)This course will introduce students to a broad range of Englishnews media and equip them with a knowledge and understandingof the general principles of media writing and newsgathering.Students will analyse and critique news media writing; learn andpractise information gathering skills; develop and apply mediawritingskills in various styles for media such as newspapers,magazines, radio, television, press releases and online media; anddiscuss legal and ethical issues in media writing.GDCV 1045 “Art” as a Consumable (3,3,0) (E)The consumption of art has become a significant question in art,sociology and even tourism. Works of art have been producedand consumed like any other everyday life commodities from theancient times to the modern world, and the meaning of art hascontinuously been changing. Through studying the function ofart museums, galleries, art auctions and the mass media, studentswill be shown the creation and re-creation of meanings in worksof art, how they are understood and accepted by the public, andwhat cultural influences they may have generated in society atlarge.GDCV 1046 Aesthetics of the Young (3,2,0) (E)Young people have their own fashion, belief, slang, dialect, music,comic and behaviour that can be subversive to the conventionyet at the same time innovative, creative and non-prototype. Athorough investigation of the youth aesthetics will give newinsights to creativity and the visual arts. This practice-basedcourse will introduce various forms of creation within youthculture, including graffiti, popular image, fashion, YouTube,animation, comic in art and so on. Creative skills such as creativethinking, problem-solving for protests; theories such as the cultureof kidult and fans will be taught.GDCV 1047 All Arts: Creative Inspiration (3,3,0) (E)for LifeThis course will consider the historical, individual and crossculturalperspective, of different art forms, in order to placewithin the wider cultural framework and to gain a greater depthof knowledge about individual values of art. Key themes such asTheatre, Advertising, Product Design, Fine Art, Cookery, Filmand Architecture will be examined and discussed. Students willlearn to appreciate the elements of inspiration and how creatorscreate.GDCV 1055 Art and Gender (3,3,0) (E)This course will explore different aspects and forms of genderedimagery. Classes will also make links between gender in artand advertising, movies and fashion. Through the study ofgender in art from different cultures and period, students will beencouraged to analyse and question the construction of gender, itsmeaning, significance, but also the potential misunderstandings,misconceptions and mis-readings of it.GDCV 1056 Art Appreciation (3,3,0) (E)This course will offer students a broader understanding in visualarts. By studying works of art from different times and cultures,students will learn how to analyse, evaluate and appreciate variousart forms. It will explore a variety of art forms from across thestrata of creativity and examine themes including “Images ofHumanity”, “Belief and Religion”, “Love and Death”, “Scienceand Art” and issues of “Value”.GDCV 1057 Art for All—Public Art and Space (3,3,0) (E)This course encourages civic participation through activeengagement with urban sculpture on location around Hong Kong.It tracks the evolution of public and private space from the Greekagora and oikos through to the data driven concept of the mediacity where boundaries between public and private are permeableand in constant flux. Students will learn to appreciate HongKong’s public space with an awareness of its societal and politicalstructure.

GDCV 1065 Buildings of Hong Kong: (3,3,0) (E)Appreciating ArchitectureExploring and enjoying the various architectural structures HongKong has to offer on numerous site visits, the course will developan understanding of 20th century architecture in Hong Kong,with references to older periods and other cultural circles as well.It will thereby obviously consider the famous buildings of HongKong, but also pay particular attention to under-appreciatedarchitecture of everyday nature, like the housing estate, the wetmarket, the industrial estate, the dai pai dong and others. Thiscourse has a focus on architecture, but will also make connectionsto urban planning and feng shui practices.GDCV 1066 Ceramics and Civilizations (3,3,0) (E)This course will offer a comparative study of ceramics toconsider how and why the formal quality of ceramics variesunder different cultural contexts. It will examine ceramics notonly from its political, socio-cultural and aesthetic backgroundsbut also a cross-cultural perspective. Popular subjects in thestudy of cultural theories, including body, social norms, religiousideas and economic life will be investigated in association withthe appreciation of ceramics. Students will acquire first-handexperience in making ceramics, learning basic techniques ofpottery, such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, moulding andsurface decoration, of which are essential processes for reflectingthe meaning of form and function, of how creativity andtechnological development contribute to the diverse cultures ofceramics.GDCV 1067 Chinese Calligraphy as (3,3,0) (E)Self-expressionChinese calligraphy is a unique form of art that integrates artisticelements in the visual forms of Chinese characters and theirliterary content. This studio-based course introduces the waysof appreciating this special art form, through practical studies inbasic brush techniques and styles of Chinese calligraphy with anemphasis on standard script (kaishu ) and semi-cursive script(xingshu ).Meanwhile, the relationship between calligraphy and the notionof self-expression will be examined through observations andanalysis of examples of calligraphic works by major calligraphers.Students will be guided to develop their own calligraphic skills andcreative strategies of expressing their own personal ideas throughmaking calligraphic works, allowing them to practice calligraphyas self-cultivation and part of a healthy lifestyle.GDCV 1075 Graphics Redesigned (3,3,0) (E)This course aims at developing students’ awareness towardsdifferent kinds of design they encounter, or they consume, ineveryday life. By looking at the design history of the past and thepresent, students will gain a better sense and knowledge in variouskinds of styles and trends. In each class, students will have theopportunity to re-design objects borrowed from everyday life, forexamples, packing of chewing gum, tea bag tag, chips packing,memo notes, or toilet paper, so as to rethink the relationshipbetween the designer, the products and the users.GDCV 1076 Encountering World Art (3,3,0) (E)Based on themes, such as body perception, belief of afterlife,personal and cultural identity, the course will examine subjectmatters, symbolism, styles, media, and aesthetic choices ofartworks within a variety of cultures and explore differentattitudes, beliefs, and thoughts embodied by the works. Thiscourse considers how factors of context influence visual elementsthat give meanings and values to a work of art, and how aestheticideas, techniques travel across cultures. While exploring thecomplex and rich world of visual arts, this course discusses criticalcultural issues embodied by the works, such as body politics,shaping of identities, and human existence and transcendence.GDCV 1077 Essentials of Chinese Art (3,3,0) (E)IdentityThe classical Chinese Art studio is a complex site of disciplineand reflection as well as pleasure and erudite jokes. Here wemay explore aspects of Chinese sensibilities towards space,furniture, sociality and functional tools that offer fresh insight intocontemporary sensibilities–for example, to design. The course isopened to students who may wish to develop their understandingand sensibilities for Chinese ink painting, calligraphy, seal carvingand art appreciation, as well as explores a particular aestheticwithin Chinese culture.GDCV 1085 Exploring Drawing (3,3,0) (E)People from different cultures tend to draw in different ways.Traditionally Chinese drew with ink and brush whereaswesterners used the ink pen or charcoal. Thanks to technologicaladvancement, many of us draw with the aid of computer softwarenowadays, from very simple software such as the palette onWindows to the more sophisticated Adobe Illustrator. Just likethe primitive people drew on rocks for communication purpose,we also perform similar acts of drawing on mobile phones withtouch screen functions today.Drawing is just as a fundamental tool in communication aswriting. To learn how to draw, whether on paper or other media,students will be able to explore the alternatives in expressingthemselves visually, thus having a better understanding ofthemselves and others. However to learn drawing does not onlymean the technical skills solely. This course aims to demonstratethe potential in/of drawing and inspire students to make use of itas a mean of visual expression.A better understanding and utilization in drawing can enhanceones analytical and communication skills. To achieve this thiscourse will introduce drawing samples from art history, explainthe differences in drawing approaches in various cultures as wellas introduce a selection of drawing practices through experimentaldrawing projects. Hence, students will learn different ways todraw, to look, to think, and also the significance of drawing inrelation to our everyday life.GDCV 1086 From Kitchen to Table: (3,3,0) (E)Ceramics and Food CultureCeramics plays a dominant role in our everyday life as manypeople use to cook and eat with ceramics utensils. This courseaims to investigate the ways we utilize and understand ceramicsin association with cooking and eating, in an art-historicaland socio-cultural aspects. The course will examine the form,design, composition and production method of different formsof ceramics, including the Chinese porcelain cup, the Japanesetenmoku, Mediterranean terracotta food vessels or the SoutheastAsian pottery.GDCV 1087 Looking at Asian Arts (3,3,0) (E)This course will introduce students to comparative approachesto major themes in the arts of Asia: from gardens in Suzhouand Kyoto, to contemporary architecture in Kuala Lumpur andShanghai, from Japanese to Korean TV drama, from the sensibilityof contemporary art in Taipei and Beijing, to the narratives ofIndian temples reliefs and Japanese mangas. It will also explorehow arts in Asia are used to establish cultural identities, and createmarketable images within a globalized context.GDCV 1095 Object and Heritage (3,3,0) (E)This course will explore the concepts of visual and materialculture in order to contextualize place, identity and heritage inboth a personal sense and within the large cultural boundaries.Exploring the formal qualities, functions and histories of “things”,it will discuss how objects shape our culture and how the materialworld is integral to meaning-making processes. It will alsointroduce material culture theories from various disciplines, e.g.anthropology, cultural studies and art theories, to critically studyobjects within a cultural and historical context. Further, it willinvestigate recent debates on urban development and heritagepreservation, things and memories, and, myths and traditionsassociated with them.367Course Descriptions

368Course DescriptionsGDCV 1096 Seeing through Glass: How It (3,3,0) (E)Creates Our WorldGlass is one of the most influential materials in humancivilization. Glass has been a medium widely used in oureveryday life since its discovery by the Phoenician merchantsin the region of Syria in 5,000 BC. It is not only in the makingof daily use objects such as bottles, mirrors and light bulbs, butalso in the production of advanced technological articles liketelescopes and microscopes. We simply cannot live without glass;glass helps us to see the world beyond our visual limitation.This course aims to examine the importance of glass from variouspoints of view, from history, culture, science, religion, everydaylife and art appreciation, as a way to make students aware of theinseparable relation between glass and human civilization. Inaddition, through the discussion of the functional and spiritualimplication of glass, its aesthetics and scientific values, and itsartistic qualities in forms of jewellery or architecture, studentswill be able to see glass in a wider spectrum. Whilst the course isnot intended to provide professional training in glass making, anumber of hands-on projects will enable students to have a betterknowledge on how glass changes, shapes and creates our world.GDCV 1097 Show Off the Art: Value and (3,3,0) (E)DesireThis course will investigate the interaction between artist’sstudio, commercial gallery and museum within the context ofcontemporary culture. Examining the history of exhibition, andthe effect and impacts of the commercial art markets, this courseconsiders what art means to us, how art makes a different toour public life, and what it would tell us about our society. Thiscourse will assess the contrasts and similarities of the public andprivate sectors of art consumption and reflect upon who and whatwould determine the aesthetic significance and monetary valueof art. It also considers the changing notions of art exhibition interms of traditional associations of status, education and evaluatethe roles of gallery, dealer, auction house and buyer as the centrepin to driving and responding to market forces.GDCV 1105 Space-saving Creative Practising (3,3,0) (E)With emphasis on both experimental and practical concepts, thispractice-based course offers students an entry point to creativedesign and problem-solving skills associated with space. Throughexamining space-saving objects, students will learn the conceptof collapsibility and present collapsibility principles. Moreover,students will learn the spatial meanings of peripheral alternativespace in Hong Kong through their creative projects. Relatedglobal classic creativities, Swiss folding knives for instance, will betopics to illustrate the relationship between geographic space andthe culture of tools.GDCV 1106 Product Design Basics (3,3,0) (E)This course looks at the things surrounding us in our dailylives, and—through practical application of aesthetical,phenomenological and other design theories—establishesconcepts about the true nature(s) of things that allow us tomake more informed choices about the objects that we fill ourlives with. Emphasis will be on product design, but will alsomake connections to furniture and fashion design, and otherobject-based design areas. It also contains a significant numberof practical studio classes that allow participants to hands-onexperience and explore what it takes to make things “beautiful”.GDCV 1107 Creativity and Chinese Painting (3,3,0) (E)This is a studio-based course on Chinese painting, which isalso known as national painting or ink painting. Students willfamiliarise themselves with basic techniques and critical conceptsin practical way. Focusing on xieyi style (or freehand style), thiscourse aims to introduce students the methods of executingChinese brush, ways of modeling forms in effective and efficientway, appreciation and interpretation of common subjects inChinese painting, and implementation of artistic ideas throughthe process of painting. Museum, gallery or artist-studio visit(s)will be organised. No prior knowledge of Chinese art and cultureis required.The course will discuss visual examples from the tenth century ofImperial China to the twentieth century of the Republican Era.Each course participant would study in depth the styles and themodes of expression developed by a selected group of old masters.In addition to stylistic and aesthetic analysis on paintings, thecourse will stress the students’ own artistic development andexpression.GDCV 1115 Understanding Photography (3,3,0) (E)In this course, students will be introduced to early technologiesof seeing from the camera obscura all the way through to Flickr,together with concepts and ideas of light, or reproduction andcirculation of imagery, and the techniques used to produceparticular effects and emotional responses. The various waysof photographic production enable students to understand notonly the making process but to express their own thoughts inviewing the objective world. The course will include workshopsin experimental photo-practice, for example, using mobilephone cameras to create artistic imagery. The assessable output(photographs, interpretative texts) will be presented in anexhibition.GDCV 1116 Wear Me (3,3,0) (E)Human kind has a long history of body ornamentation. From themore permanent body modifications like tattoos and piercings,to temporary ones like makeup, body painting, hairstyling andcolouring, to wearable objects like jewellery, accessory, clothing,and other personal possessions, the varieties are endless. Bodyornamentation has its practical and functional values, andfurthermore it reflects cultural values like the aesthetics and ethicsof a society. At the same time, body ornament is a means forindividuals to publicly showcase one’s attitude and style. As wemove about in the public, our body becomes a mobile exhibitionplatform.This course uses wearable objects, like clothing and accessories, toexplore the possibility of utilizing these objects for the expressionof ones stance and believes. We will use various materials andfabrication methods to create and transform wearable objects. Wewill also investigate the differences between two manufacturingprocesses: Do-it-yourself and mass production, thus creating anarc between craft and design.GDCV 1816 Interactive Computing for Visual (3,3,0) (E)CommunicationMedia convergence has transformed the computational machineinto an unprecedented rich multimedia communication mediumwith ubiquitous connectively and interactive capability. Thisnew medium presents endless possibilities with applications fullof dynamic contents and rich visual user interface experience.Expertise in both computer science and visual communication areneeded in order to fulfil the application demands.This course aims to address these demands and prepare thestudents with all-around trainings and skills to master thechallenges. Unlike traditional courses which are merely designedfor one specific discipline of students, this course offers a uniqueplatform for students without any prerequisites in mathematics,computer programming or visual design to acquire and establishthe knowledge necessarily for the challenges.This course introduce high-level programming concepts andapproaches visual design on the new medium using approachableand intuitive computational visual building block environmentsuch as Processing developed by MIT.GDCV 1825 Religious Creativity and (3,2,1) (E)Visual ArtsThis course aims at exploring diverse religious traditions, beliefsand values through visual language of artworks. Investigating avariety of artworks including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts,architecture and interior designs, it encourages students toexamine notions of good and evil, values and belief systems,relationship between human and divine world, and religiousengagements and rituals. Integrating art and cultural history andreligious thinking, this course considers artworks as visual agents

of various religions that broaden the conventional realms ofaesthetics and create profound religious experiences.GDCV 1826 Seeing the World from Scientific (3,3,0) (E)and Artistic PerspectivesThe course will give students a well-rounded and advancedapproach towards arts and science. The course will be taughtby a team of artists and scientists from both faculties. It willcover topics on the development of art forms from a historicalperspective that have a distinct relationship with the advancementof science. Examples of integration between artistic inspirationand scientific knowledge will be illustrated.GDCV 1827 Understanding East Asian (3,2,1)Transformation through FilmsThe course will examine the epochal transformations of East Asiaas a whole region since the end of World War II. Its profoundmultidimensional transformations in economic, technological,political, social and cultural fields, as stimulating and powerfulvenues, will be discussed. Each important film selected for studywould be an occasion for the students to learn the ideas input bythe film artists who produced these films. The students wouldbe led to appreciate the artistic expressions, the humanisticand ethical concern, and the joy and tears of professional andinnovative filmmakers.GDCV 1837 When West Meets East: Modernity (3,3,0) (E)in the ArtsThis course aims to extend students’ knowledge and experiencebeyond their major study by exploring the Modernist art formsin Western culture, including visual arts, music and literature.Modernity and its theories are culturally specific concepts, and arenonetheless relevant to social-cultural conditions of the twentiethfirstcentury, the Modernist art forms derived a century ago are ofartistic and scholarly value.By examining key concepts and works of arts, students of differentmajor(s) will be able to understand the current world conditionwith references to what had happened and had been happening inthe past.The case study on Chinoiserie, including visual arts and opera,invite students to look closer to modernity and cultural influencein varying perspectives. Opera, once a popular art form,invites fresh insight of students of the 21st century as well asspectatorship and directorship like Zheng Yi-mou. It is expectedthat the course would allow students to link the past to the present,and learn to recontextualise the existing art forms of Hong Kongand the Anglophone, as the former is often considered at thecrossroads of East and West.GDCV 1845 Videogames and Arts (3,3,0) (E)The course aims to provide an introduction to the study of games,videogames as an art form in particular, as well as understandinggames as a business, a cultural phenomenon and technologicalinvention. The game design process will be introduced as a wayto enhance problem solving skills and creativity. Students will berequired to design a new game using the principles learnt in classand at the same time to address social issues that related to theireveryday life experience.In the course, students will learn about gaming theory (Iudology)and the ways it apples to videogames, and as well as the fields ofart, business and technology about videogames. Audio and visualelements in videogames are obvious creative content. Game ingeneral is also a popular medium and strategy in contemporaryart production, since 1960s. Interactive art and design in thedigital era often displays game like characteristics. The study ofvideogames in the art context will provide students an alternativeperspective to understand the gaming experience they are familiarwith, and to encourage inter-disciplinary thinking.The course covers the aesthetics of games in the areas ofgenres, graphics, storytelling, gaming theory, interactivity, andcontemporary social issues. Upon completion of the courses,students will be prepared to reflect upon their own daily gamingpractices from more critical and creative perspectives.GDCV 1856 How Ideas Spread (3,3,0) (E)This course explores cultural propagation of ideas from aninterdisciplinary perspective that includes communicationstudies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and marketing. Itcomprehensively, yet succinctly, examine what gets propagated(nature of popularly propagated ideas), who are involved inpropagating (opinion leaders, early adopters, etc.), when culturalpropagation arises (circumstances leading to the generation andspread of ideas), where ideas are spread (social networks, onlinecommunities, etc.), why individuals propagate ideas (motives,goals, and desires), and how ideas are propagated (modes oftransmission).GDCV 1875 Uncovering the Stories of Brands (3,2,1)The objective of this course aims to motivate students tothink critically on diverse cultural and social issues. Thiscourse introduces students to the interplay of brands andperceptions in our daily lives. Emphasis is placed on studyingthe interwoven relationships among brands communication,society and consumers. The course aims to expand students' historical, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Throughdifferent theories and case studies, students will have a deeperunderstanding of how brands play a significant role in our socialand identity transfonnation. Students are also able to research,analyze, integrate and criticize various brands stories and socialdevelopment, and further apply the knowledge to their study andprofessional development.GDSC 1005 Environmental Principles and (3,3,0) (E)Contemporary Environmental IssuesThis course intends to enhance students’ understanding onfundamental environmental principles and environmentalethical principles as well as to foster their critical thinking onenvironment-related issues. Specific issues covered in the coursewill include resources management, food safety, public health,sustainable development, ecotourism, nature conservation andecological footprint. In order to better illustrate these core issuesand their implications on policy making and application of ethicalprinciples, relevant current environmental issues in Hong Kong,China and other countries will be cited as discussion examples.GDSC 1006 You and Your Environment (3,3,0) (E)This course aims to introduce to students the principles and issuesof environmental science. The topics selected will demonstratehow human activities cause environmental problems and whatconcepts and technologies can be applied to solve these problems.GDSC 1007 You and Your Health (3,3,0) (E)This is an introductory course to students on the basics of humanbody and how factors from the living environment may affect ourhealth. Topics chosen are closely related to health and diseases.Specific health problems and issues of interest will be selected fordiscussion.GDSC 1015 Coffee with Profs—The (3,3,0) (E)Fascinating Science of Everyday LifeDesigned for non-science majors, the course aims to demonstrate,through daily life examples, the many important contributionsand relevance of science and technology in modern living. Thecourse will start with discussion on myths and facts of coffee,physiological effect of caffeine, to organic farming, fair trade,globalization (coffee shop industry) and golcalization (inventionof Yuenyeung [coffee with tea] at Hong Kong cafes). Connectionsbetween modern science inventions and individual’s healthy livingstyles (home/food/travel/shopping, etc.) will also be discussed.Controversial socio-scientific issues will be used to rectify students’misconceptions in science concepts.369Course Descriptions

370Course DescriptionsGDSC 1016 Ocean Voyage—Science in the Sea (3,3,0) (E)The course is for students who are curious to learn about theocean and its science, history and more. Students will beintroduced the concepts of marine and environmental science, aswell as cultural, economic and political impacts to address marineenvironmentalissues at local and regional scales.GDSC 1017 Science and Technology behind (3,2,1) (E)the MoviesThis course will make use of examples from movies and TVdrama episodes as motivations to introduce students to somekey concepts and latest developments in science and technologywhich can make significant impacts (e.g. new opportunities andexperience) on our future ways of life. It provides first an overviewon key milestones in science and technology development, andtheir impacts on our daily life. The major portion of the coursecovers selected concepts and principles in science and technologyto be presented under themes like human-like robots, geneticengineering, space travel, etc.GDSC 1025 Discovering Our Universe (3,3,1) (E)This course will provide non-science major students with basicscientific understanding and appreciation of the wonder of theuniverse. It introduces the students to the study of phenomenaoutside the confines of the Earth and also explores therelationship between humanity and the cosmos. Physical conceptsin understanding the workings of the cosmos will be emphasizedand illustrated with multimedia presentations and classroomdemonstrations.GDSC 1026 Nano Living: Impact of (3,3,1) (E)Nanoscience and NanotechnologyThis course will popularize basic knowledge of nanoscience andnanotechnology, introduce an increasing range of pragmaticapplications in daily life, establish critical consciousness of theirsocial consequences (in environment, safety and human health),and prevent misleading.GDSC 1027 Diseases and Medicine (3,3,0)This course teaches students to envisage the differential rolesand approaches of Chinese medicine and Western medicine inthe treatment of human diseases as well in the prevention ofillnesses. Students can broaden the horizon in the knowledgeof contemporary medical technology and the modernization ofChinese medicine, as well as general health awareness.GDSC 1035 Health Maintenance and Food (3,3,0) (P)Therapy in Chinese MedicineThe aim of this course is to introduce the basic principlesand philosophy of health maintenance and food theraphy intraditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Students will learn a varietyof food therapy in TCM for improving common health disordersand disease prevention. Lectures will cover examples of TCMhealth food therapy and their functions, as well as acupuncturedemonstrations, Tui-na and massage techniques from TCM forweight control, pain relieve, etc. Students will also experienceherbal tea and flower-based tea therapy for health maintenance, aswell as Chinese medicinal food therapy in their daily life.GDSC 1036 Introduction to Medicinal Plants (3,3,0) (P)This course will introduce the fundamental scientific knowledgeof the medicinal plants and its applications as Chinese herbalmedicines. Students will learn the general anatomic andmorphologic characters of plants; common medicinal plantsin Hong Kong; the identification and use of Chinese herbalmedicines and as well as the modern research and application ondifferent kinds of medicinal plants. In the process of introducingmedicinal plants using as Chinese herbal medicines, student willalso learn the mysterious of traditional Chinese medicine.GDSC 1037 Invitation to Sports Science (3,3,0) (E)This course will focus on exercise physiology, training science,and prevention and care of sports injuries. Through lectures,discussions, and group projects, this course will introducestudents to factors affecting the bodily functions in humans duringexercise. Some of these factors include exercise environment,training effects, and the physiological make-up of the individual.To optimize students’ understanding of the effect of selectedfactors on exercise response, for example energy consumptionand thermoregulation, students will be invited to observedemonstrations carried out in laboratory settings. Prevention andcare of sports injury is another aspect of sports science addressedin this course. Students will be introduced to the knowledge andskills related to treatment of sports injury such as procedures andtechniques of basic life support, on-the-field acute care, and otheremergency procedures. Apart from lectures and discussions,hands-on opportunities, such as sports massage and taping, willalso be provided to enhance students’ learning.GDSC 1045 Wellness in Contemporary Society (3,3,0) (E)This course is designed for non-science/non-Chinese medicinemajors to develop knowledge and skills to enhance wellness.Wellness is the state of healthy living achieved by the practice ofa healthy lifestyle. To enjoy an optimal state of wellness, peopleneed to achieve physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social,and environmental health. Through lectures, projects, laboratoryworks and class activities, students will be able to acquireknowledge about contributors to wellness, means to achieve anoptimal level of wellness, and management of a healthy lifestylein Hong Kong. At the end of this course, students will beable to acquire the necessary skills to evaluate various wellnessdimensions, interpret the data and apply scientific principles tomake wellness enhancement plans.GDSC 1805 Biotechnology, Altering Nature, (3,2,1) (E)and Being HumanThis course integrates knowledge in molecular biology andphilosophy (including the religious perspectives). Newbiotechnology is a key part of the biological revolution inthe 21st century, which makes news headlines from timeto time. It includes assisted reproduction, genetic therapy,genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell manipulation. Itcan modify our food and our environment, alter ourselves andour offspring. It offers high hopes and arouses deep fears atthe same time. This course is divided into three parts. Part I:Biology—understanding the molecular biology behind the latestbiotechnological advances (e.g. molecular cloning, stem cell,the Human Genome Project, regenerative medicine). Part II:From Biology to Philosophy—understanding the notions of“nature,” “altering nature,” improving nature,” and “unnatural”from both the biological and philosophical perspectives. Part III:Philosophical Anthropology—exploring how we can set the moralguidelines so that, via biotechnological intervention of nature,human beings will neither play God nor play slave of nature,but just being human. This course begins with basic literacy inmolecular biology and ends with the philosophical puzzle, “whatis humanity?”GDSC 1807 Energy, Environment and (3,3,0) (E)SustainabilityClimate change and the depletion of energy resources are issuesof major international concern in the contemporary world. Thiscourse aims to introduce the diverse facets of contemporary energyproblems and their associated environmental dilemmas, such asair pollution, waste disposal and climate change. The course willadopt several lively approaches designed to enhance the teachingof relevant facts and concepts, from a layman’s perspective.This will focus on the multiple and intricate relationships thatoccur between energy, environment and sustainability issues. Inaddition to classroom learning, the teaching will be supplementedby field visits, demonstrations, group projects and debates.GDSC 1815 God, Creation and the Evolving (3,2,1) (E)CosmosThis course will examine the current scientific views aboutthe origins and the workings of the universe and explores

their implications for contemporary interdisciplinary dialoguebetween science and religion, especially the beliefs concerningGod, creation and the nature of the universe in the Christiantradition. Students will be introduced to the Christian concept ofcreation and the scientific concepts of Big Bang and other moderncosmologies.GDSC 1816 Interactive Computing for Visual (3,3,0) (E)CommunicationMedia convergence has transformed the computational machineinto an unprecedented rich multimedia communication mediumwith ubiquitous connectively and interactive capability. Thisnew medium presents endless possibilities with applications fullof dynamic contents and rich visual user interface experience.Expertise in both computer science and visual communication areneeded in order to fulfil the application demands.This course aims to address these demands and prepare thestudents with all-around trainings and skills to master thechallenges. Unlike traditional courses which are merely designedfor one specific discipline of students, this course offers a uniqueplatform for students without any prerequisites in mathematics,computer programming or visual design to acquire and establishthe knowledge necessarily for the challenges.This course introduce high-level programming concepts andapproaches visual design on the new medium using approachableand intuitive computational visual building block environmentsuch as Processing developed by MIT.GDSC 1826 Seeing the World from Scientific (3,3,0) (E)and Artistic PerspectivesThe course will give students a well-rounded and advancedapproach towards arts and science. The course will be taughtby a team of artists and scientists from both faculties. It willcover topics on the development of art forms from a historicalperspective that have a distinct relationship with the advancementof science. Examples of integration between artistic inspirationand scientific knowledge will be illustrated.GDSC 1835 Music, Mind, and Human (3,3,0) (E)ExperienceIs music a language? Is ‘Mozart Effect” a myth? Are we born tobe creative? Is emotion processed on the right brain and reason onthe left? In this course students will develop a critical knowledgeof music and the human brain and how they are interrelatedwith other disciplines such as language, psychology, robotics,mathematics, and mental health.GDSC 1836 Creativity 101 (1,1,0)The course objective is to improve individual’s creativity andinnovative skill by strengthening one’s mindset in observation,curiosity seeking, association, visualization, out-of-box thinkingand the ability to capture the flash of brilliance.GDSC 1846 Leadership in Sustainability (3,3,0) (E)The course, Leadership in Sustainability, is proposed to helpdevelop responsible business graduates who can decipher theimportance of leadership practiced by sustainability leadersin the corporate world. The aspects of good practice includeenvironmental protection, good governance, quality and safeproduct and service offerings, motivational human resourcesmanagement and proactive stakeholder engagement.This new course extends far beyond the classroom. It includesseveral teaching and learning methods including case studies,mentoring by corporate leaders, field studies, innovative problemsolving, experiential learning and descriptive case writing.The objective is to maximize students’ exposure to real leadershipcases in driving sustainability. In the process, students willgenerate intrinsic motivation to delve into the understanding ofrelated issues, develop the right values for ethical and responsiblemanagement and be prepared to become change agents.Corporate partnership will be sought so that students can learnabout sustainability practice through first hand visits and datagathering for putting together descriptive cases of sustainablepractice.GDSC 1847 Everyday Physics for Future (3,2,1)ExecutivesIn this course, a descriptive approach will introduce non-sciencestudents to concepts of physics that considerably overlap otherdisciplines and impact societal issues; the concepts and analyseswill enable them to develop well-informed opinions and decisionsin business, in public policy-making, in communications, invisual arts, in daily life, etc. Thereby leadership capabilities willbe instilled in our students. This course is adapted from a famousGE course given at the University of California, “Physics andTechnology for Future Presidents”. It will use HKBU’s iQlickersto immediately gauge the students’ understanding, as well as PeerInstruction developed at Harvard by physicist Prof. Eric Mazur.GDSC 1857 Service Leadership in Action (3,3,0) (E)(Health Services)The aim of this course is to introduce the concepts of serviceleadership and their actualization in health services, withparticular emphasis on Chinese medicine. It is envisaged thatthrough the sharing of experiences from stakeholders of thedifferent sectors of health services in Hong Kong, it will providea foundation for the students to draw up a service leadershipbusiness plan and deliver services in health care with competence,responsibilities and care in the future.GDSC 1866 Music, Science, and the Sublime (3,2,1) (E)The first half of the course will be devoted to an historicaloverview of the topic and establishing a commonality of keyconcepts and vocabulary for student of differing backgrounds.The second half of the course will comprise a series of more indepthlectures, demonstrations and field trips on topics takenpredominantly from the last 20 years, as well as topics germane tostudent’s interest and backgrounds, and the availability of guestlecturers on those topics. All students will have the opportunityof creating their own, scientifically inspired aesthetic objects ofmusic, visual arts, poetry, graphics, and/or other art forms.GDSS 1005 Coping with Life Challenges (3,2,1) (E)This course will introduce background knowledge on theprocesses involved in adjustment of individuals to their personaland social environments. Students will explore key theories,concepts and techniques in psychology concerning personalgrowth and behaviour change. Topics covered include personality,aspects of the self, stress, social influence, interpersonal attractionand communication, emotional expression, transition and trauma,gender roles and differences, sexual expression, workplacechallenges and developing healthier behaviours. Techniques formanaging stress, reducing anxiety, coping with anger, increasingassertiveness, and achieving self-control are considered in thiscourse.GDSS 1006 Striving for Sustainability: (3,3,0) (E)Education about, in, and forthe Environment in Various ContextsThe course will begin by tracing the origin of environmentalismand the ideas of sustainable development and environmentalsustainability. Students will learn about the theories and practicesbehind the acquisition of environment-friendly knowledge, skillsand values. Students will explore education for sustainability (EfS)/environmental education (EE) in schooling systems of Hong Kongand other places. The course will analyse other agencies’ effortsto transmit pro-environment and sustainability messages, and tooperate related activities, such as organic farm visits organized bygreen NGOs, tree planting sponsored by corporations, and wasterecycling drive led by neighbourhood groups.GDSS 1007 Education, Schooling and Society (3,2,1) (E)The course aims at enhancing students’ knowledge andunderstanding of the relationship between school and society andthe sociological concepts pertaining to education. It providesstudents with the conceptual tools to analyse educational issues371Course Descriptions

372Course Descriptionsand school practices from different sociological perspectives.Emphasis will be put on fostering students’ awareness of the issuesembedded in the relationship between school and society.GDSS 1015 Interacting with the Past— (3,3,0) (E)Museum, Heritage Sites andCultural Policy in Hong KongMuseums and heritage sites are favourite and respected resourcesfor learning worldwide. Field trip to various heritage sites is ateaching pedagogy that draws on experiential learning.GDSS 1016 Internet Identities, New Media (3,2,1) (E)Literacies and EthicsThis course generates deeper understandings about Internetparticipation and how its shift into the cultural mainstream raisesethical and identity challenges for young people. In the virtualfrontiers of new digital media landscapes—Google, Facebook,MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, Virtual worlds, multi-playeronline games and blogs—a number of issues emerge relatedto identity, privacy, authorship and ownership, credibility andparticipation. It examines the redefining of individuals’ actionsboth morally and socially, thus challenging moral concepts andsocial practices and raises debate about citizenship, freedom,democracy, privacy, and responsibility.GDSS 1017 Languages in Contact in (3,2,1) (C)Hong KongThis course enhances the awareness of students on the contactinducedlanguage innovations found in local Cantonese. Thesubtle changes in Hong Kong Cantonese (e.g. new words,expressions and sentence structure) will be addressed. Theissue of language innovation and variations will be discussedwithin the framework of languages-in-contact, underpinnedby sociolinguistic theory by describing language use as a socialphenomenon. Students will conduct project study to demonstratesigns of innovations in Hong Kong Cantonese as a result oflanguage contact in such a lively society.GDSS 1025 Positive Personal Growth and (3,2,1) (E)DevelopmentThe course provides an overview of major theories, concepts,and principles in education and psychology that can be appliedto personal growth and development. Different issues related toleisure, morality, well-being and adjustment will be examined.It provides opportunities for students to develop a deeperunderstanding of their own lives and goals by applying personaladjustment concepts. Emphasis will be on application forstudents’ personal development in the Chinese cultural context.GDSS 1027 Social Behaviours in (3,2,1) (E)Everyday LifeThis course aims to provide students with background knowledgeon the relationship between individuals and the groups to whichthey belong so that they gain a better understanding of howpeople interact with and think about others. Through this course,students look closely at social behaviours in everyday life inorder to uncover some of the taken for granted assumptions andknowledge people share (or do not share) with other members ofthe society. Students will study a range of social issues to examinethe impact of social factors and situational variables that influencehuman development and social interactions/behaviours.GDSS 1035 Geography, Information (3,3,0)Technology and Modern LifeThis course is designed to (1) provide an introduction to the geospatialinformation technology, including GIS, GPS and remotesensing; (2) raise the awareness of availability of the moderntechnology for geographical studies through publicly availableresources; (3) understand techniques and applications of the geospatialinformation in modern daily life; and (4) demonstrate theimpacts on and applications of the geo-spatial technology to thesociety.GDSS 1037 People and Environment (3,3,0)Students are introduced to the processes and problems associatedwith the physical environment in which people live, and examineshow humans, in turn, influence and control their surroundings.Contemporary problems such as global warming, ozone depletionand desertification are examined. Special emphasis is given toexamples from Hong Kong and China.GDSS 1045 Project C: Building a Vibrant (3,3,0)CommunityInvestigating different communities in Hong Kong, this course willguide students through the social labyrinth of rapid economic andsocial changes and understand the way that particular places fostersuccessful social network and initiative. Customs, traditions,social networks, memories, values and sense of place are essentialelements of valuable community life. How do these elementsbeing cultivated? How could we capitalize these elements torebuild our community and urban life? Focusing on personalmechanisms, this course seeks to lead student to develop a new“people centre” way for urban development.GDSS 1046 Comparative Politics of the Cinema (3,2,1) (E)This course explores how the nature of political discourse andpolitical history are reflected in and affected by the cinema.Movies on common themes and in common categories (such aswartime propaganda films or films on national tragedies) fromvarious national cinemas will be screened and compared. Filmsof global impact (such as Triumph of the Will) will be shownand dissected in terms of political symbolism, cultural resonance,and consequent actions and reactions. Students will learn thetechniques of emotional manipulation and political messagingassociated with the cinema of varies nationalities and culturalhistories.GDSS 1047 Contemporary World Politics and (3,2,1) (E)Global IssuesEmphasizing general social sciences approaches to understandinghuman behavior, events, and society, the course aims to introducestudents to basic actors, concepts and issues in contemporaryworld politics with. The course will provide opportunitiesfor students to use emerging technologies that facilitate activeparticipation in political discussions and events, e.g. blogs, wikis,mobile applications.GDSS 1055 The World of Contemporary (3,2,1)EuropeThe course will examine major cultural, social, political andeconomic aspects of the contemporary European world,their historical determinants, and likely trajectories of futuredevelopments. Particular emphasis will be placed on the searchfor commonalities both in Europe and between Europe and thestudents’ home societies. Main challenges of the 21st century,such as citizens’ welfare, sustainable (“green”) economies and thenurturing of cultural diversity, are not only similar across countriesbut will have to be addressed in a context of internationalcooperation.GDSS 1056 What is Political Science about? (3,2,1)Emphasizing general social sciences approach to understandinghuman behavior, events, and society, the course aims to introducestudents to the rudimentary of political science. As a socialscience subfield, political science is closely related to othersubfields such as history, human geography, economics, sociology,anthropology or psychology. Political science though, focuses ona wide spectrum of power-related issues, therefore providing uswith answers other subfields are unable to offer.GDSS 1057 Critical Approaches to (3,2,1)Hong Kong History since 1945This course makes use of social sciences concepts to criticallyexamine the major historical processes that shape the political,economic, intellectual, social and cultural changes in Hong Kongsince 1945. The major historical processes that Hong Kong has

gone through since 1945 included the questions about crises ofpolitical legitimacy, economic development, urban and socialchanges, and cultural interactions with China and the globe.Concerning the debates over changing political legitimacy in HongKong, this course covers the salient features of British colonialism,democratization debates since late 1940s, the transitional periodthat led to the handover, and the subtlety of “one country, twosystems”. It thus aims to shed light on the historical factorsthat shape the current political scenarios. Besides, the courseinvestigates into the material progress, such as industrialization,the emergence of Hong Kong as a major player in global tradeand financial market, changes in urban and rural landscape,before discussing non-material changes (e.g. religions, culturalhybridity, educational changes) in detail. Special attention will bepaid to scrutinize different assumptions behind the contributionsof leading conceptual frameworks and/or school of thoughts inrelevant topics and to facilitate students’ learning by the use ofempirical data, such as different kinds of archival and historicalsources.GDSS 1065 Eminent Figures in the History of (3,2,1)Various Disciplines and ProfessionsThis course will guide students to look at experience of greatfigures in various disciplines and professions including science,medicine, arts, law, architecture, business, etc. The lives, theworks and achievements of chosen historical figures in differentfields will be examined. Students will be able to understand theirtimes, their life-world and their wisdom. Students should alsobenefit from the practice of applying historical approaches to thestudy of various disciplines.GDSS 1066 Issues and Controversies in (3,2,1)Modern European HistoryThis subject surveys environmental, economic, intellectual,social and political changes in Europe since the 15th century,including climatic development, secularization, urbanization,industrialization, migrations, democratization, globalization,etc., in order to show what Europeans of the last several centuriesfaced in common, how they responded to these changes andwhat their descendants today inherit. Utilizing a rather socioeconomicapproach, the course begins with the investigation ofthe environmental changes and material progress in this period,before discussing non-material changes (religious, political, etc.)in detail. Emphasis will also fall on the changing role of Europein the global context, where Europe and other continents wereintegrated into one single entity in the modern era.GDSS 1067 Coping with Stress (3,2,1) (E)This course aims to acquaint students with key elements ofstress management. Topics will include the recognition of stresssymptoms, causes of stress, stress-related disorders, differenttechniques for releasing tension and the benefits of stressmanagement. Stress management techniques, as well as selectedphysical exercises, will be introduced in practical sessions asdifferent means to handling stress in order to gain a healthier andmore productive life.GDSS 1075 Fashion and Society (3,3,0) (C)Although Hong Kong is one of the major centers of fashionconsumption and production in the world, fashion is seldomrecognized here as a serious topic of study. This course willprovide a chance for students to systematically learn thephilosophy of fashion and sociocultural aspects of fashionin Hong Kong, China, and elsewhere. The course will focusparticularly on theoretical questions of the nature, diffusion,production, consumption, and social implications of fashion.While the course will adopt a sociological perspective as itsmain interpretive framework, it will also introduce historical,philosophical, and cultural studies approaches to complement theanalysis.GDSS 1076 Food and Foodways in (3,3,0) (C)Modern SocietyThis course introduces the meanings of food and eating fromsociology and anthropology perspectives. It looks at how foodand food habits reveal social structure, cultural changes, identity,gender, beliefs, etc. in different socieites.GDSS 1085 Love, Intimacy, and Identity (3,3,0) (E)Drawing on the perspectives in sociology, this course examinesthe changing meanings of love and intimacy and their importancein shaping the identities of individuals. It will start with across-cultural investigation of the notions of love and intimacy,followed by discussions of the transformation of intimacy in(late-)modern society. Emphasis will be laid on the significantchanges in the sphere of intimacies particularly in relation to thecommodification of love, sex and body modification, the adventof the internet, and the rise of the sexual revolution and the sexualrights movement.GDSS 1086 Tourism, Culture and Society (3,3,0) (C)This course examines tourism from anthropological andsociological perspectives. It introduces different forms oftourism and their characteristics, and how they reveal such issuesas cultural nostalgia, heritage preservative and management,sustainability, nationalism and imperialism, gender and sexism,and culture identity.GDSS 1087 Understanding Chinese Society (3,3,0) (C)in Hong Kong and the MainlandThis course introduces traditional and changing forms ofsocial organizations and cultural traditions in Chinese society,particularly in Hong Kong and the mainland. Also, it discussesand evaluates those issues relating to such as family, kinship,community organization, gender, marriage, religion, and identityin rapidly changing socio-economic and political contexts in HongKong and China.GDSS 1105 Transformation of Self in (3,3,0)Contemporary Hong Kong SocietyThis course introduces students to the issue of self identity atpersonal, social, national and global levels, as well as from racial,ethnic, gender, and class positions. It focuses on the discussionof social dimensions of self-growth and development in theHong Kong context and how people’s identities are constructed,contested, lost and transformed within the changing contexts offamily, society, and the world.GDSS 1806 Cityscapes: Hong Kong (3,2,1)Neighbourhoods, Urban Voices,and Other Tales of the CityThis course will integrate the teaching of basic ethnographictechniques of Hong Kong city spaces with narratives and storiesabout Hong Kong written in English. Students will learn to gathercontemporary (survey and other) data about the community theycall home, in addition to situate their findings within a largerhistorical context of how Hong Kong has been represented inEnglish literature in the more recent (colonial) past, as well as byHong Kong artists and other writers expressing themselves usingEnglish today.GDSS 1807 Energy, Environment and (3,3,0) (E)SustainabilityClimate change and the depletion of energy resources are issuesof major international concern in the contemporary world. Thiscourse aims to introduce the diverse facets of contemporary energyproblems and their associated environmental dilemmas, such asair pollution, waste disposal and climate change. The course willadopt several lively approaches designed to enhance the teachingof relevant facts and concepts, from a layman’s perspective.This will focus on the multiple and intricate relationships thatoccur between energy, environment and sustainability issues. Inaddition to classroom learning, the teaching will be supplementedby field visits, demonstrations, group projects and debates.373Course Descriptions

374Course DescriptionsGDSS 1817 Religion in the Development of (3,2,1)City Space and City LifeIn this course, students will learn how religions act as thepowerhouse of city development and city life in selected parts ofworld. Students are led to recognize that, beside secular ideologiesand economic, political, population and cultural necessities,religions have always played a pivotal role in people’s imaginationand in the construction of city life and city space. Students wouldbe invited to utilize concepts and methodologies learnt fromthe course to conduct value critique and ethical reflections oncontemporary urban development.GDSS 1836 Creativity 101 (1,1,0)The course objective is to improve individual’s creativity andinnovative skill by strengthening one’s mindset in observation,curiosity seeking, association, visualization, out-of-box thinkingand the ability to capture the flash of brilliance.GDSS 1845 Videogames and Arts (3, 3, 0)The course aims to provide an introduction to the study of games,videogames as an art form in particular, as well as understandinggames as a business, a cultural phenomenon and technologicalinvention. The game design process will be introduced as a wayto enhance problem solving skills and creativity. Students will berequired to design a new game using the principles learnt in classand at the same time to address social issues that related to theireveryday life experience.In the course, students will learn about gaming theory (Iudology)and the ways it apples to videogames, and as well as the fields ofart, business and technology about videogames. Audio and visualelements in videogames are obvious creative content. Game ingeneral is also a popular medium and strategy in contemporaryart production, since 1960s. Interactive art and design in thedigital era often displays game like characteristics. The study ofvideogames in the art context will provide students an alternativeperspective to understand the gaming experience they are familiarwith, and to encourage inter-disciplinary thinking.The course covers the aesthetics of games in the areas ofgenres, graphics, storytelling, gaming theory, interactivity, andcontemporary social issues. Upon completion of the courses,students will be prepared to reflect upon their own daily gamingpractices from more critical and creative perspectives.GDSS 1855 Celebrity and Entertainment (3,2,1)BusinessMore than just as a spokesperson of a product/brand, celebritiesand figures of fame play an important role in the creative sectorto date. This course maps the increasingly central importance offame and celebrity from a mass communication and marketingperspective. In this course, students will investigate the culture ofcelebrity in relation to entertainment, media, advocacy, identityand business models. It aims to introduce the phenomenonof stardom including some case studies of individual film,television, advertising, popular music and political stars, and toinvestigate the media influence of celebrities in a Chinese culturalcontext. This is fundamentally a preliminary course designedto help students think more critically about the intersection ofentertainment and civic engagement in the new media era. Italso aims to strengthen student’s understanding of the culture ofcelebrity on the societal values and choices in a Chinese culture.GDSS 1857 Service Leadership in Action (3,3,0) (E)(Health Services)The aim of this course is to introduce the concepts of serviceleadership and their actualization in health services, withparticular emphasis on Chinese medicine. It is envisaged thatthrough the sharing of experiences from stakeholders of thedifferent sectors of health services in Hong Kong, it will providea foundation for the students to draw up a service leadershipbusiness plan and deliver services in health care with competence,responsibilities and care in the future.GDSS 1865 Service Leadership and (3,2,1)Emotional IntelligenceIn order to become successful service leaders, our studentscan be well-prepared before they take up caring positions inthe community. A successful leader must possess abilitiesto understand self and others, to inspire and build strongrelationships and to respond effectively to the situations that oneis engaged in. This course thus brings together two significantcomponents of service leadership, namely leadership andemotional intelligence (EI) through the joint expertise of theSocial Work Department and Counselling and DevelopmentSection, office of Student Affairs. We believe that to preparestudents to become mature, capable and competent serviceleaders, there are essential knowledge, attitudes and skills to beexamined and learned in the areas of leadership and emotionalintelligence, and to apply them to real life situations.GDSS 1867 Children as Consumers: Marketing (3,2,1)to the YouthChildren and youth are future of the society. Due to theprolonged period of education, the position of youth hadbecome increasingly ambiguous. The course aims at introducingthe different perspectives and often competing interest amongmarketers, parents, educators, and policy makers regardingcommunication to children and youth. The course will begin withthe changing concepts of childhood and the position of childrenand youth in a social context. It continues with the cognitive andaffective responses toward commercial communication, as wellas development of the understanding of brands among childrenand youth consumers. Parental and peer influence and the roleof marketers and legislators will be explored. Ethical issuesconsidered by media executives, marketers, parents, citizens, andthe government regarding children as consumers will be discussed.The course will conclude by examining concems related withundesirable consequences of advertising to children and youthconsumers, such as unhealthy eating, gender stereotyping, andmaterialism.GDSS 1875 Uncovering the Stories of Brands (3,2,1)The objective of this course aims to motivate students tothink critically on diverse cultural and social issues. Thiscourse introduces students to the interplay of brands andperceptions in our daily lives. Emphasis is placed on studyingthe interwoven relationships among brands communication,society and consumers. The course aims to expand students' historical, social, economic and cultural perspectives. Throughdifferent theories and case studies, students will have a deeperunderstanding of how brands play a significant role in our socialand identity transfonnation. Students are also able to research,analyze, integrate and criticize various brands stories and socialdevelopment, and further apply the knowledge to their study andprofessional development.GDSS 1876 Psychology of Positive Living (3,3,0)The course is intended to introduce students’ basic concepts andknowledge of psychology of positive living. It is concerned withthe scientific study of different aspect of human functioningincluding behaviors, thoughts, emotions, learning and personalityas well as factors that enable individuals to flourish andachieve positive living, with an aim to promoting students’ selfunderstanding,knowledge and potentials in positive emotions,resilience, creativity and character strengths. The course iscomposed of two parts: (1) introduction of basic conceptsand knowledge of psychological study on human functioning;and (2) introduction of the key concepts and knowledge ofpositive psychology, with the joint expertise of the Social WorkDepartment and Counseling and Development Section, Office ofStudent Affairs.

GEOG 1005 Geography and the Contemporary (3,3,0) (E)WorldThe course deals with the complex physical and cultural realitiesof the world. It adopts a topical approach, encompassing majorissues in the contemporary world and studies these issues froma geographical perspective. It is designed in a manner that helpsstudents to understand the varied and complex environmentalinteractions of the Earth. The course also assists students inrecognizing the diverse ways in which geography can open newhorizons and contribute to the building of an environmentally andculturally sustainable world.GEOG 1130 Introduction to Quantitative (3,2,1) (E)Methods in GeographyThis course provides an introduction to statistical analysis ofgeographic data. Through real-world examples from various topicareas of geography, students learn sampling methods, descriptiveand inferential statistical techniques for analysing geographicdata. Topics include hypothesis testing, spatial statistics, statisticalrelationships between variables, and how to generate, summarizeand present geographic data, etc. The course will facilitatestudents a knowledge basis for understanding more advancedmethods of geographic analysis.GEOG 1150 Cartography (3,2,2) (E)Cartography is the art, science and technology of making maps.The process of map-making often involves five steps, that is,selection of a number of features in the real world, classificationof selected features into groups, simplification of jagged lines likecoastlines, exaggeration of features that are too small to show atthe scale of the map, and symbolization to present the differentclasses of features chosen. Understanding of this process andpursuit of the skills will greatly enhance the presentation ofgeographic information in graphic format. Moreover, this formatcan be an effective tool for data analysis such as examining therelationship between two distributions using simple transparentoverlays. Students of geography can apply such a mapping abilityto their natural or social science courses or in their professionalfields. The course also aims to introduce basic concepts andapplication skills of using geographical information system (GIS)to input, manage, retrieve and display geographical information.GEOG 1160 Cultures, Peoples and Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)This course examines the nature and development of culturalgeography and landscape studies as major fields of studies inhuman geography. It explores the interactive relationship betweenculture, social organization, human action, landscape featuresand the variation of place characteristics over space. It focusesespecially on (1) what by “culture” is meant, (2) how cultureevolves, develops, diffuses and changes, and (3) how we shallexplain and understand the interactive relationship betweenculture, society and place characteristics, especially within thedynamic and rapidly changing contexts of urban societies.GEOG 1190 Earth Systems: Shaping Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)This course introduces geomorphology and demonstrates themain facets contributing to the scientific study of landforms.Emphases are placed on plate tectonic theory, that is used asa framework to explain the Earth’s major relief features, theirdevelopment and structure, and the associated landforms; and theprocesses of weathering, erosion and deposition with regard tolandform development especially in Hong Kong.GEOG 1200 Earth Systems: Atmosphere and (3,2,1) (E)BiosphereThe first part introduces climatology. Emphases are placed onatmospheric motion and climate change. The second part is acomprehensive analysis of the development and characteristics ofsoil and vegetation on the Earth’s surface. Emphasis is placed ontheir distribution, soil-plant interactions and their significance inhuman’s use of land.GEOG 1210 Globalization of Economic (3,2,1) (E)ActivitiesThis course introduces students to the world phenomenon ofglobalization of economic activities. It is imperative for studentsin Geography to be aware of the basic features and the processesof economic globalization: What is it? Who are the main actorsbehind it? How did it happen? What are the implications for thespatial organization of economic production and the patterns ofurban agglomerations at various geographic scales: the world, thenation, and the region? This course aims at providing a systematicintroduction to these basic features.GEOG 1610 People and the Physical (3,3,0) (E)EnvironmentStudents are introduced to the processes and problems associatedwith the physical environment in which people live, and examineshow humans, in turn, influence and control their surroundings.Contemporary problems such as global warming, ozone depletionand desertification are examined. Special emphasis is given toexamples from Hong Kong and China. This course is not open toGeography majors.GEOG 1620 Hong Kong and the Pearl River (3,2,1) (E)Delta: A SurveyThis course provides a comprehensive and lively guide to thehistory, culture, geography and economic development of SouthChina. This objective is to be achieved by a series of wellorganizedlectures and tutorials. Field trips, both in Hong Kongand to the Pearl River Delta, which will provide an invaluable onsiteexperience to elaborate the types and magnitude of changein South China discussed in lectures, may be organized. It ishoped that this course will constitute an essential gateway to thosewishing to acquire a deeper understanding of this dynamic cornerof Asia.GEOG 1630 Geography, Information (3,3,0)Technology and Modern LifeThis is an introduction course to the application of geo-spatialinformation technology. It is designed as a complementarycourse for non-geography major students for the awarenessand understanding of applications of modern technology togeographical issues. The course will emphasize the use of GIS,GPS and remote sensing to solve some common problems andissues in today’s industry and the modern life of the society.The currently available resources of geographical data and dataprocessing tools for various typical applications will also beintroduced.GEOG 1640 Energy, Environment and (3,3,0)SustainabilityClimate change and the depletion of energy resources are issuesof major international concern in the contemporary world. Thefocus of this course is on the multiple and intricate relationshipsbetween energy, environment and sustainability issues. Itallows students to fully understand the subject matter from boththe natural science and social science perspectives. Throughappropriate real-life examples, the course aims to guide students,in an exploration of viable alternative energy sources and toenable them to embark on a way of life that promotes a clean andsustainable use of energy resources. In addition to classroomlearning, the teaching will be supplemented by field visits,demonstrations, group projects and debates.GEOG 2005 Cultures, Peoples and Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)The course examines how geographic location and people’scultural identities shape landscapes from both a physical settingand a symbolic construction point of view. Places or locationscan be linked physically through processes of migration, tourism,trade, and investment, and represented (or “imagined”) throughmedia such as newspapers, film, music, art and literature. Theseprocesses are influenced by, and impact on, the natural andcultural landscapes.375Course Descriptions

376Course DescriptionsGEOG 2006 Earth Systems: Shaping (3,2,1) (E)LandscapesThis course is complementary with GEOG 2016 Earth Systems:Atmosphere and Biosphere and introduces geomorphology andthe main facets that have contributed to the study of landforms.Emphases are placed on: plate tectonic theory, as a frameworkto explain the major relief features of eastern Asia; on commongeological materials and structures that control landscape in HongKong; and on the processes of weathering, erosion and depositionthat produce contrasting landscapes.GEOG 2007 Introduction to Quantitative (3,2,1) (E)Methods in GeographyThis course provides an introduction into statistical analysis ofgeographic data. Through real-world examples from various topicareas of geography, students learn sampling methods, descriptiveand inferential statistical techniques for analysing geographicdata. Topics include hypothesis testing, spatial statistics, statisticalrelationships between variables, and how to generate, summarizeand present geographic data, etc. The course will assist studentsin developing a knowledge basis for understanding more advancedmethods of geographic analysis.GEOG 2015 Cartography (3,2,2) (E)Cartography is the art, science and technology of making maps.Maps are the communication media for geographers to expresstheir views about our world, in a similar way that language isfor literary authors. Understanding of map-making processesand mastering the skills of map-reading greatly enhance thepresentation of geographical information in graphic format.Moreover, this format can be an effective tool for data analysessuch as, for example, when examining the relationship betweentwo distributions using simple transparent overlays. Students canapply such a mapping ability to their natural or social sciencecourses or in their professional fields.GEOG 2016 Earth Systems: Atmosphere and (3,2,1) (E)BiosphereThis course seeks to provide understanding of the ecosystemessentials and the atmospheric processes governing weatherand climate. The first part is a comprehensive analysis of thecharacteristics of vegetation on the earth’s surface. Emphasis isplaced on their distribution, and their significance in human’s useof land. The second part introduces climatology. Emphases areplaced on energy flow and temperature, atmospheric moisture,atmospheric circulation, climate classification and climate change.GEOG 2017 Globalization of Economic (3,2,1) (E)ActivitiesThis is an introductory course on economic geography. Studentsare first introduced to the basic features of economic globalizationand their geographic ramifications. The course then describes insome detail the major forces and processes that underlie globalproduction shifts, identifying the main actors involved andoutlining the implications for the spatial organization of economicactivities at various geographic scales: world, nation and region.GEOG 2025 Hong Kong and the Pearl River (3,2,1) (E)Delta: A SurveyThis course provides a comprehensive and lively guide to thehistory, culture, geography and economic development of SouthChina. This objective is to be achieved by a series of wellorganizedlectures and tutorials. Field trips, both in Hong Kongand to the Pearl River Delta, which will provide an invaluableonsite experience to elaborate the types and magnitude of changein South China discussed in lectures, may be organized. It ishoped that this course will constitute an essential gateway to thosewishing to acquire a deeper understanding of this dynamic cornerof Asia.GEOG 2110 Regional Geography of China (3,3,0) (E)Regional geography is concerned with geographical synthesis witha specific “region” as its focus. The course is an introductory andfoundation course which aims to familiarize students with broadaspects of development in China, including its human, physical,cultural and economic activities and also their impact on theenvironment and landscape.GEOG 2140 Global Environmental Issues and (3,2,1) (E)SustainabilityThis course covers environmental problems in the atmosphere,hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere. Sustainability is theover-arching theme of this concept-centred, solution-oriented, andscience-based course on contemporary environmental problems.Field and laboratory study form an integral part of the course.GEOG 2150 Population Geography (3,2,1)This course aims at familiarizing students with concepts andmethodologies to examine population problems and evaluatepopulation policies from a geographical perspective. Thecourse is concerned with conceptualizing and measuringpopulation structure and its dynamics. It explains the way inwhich populations are distributed through space and over time,together with various factors that generate changes. In particular,the evolving patterns of fertility, mortality and migration areexamined from both spatial and temporal perspectives.GEOG 2160 Energy Problems and the (3,3,0) (E)EnvironmentAn introduction to the causes and effects of the energy problemswhich have arisen since 1973. The major sources of commercialenergy—oil, coal and natural gas—are treated with respect totheir characteristics, exploration and development, major uses,world production pattern, pricing and trade. The special role ofelectricity, together with problems connected with nuclear power,is covered. Furthermore, the nature and the ramifications of the1973, 1980 and 2008 oil crises are discussed.GEOG 2180 Urban Geography (3,2,1) (E)An introduction to contemporary theories of urbanization, urbanhierarchy, and the internal structure of the city. Such theories arerelated to empirical studies in geography and discuss the complexrelationships between urban growth and social, economic,technological, and environmental changes in human society.Some field-study may be required.GEOG 2320 Geography of Pacific Asia (3,3,0) (E)This course introduces students to various aspects of thegeography of Pacific Asia. The major concerns include economicand social progress, political evolution, physical advantages andconstraints, resource bases, rural development, urbanization,industrialization and government policies in the economicdevelopment. In addition, economic and political relationsbetween countries in the region are discussed. Reference will alsobe made to the spatial aspects of contemporary issues in SoutheastAsia, the Pacific Island Region, Australia and New Zealand.GEOG 2600 Techniques in Physical Geography (3,2,1)This course introduces (1) the field and laboratory techniquesin geomorphology and biogeography, and (2) the use ofmeteorological instrument and ways to access and analyse weathermaps/images.GEOG 2800 Geography of Health and the (3,3,0)EnvironmentSince ancient times, people have worked, lived and multipliedunder a wide variety of environmental conditions. Accordingto Chinese medical theory, human health is affected by a lack ofequilibrium between body and its surrounding environment. Thisis especially the case where the ecology of the environment isabnormal. Consequently, geographic variability has long been animportant aspect of health studies in both Eastern and Westerncultures. This has been expressed in a variety of approachesranging from geographic pathology to medical ecology, as well asdisciplines such as geographical epidemiology, biometeorology,geomedicine, and so forth. This course aims to introduce

students to the concepts and techniques in the discipline ofmedical geography in general and to examine recent trends in thegeographic variation of health.GEOG 3005 Field Camp (0,*,*)Field camp will be held during the second semester of a student’sthird year and covers a seven- to nine-day period. Usually it isbased in China or Southeast Asia. A wide range of geographicalfield techniques are utilized in the collection of geographicinformation and for conducting field research into physical,cultural and developmental problems. While no grades or unitcredits are given for this camp, the student must complete theprogramme to the department’s satisfaction for graduation.GEOG 3006 Regional Geography of China (3,3,0)This is an introductory course on the geography of China.A regional approach is employed to provide students acomprehensive collection of topics over the physical setting,natural resources, population, urban and regional development,industrial and agricultural development, administrative systemand geopolitics. These topics span across the time period beforeand after the country launched its economic reform. This coursecovers not only topics on social, economic and environmentalissues, but also introduces a perspective to understand theseactivities and their changes.GEOG 3007 Energy Problems and the (3,3,0) (E)EnvironmentThis course introduces students to the causes and effects ofthe energy problems which have arisen since 1973. The majorsources of commercial energy—oil, coal and natural gas—aretreated with respect to their special characteristics, explorationand development, major uses, world production pattern, pricingand trade. The special role of electricity, together with problemsconnected with nuclear power, is covered. Furthermore, the natureand ramifications of the 1973, 1980 and recent oil crises arediscussed.GEOG 3015 Geography of Health and the (3,3,0)EnvironmentSince ancient times, people have worked, lived and multipliedunder a wide variety of environmental conditions. Accordingto Chinese medical theory, human health is affected by a lack ofequilibrium between body and its surrounding environment. Thisis especially the case where the ecology of the environment isabnormal. Consequently, geographic variability has long been animportant aspect of health studies in both Eastern and Westerncultures. This has been expressed in a variety of approachesranging from geographic pathology to medical ecology, as well asdisciplines such as geographical epidemiology, biometeorology,geomedicine, and so forth. The course provides an introductionto the concepts and techniques in the discipline of medicalgeography and to examine recent trends in the geographicvariation of health.GEOG 3016 Geography of Pacific Asia (3,3,0) (E)The Pacific Asia region covers vast areas of the Russian Far East,East and Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and manyPacific Island nations. It is very rich in natural resources, history,culture, economy, and political systems. Since the 1970s, theRegion has experienced rapid socioeconomic development. Withglobalization and the emergence of the Chinese economy, inparticular, Pacific Asia has become a powerful “engine” for theworld development.GEOG 3017 Global Environment Issues and (3,2,1) (E)SustainabilityThis course covers environmental problems in the atmosphere,hydrosphere, lithosphere and the biosphere. Sustainability is theover-arching theme of this concept-centred, solution-oriented, andscience-based course on contemporary environmental problems.Field and laboratory study form an integral part of the course.GEOG 3025 Population Geography (3,2,1)This course teaches students with concepts and methodologies toexamine population problems and evaluate population policiesfrom a geographical perspective. The course is concernedwith conceptualizing and measuring population structure andits dynamics. It explains the way in which populations aredistributed through space and over time, together with variousfactors that generate changes. In particular, the evolving patternsof fertility, mortality and migration are examined from bothspatial and temporal perspectives.GEOG 3026 Techniques in Physical Geography (3,2,1)This course introduces (1) the field and laboratory techniquesin geomorphology and biogeography, and (2) the use ofmeteorological instruments and ways to access and analyseweather maps/images.GEOG 3027 Urban Geography (3,2,1) (E)We live in an urbanizing world today. It is, thus, imperativeto have a basic understanding of this still growing urbanphenomenon. The perspective of urban geography emphasizes theproduction of spatial differences among cities of the world. Whatis the nature and scope of urban geography? When, where andwhy did cities arise? How has globalisation affected the growth ofcities recently? Why are cities in the Third World growing fasterthan those in the developed world? Are the socialist cities plannedwithout socio-economic problems? How do we understand urbansystems in any country? What are the major socio-economic andspatial features of cities? What are the differences among thedeveloped world, the Third World and the socialist world?GEOG 3130 Geographical Imaginations (3,2,1) (E)This course aims at introducing geography majors to the morephilosophical and methodological discussions in the field.Because what geographers do is complex, and the complexityis ever-changing, they tend to have excelled on different aspectsof the field and, conversely, ignored its more philosophical andmethodological underpinnings. This course is an attempt toredress this imbalance. It surveys the main trends in Westerngeographic thought over the last hundred years and investigatesin detail a few theories of the last thirty years, including thequantitative revolution, humanistic geography, radical geography,locality studies and post-modernism. A brief introduction to theChinese geographic thought is also provided as a complement. Itis hoped that after taking this course, Geography majors wouldbe able to tackle the philosophical and methodological themes incontemporary geographic thought and make sense of their ownidentity.GEOG 3580 Honours Project (3,*,*)Prerequisite: BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies Year III standingA required course the purposes of which are to provide actualresearch experience and an opportunity to undertake a syntheticalapproach. Students are expected, under the guidance of teachingstaff, to conduct a study on aspects of Chinese geography.Identification of a research problem, an understanding of therelevant methodological and theoretical issues, proper use offield and secondary data, adequate citation of the literature, andthe writing of a research paper are important ingredients of theresearch process.GEOG 3590 Field Camp (0,*,*)Field camp will be held during the second semester of a student'ssecond year and covers a seven- to nine-day period. Usually itis based in southern China or Southeast Asia. A wide range ofgeographical field techniques are utilized in the collection ofgeographic information and for conducting field research intophysical, cultural and developmental problems. While no gradesor unit credits are given for this camp, the student must completethe programme to the department’s satisfaction for graduation.377Course Descriptions

378Course DescriptionsGEOG 3591-2 Honours Project (3,*,*)Prerequisite: GEOG 3590 Field CampThis is an independent honours project to be taken duringthe third year of study of BSocSc (Hons) in Geography andnormally concerns a particular geographic problem relating toHong Kong. The project topic is to be selected in consultationwith a departmental adviser. Evidence of original research andpresentation of professional quality is required.GEOG 3600 Geographical Information Systems (3,2,2) (E)Prerequisite: GEOG 1150 CartographyGeographical Information System (GIS) is an information systemthat is specially designed for handling spatial (or geographical)data. It combines a set of interrelated sub-systems that create,edit, manipulate, analyse and display data both in text andgraphic forms. GIS supports spatial analysis and modelling forthe discipline of geography (e.g. location, proximity, and spatialdistribution), so that it becomes a vital tool for modern geography.With the rapid progress of computing and Internet technology,GIS technology allows easy and fast access to importantgeographical information on the region, environment and society.GEOG 3610 Remote Sensing and Image (3,2,2) (E)InterpretationRemote sensing is defined as the science and art of acquiringinformation about material objects without being in touch withthem. These measurements are possible with advanced airborneand space-borne remote sensing platforms and sensors that arecapable of observing any part of the world frequently with variousdetails. It is discovered that each earth cover has its own spectralreflectance characteristics. The characteristics are so unique thatthey are called “signature” which enable us to discern the objectsfrom its intermixed background. The final remote sensing processis completed by the analysis of the data using image interpretationand image processing techniques. Some key elements, or cuesfrom the imagery, such as shape, size, pattern, tone or colour,shadow and association, are used to identify a variety offeatures on earth. The techniques of image interpretation canbe further enhanced by the techniques of image processing thatcan restore, enhance and extract geographical information fromoriginal remote sensing images. These altogether yield valuableinformation on earth resources and living environment of humanbeings.GEOG 3620 Advanced Climatology (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: GEOG 1200 Earth Systems: Atmosphere andBiosphere or consent of the instructorAn introduction to synoptic climatological methods andapplications, with particular emphasis on the climate of China.Climate change and climate modelling are also discussed andprovide a comprehensive introduction to applied climatology.GEOG 3630 Advanced Quantitative Methods (3,2,1) (E)in GeographyPrerequisite: GEOG 1130 Introduction to Quantitative Methodsin Geography or consent of the instructorThis course teaches students the application of quantitativemethods to geographic problem solving. Statistical methods thatare commonly used in geography and regional analysis and spatialanalysis methods are introduced. Emphasis is placed on theapplication of analytical tools to real-world geographic problemsand interpretation of analysis results. Topics include regressionmodels, factor analysis, spatial pattern analysis and clusteranalysis, etc. The course also provides students with opportunitiesto learn one of the most widely used statistical software for socialsciences—SPSS.GEOG 3640 Applied Geomorphology (3,2,1) (E)An examination of the applied aspects of geomorphology anddevelopment of the student’s knowledge and understanding ofEarth surface processes and landscape development. Emphasisis placed on the interaction of man and the physical environmentusing case histories throughout the world, but with emphasison the Southeast Asia. Attention is given to methods ofmeasurement, monitoring and interpretation of collected datafrom various spheres. Field study will be required.GEOG 3650 Geography of Economic (3,3,0) (E)DevelopmentAn analysis of the economic problems and prospects ofdeveloping countries. A variety of ideological perspectives on thedevelopment experiences of developing countries are examined,and assessment is made of the different economic strategies whichhave been used in attempts to alleviate problems.GEOG 3660 Political Geography (3,3,0) (E)An examination of how geographical factors affect politicalorganization at national and international levels. The effects ofgeographic elements such as territory, population, boundaries, anddistance from the sea are covered, followed by a treatment of thecapital, the core area of a state, selection of a unitary or federalform of government, emergence of the Third World followingthe dismemberment of the colonial empires, supra-nationalorganizations, and the complex issues involved in the law of thesea treaty. Moreover, certain major theories in political geographyare presented.GEOG 3670 Geography of Transportation (3,2,1) (E)This is an introductory course of transportation geography. It firstintroduces some economical and spatial aspects of transportationgeography and various transportation systems. In this connection,the basic concepts of supply chain management and logisticswill be introduced. This is followed by the introduction of twoimportant transportation analysis methods: spatial interactionand network analysis. Next, characteristics of urban travel andproblems related to urban transportation are discussed. The finalmodule of the course deals with the externalities of transportationactivities in the context of sustainable transportation and policiesthat may mitigate traffic congestion and meet the objective ofsustainable development.GEOG 3680 Coastal Environments and (3,2,1)ProcessesMuch of the territorial area of Hong Kong and southern Chinalies below sea level, yet few people are fully aware of how coastalprocesses operate or what marine resources and problems exist.This course will familiarize students with the processes thatdominate local marine settings and introduce them to majorcoastal environments, especially in the Hong Kong region. Italso aims at developing an understanding and awareness ofmanagement issues relating to the offshore areas of the territoryand the adjacent South China coastline. Offshore and onshorefieldwork form an integral part of this course.GEOG 3710 Urban Planning (3,2,1) (E)Prerequisite: GEOG 2180 Urban Geography or consent of theinstructorTheoretical, practical, and methodological issues in policy studiesand urban planning are addressed. Urban planning practicesin Hong Kong are illustrated. Towards the end of the course,students are expected to conduct independent projects in whichthey should demonstrate their abilities to (1) identify planningproblems, (2) diagnose the cause of such problems, and (3)propose logical strategies to resolve the problems. Fieldwork maybe required.GEOG 3720 Seminar in Environmental Planning (3,3,0) (E)and ManagementPrerequisite: GEOG 2140 Environmental Conservation orconsent of the instructorA discussion of the major approaches to environmental planningand management. Focus is placed on the long-term well-beingof this planet and its inhabitants which require the developmentof a sustainable society—one that conserves natural resources,recycles, reduces pollution, and controls population growth. Thelegal, technical, and practical solutions to these problems are alsoexamined.

GEOG 3730 Energy Policy and Analysis (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: G E O G 2 1 6 0 E n e r g y P r o b l e m s a n d t h eEnvironment or consent of the instructorPartly built upon GEOG 2160 Energy Problems and theEnvironment, this course focuses on the construction of nationalenergy policies. Apart from the factors discussed in the previouscourse, other factors that affect the formulation of a nationalenergy policy are treated, including environmental factors likethermal and air pollution, patterns of sectoral consumption ofenergy, energy intensiveness of economy, energy conservation,and the role of non-conventional sources such as wind, solar andgeothermal energy. Case studies of energy policies of selectedAsian countries are covered, together with substantial research onan energy topic.GEOG 3740 Urban Cultural Landscape (3,3,0) (E)This course looks into the urban landscape, specifically (1) itsevolution and changes, (2) its symbolic meanings and effectson urban living, as well as (3) issues in relation to its planningand design. It also introduces students to the practices of someprofessions, such as urban design, landscape architecture, andpublic art, which deal with culture and urban landscapes.GEOG 3750 Seminar in Urban Geography (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GEOG 2180 Urban GeographyAn in-depth study of selected topics in urban geography. Studentsare guided through specific research on concrete urban problemsboth in Hong Kong and in mainland China. Analytical techniquesand theoretical issues are stressed throughout the course. Somefield study in Hong Kong and mainland China may be required.GEOG 3760 Urban Development and Planning (3,2,1) (E)in Hong KongPrerequisite: GEOG 3710 Urban Planning or consent of theinstructorUrban Hong Kong has developed rapidly since the 1950s. Thebuilt environment has expanded from the one concentrated onthe two sides of the Victoria Harbour to the one encroaching intothe New Territories and even spreading across the boundary toShenzhen. What are the salient features of urban development,both in the inner city and at the periphery? Is it business-biased?Is it over-dominated by the property sector? How to interpret itsgrowth pattern and dynamics? What is the role of the Hong KongGovernment? What is about urban planning? It is the objectiveof this course to address these questions by drawing on the latestinformed theories and many empirical studies. This course wouldbe of interest to anyone who dares to know more about urbanHong Kong and develop an urban model within the broadercontexts of China, Asia and the West.GEOG 3790 Seminar in Social Geography (3,3,0)An analysis of (1) the scope and nature of social geography, (2)the interactive relationships between social processes and thecharacteristics of places, (3) the significance of both public andprivate institutions in the transformation of the environment, and(4) the nature and characteristics of social problems in urban andrural societies. Fieldwork may be required.GEOG 3830 Population Geography of China (3,2,1)Prerequisite: GEOG 2150 Population Geography or SOC 2220Population StudiesAn in-depth analysis of China’s population from a spatial pointof view. Specifically the course will examine the integration ofpopulation planning in socialist China and its relationship withthe four modernizations.GEOG 3840 Energy Development in China (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: G E O G 2 1 6 0 E n e r g y P r o b l e m s a n d t h eEnvironment or consent of the instructorIn the past two decades, momentous changes occurred in theChinese energy sector, including changes in the institutionalframework—moving from state allocation to the marketeconomy—and with respect to individual energy industries. Bythe mid-1990s, the problem of energy shortage had largely beenresolved, yet the country had become a net oil importer, and isprojected to import an increasingly larger amount in the future,with serious implications for the security of energy supply andfuture oil import outlay. The course takes a comprehensive surveyof the Chinese energy sector, including the resource endowment,energy policy since the 1980s, the major energy industries like oil,coal, natural gas, electricity—HEP and nuclear included—andthe international energy trade of China. Current issues such asthe Three Gorges Dam and the West–East Pipeline are also dealtwith.GEOG 3850 Resource Management in China (3,2,1) (P)This course introduces the concepts, knowledge and skills innatural resource evaluation and management, with the emphasison and the real-world cases in China. The course is presented intwo major parts. The first part begins with the introduction tothe concepts about the natural resources and their distribution inChina. This is followed by an extensive study on methodologyfor land and water resource evaluation. The second partpresents details about the nature, distribution and utilisation ofnatural resources in China. The environmental conservationand sustainable development in relation to natural resources arealso discussed in the subject. Laboratory works for this coursefocus on resource assessment methods with the aid of remotesensing and geographical information system (GIS) technology.A field excursion to China’s mainland is also used to practisefield methods for land resource evaluation, and the first-handexperience in the regional natural resources management.GEOG 3860 Problems in the Physical (3,3,0)Geography of ChinaPrerequisite: GEOG 2110 Regional Geography of ChinaAn examination of how the various physical processes interactwith China’s socio-political milieu to effect the current physicallandscapes and the kinds of environmental problems that thecountry has to face. A problem-oriented approach, with a viewto improving the management of China’s physical/environmentalsystem, is adopted.GEOG 3870 Geography of Environmental (3,3,0) (E)HazardsNatural hazards research in a geographical context are introduced.The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the causesof climatic and geological hazards, and human response andadjustment.GEOG 3880 Rural and Agricultural (3,2,1) (C)Development in ChinaPrerequisite: GEOG 2110 Regional Geography of China orconsent of the instructorAn examination of (1) the physical and historical factors affectingChina’s agriculture, (2) institutional changes since 1949 inChina’s rural sector, and (3) underlying contemporary problemsand programmes concerning agricultural growth and ruraldevelopment. Field study in China may be required.GEOG 3890 Urban Development in China (3,3,0) (E)Prerequisite: GEOG 2110 Regional Geography of China orconsent of the instructorThis course will provide an insight into the internal structureand external linkage of Chinese cities, and analysis of problems,policies and reforms in China’s urbanization and urban economy.Field study in China may be required.GEOG 3910 Selected Topics in the Geography (3,3,0)of ChinaAn in-depth study of selected issues in the contemporarygeography of China. The major socio-economic topics orphysical/environmental topics to be discussed have beenintentionally designed to be flexible.379Course Descriptions

380Course DescriptionsGEOG 4005 Advanced Climatology (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GEOG 2016 Earth System: Atmosphere andBiosphere or consent of the instructorThis course introduces selected scopes of climatology. Theyinclude an introduction to synoptic climatological methods andapplications, with particular emphasis on the climate of China,climate change and climate modelling, and a comprehensiveintroduction to applied climatology.GEOG 4006 Advanced Quantitative Methods (3,2,1)in GeographyPrerequisite: GEOG 2007 Introduction to Quantitative Methodsin Geography or consent of the instructorThis course teaches students the application of quantitativemethods to geographic problem solving. Statistical methods thatare commonly used in geography studies and spatial analysismethods are introduced. Emphasis is placed on the applicationof analytical tools to real-world geographic problems andinterpretation of analysis results. The course also teaches studentsone of the most widely used statistical software programmesfor social sciences-SPSS. Topics include Analysis of Variance(ANOVA), regression models, factor analysis, spatial patternanalysis and cluster analysis, etc.GEOG 4007 Applied Geomorphology (3,2,1) (E)The course develops a student’s knowledge and understandingof modem earth surface processes and landscape development.Emphasis is placed on human impacts on the natural landscapeof Hong Kong. Special attention is given to methods ofmeasurement, monitoring and interpretation of collected datafrom various natural environments. Fieldwork is an essentialcomponent.GEOG 4015 Costal Environments and (3,2,1)ProcessesMuch of the territorial area of Hong Kong and southern Chinalies below sea level, yet few people are fully aware of how coastalprocesses operate or what marine resources and problems exist.This course will familiarise students with the processes thatdominate local marine settings and introduces them to majorcoastal environments, especially in the Hong Kong region.GEOG 4016 Energy Development in China (3,3,0)Prerequisite: G E O G 3 0 0 7 E n e r g y P r o b l e m s a n d t h eEnvironment or consent of the instructorEnergy used to be a serious bottleneck in the economicdevelopment of China in the 1980s when the country first openedup to the outside world. In the past three decades, momentouschanges occurred in the Chinese energy sector, including changesin the institutional framework—moving from state allocationto the market economy—and with respect to individual energyindustries. By the mid-1990s, the problem of energy shortage hadlargely been resolved (which re-appeared in another form lately),yet the country has become a net oil importer, and is projected toimport an increasingly larger amount in the future, with seriousimplications for the security of energy supply and future oilimport outlay. The course takes a comprehensive survey of theChinese energy sector, including the resource endowment, energypolicy since the 1980s, the major energy industries like oil, coal,natural gas, electricity—HEP and nuclear included—and theinternational energy trade of China. Current issues such as theWest–East Pipeline and looming energy security issues are alsodealt with.GEOG 4017 Geographical Information (3,2,2)SystemsPrerequisite: GEOG 2015 CartographyGeographical Information System (GIS) is an information systemthat is specially designed for handling spatial (or geographical)data. It combines a set of interrelated sub-systems that create,edit, manipulate, analyse and display data both in text and graphicforms. GIS supports spatial analysis and modelling within thediscipline of geography (e.g. location, proximity, and spatialdistribution), making it a vital tool for modern geography.GEOG 4025 Geographical Imaginations (3,2,1) (E)This course introduces geography students to the majorphilosophical and methodological discussions in the field. “Whatdo geographers do?”, “how do they differ from other socialscientists such as economists and sociologists?” and “how aregeography works influenced by different schools of philosophicalthought?” This course attempts to answer these questions byinvestigating the main trends in Western geographic thinking sincethe 20th century. Also, a brief introduction to Chinese geographicthought is provided.GEOG 4026 Geography of Economic (3,3,0)DevelopmentThis course provides an in-depth understanding on developmentissues. A variety of theories and strategies on economicdevelopment are investigated. Special emphasis is given to thedevelopment experience of Asian countries, in particular HongKong, Singapore and South Korea. The notion of globalizationand its impact on regional economic development will beexamined.GEOG 4027 Geography of Environmental (3,3,0) (E)HazardsEnvironmental hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,flooding, landslides, typhoons and air/water pollution have a hugeimpact on our lives and, with a growing world population, thereis an increasing need to understand how these hazards can bereduced. This course introduces environmental hazard researchin a geographical context. The course provides a comprehensiveintroduction to the causes of climatic and geological hazardsand environmental health hazards, and human responses andadjustments.GEOG 4035 Geography of Transportation (3,2,1) (E)This is an introductory course on transportation geography. Itfirst introduces the economical and spatial concepts underlyingtransportation geography and transportation systems. Next, thedevelopment history and experience of China’s transportationsystems will be outlined and discussed. Basic concepts oflogistics and geography will be introduced and form the basisfor discussion of Hong Kong as a transportation hub. This isfollowed by the introduction of two important transportationanalysis methods: spatial interaction and network analysis. Next,characteristics of urban travel and problems related to urbantransportation are outlined. The final module of the course dealswith the externalities of transportation activities in the context ofsustainable transportation and policies that may mitigate trafficcongestion and meet the objective of sustainable development.GEOG 4036 Political Geography (3,3,0)This course examines how geographical factors affect politicalorganization at the national and international level. The effects ofgeographic elements such as territory, population, boundaries, anddistance from the sea are covered, followed by a treatment of thecapital, the core area of a state, selection of a unitary or federalform of government, emergence of the Third World followingthe dismemberment of the colonial empires, supra-nationalorganizations, and the complex issues involved in the law of thesea treaty. Moreover, certain major theories in political geographyand globalization are presented.GEOG 4037 Population Geography of China (3,2,1)Prerequisite: GEOG 3025 Population Geography or consent ofthe instructorThis course provides an in-depth analysis of China’s populationfrom a spatial point of view. Specifically the course will examinethe integration of population planning in socialist China and itsrelationship with the four modernizations.GEOG 4045 Problems in the Physical (3,3,0)Geography of ChinaPrerequisite: GEOG 3006 or CHSG 3006 Regional Geographyof ChinaThis course presents an examination of how the various physical

processes interact with China’s socio-political milieu to affectthe current physical landscapes and the kinds of environmentalproblems that the country has to face. This involves a problemorientedapproach, with a view to improving the sustainability ofChina’s physical/environmental system.GEOG 4046 Remote Sensing and Image (3,2,2) (E)InterpretationRemote sensing is defined as the science and art of acquiringinformation about material objects without being in touch withthem. These measurements are possible with advanced airborneand space-borne remote sensing platforms and sensors that arecapable of observing any part of the world frequently with variousdetails. It is discovered that each earth cover has its own spectralreflectance characteristics. The characteristics are so unique thatthey are called “signature” which enable us to discern the objectsfrom its intermixed background. The final remote sensing processis completed by the analysis of the data using image interpretationand image processing techniques. Some key elements, or cuesfrom the imagery, such as shape, size, pattern, tone or colour,shadow and association, are used to identify a variety offeatures on earth. The techniques of image interpretation canbe further enhanced by the techniques of image processing thatcan restore, enhance and extract geographical information fromoriginal remote sensing images. These altogether yield valuableinformation on earth resources and living environment of humanbeings.GEOG 4047 Resource Management in China (3,2,1) (P)This course introduces the concepts, knowledge and skills innatural resource evaluation and management, with the emphasisthe real-world cases in China. The course is presented in twomajor parts. The first part begins with the introduction to theconcepts about the natural resources and their distribution inChina. This is followed by an extensive study on methodologyfor land and water resource evaluation. The second part presentsdetails about the nature, distribution and utilisation of naturalresources in China. Environmental conservation and sustainabledevelopment in relation to natural resources are also discussed.Laboratory work for this course focus on resource assessmentmethods with the aid of remote sensing and geographicalinformation system (GIS) technology.GEOG 4055 Rural and Agricultural (3,2,1)Development in ChinaThis course employs a geographical perspective to investigateissues concerning rural and agricultural development incontemporary China. Focus is put on the social and economicspheres and how the dynamics of change since 1978 have affectedthese spaces. A variety of spatial variations on developmentexperiences are investigated to show how space makes adifference.GEOG 4056 Selected Topics in the Geography (3,3,0)of China (Human Geography)This course involves an in-depth study of selected issues in thecontemporary geography of China. The major socio-economictopics or physical/environmental topics to be discussed have beenintentionally designed to be flexible.GEOG 4057 Selected Topics in the Geography (3,3,0)of China (Physical and EnvironmentalGeography)This course involves an in-depth study of selected issues in thecontemporary geography of China. The major socio-economictopics or physical/environmental topics to be discussed have beenintentionally designed to be flexible.GEOG 4065 Energy Policy and Analysis (3,3,0)Prerequisite: G E O G 3 0 0 7 E n e r g y P r o b l e m s a n d t h eEnvironment or consent of the instructorPartly built upon GEOG 3007 Energy Problems and theEnvironment, this course focuses on the construction ofnational energy policies. Apart from the factors discussed in theprevious subject, other factors that affect the formulation of anational energy policy are treated, including pattern of sectoralconsumption of energy, energy intensiveness of economy,pollution problems of energy and the role of the non-conventionalsources such as wind, solar and geothermal energy. Case studiesof energy policies of selected Asian countries are covered,together with substantial research on an energy topic.GEOG 4066 Seminar in Environmental (3,3,0)Planning and ManagementPrerequisite: GEOG 3017 Global Environmental Issues andSustainability; GEOG 3007 Energy Problemsand the Environment; GEOG 3015 Geographyof Health and the Environment or consent of theinstructorThis course starts with a comprehensive introduction to themajor principles and approaches of environmental planningand management. This is followed by in-depth analysis ofseveral classical local environmental planning and managementcases. The final part of this course will focus on the greenurbanism theme by discussing how environmental planning andmanagement profession can help to develop a sustainable lowcarbon city.GEOG 4067 Seminar in Social Geography (3,3,0)This course is concerned with the understanding of the cause andeffect of how social groups and other social phenomena (such associal services, crime and delinquency, and housing provision)are distributed, especially in the urban context. The coursefocuses on interactions, positive or negative, beneficial or harmful,constructive or destructive.GEOG 4075 Seminar in Urban Geography (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GEOG 3027 Urban GeorgraphyThis course discusses in depth selected topics of major concern inthe Urban Geography and Urban Studies literature. The contentsof the course vary from year to year, depending on the currentresearch focus of the instructor. Possible topics to be examinedincluded globalization, world cities and mega-urban regions,housing, inequality and residential differentiation, urban politicsand conflict resolution, and new urbanism and sustainable urbandevelopment.GEOG 4076 Urban Cultural Landscape (3,3,0) (E)This course looks into the urban landscape, specifically (1) itsformation and evolution with time and space, (2) its symbolicmeanings and effects on urban living, as well as (3) issues inrelation to its planning and design.GEOG 4077 Urban Development and Planning (3,2,1) (E)in Hong KongUrban Hong Kong has developed rapidly since the 1950s. Thebuilt environment has expanded from one concentrated on twosides of the Victoria Harbour to one encroaching into the NewTerritories and even spreading across the boundary to Shenzhen.What are the salient features of this urban development, bothin the inner city and at the periphery? Is it business-biased? Isit over-dominated by the property sector? How to interpret itsgrowth pattern and dynamics? What is the role of the Hong KongGovernment? What is urban planning? This course will be ofinterest to anyone who dares to know more about urban HongKong and develop an urban model within the broader contexts ofChina, Asia and the West.GEOG 4085 Urban Development in China (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GEOG 3006 or CHSG 3006 Regional Geographyof China or consent of the instructorThis course introduces students to China’s immense urbantransformation process. The course is divided into threeparts. Part A briefly reviews the urbanization process. It dealswith questions such as the nature of the urbanization processbefore and after reform, and the question of hukou and rural tourban migration. Part B is on the internal structure of Chinesecities, focusing on urban land development. China’s changing381Course Descriptions

382Course Descriptionsland use structure will be studied from various theoretical andmethodological perspectives. Part C deals with on China’surban housing. The changing pattern of housing consumption isanalysed in light of changing institutional contexts and China’sphenomenal economic growth.GEOG 4086 Urban Planning (3,2,1) (E)This course introduces students to the field of urban planning.What are the concerns of urban planners? How do they makesense of the problems? What sort of skills is required of urbanplanning professionals? What are the effects of the urbanplanning process on the development of our urban areas?Initially, this course approaches urban planning by a historicalanalysis. We therefore, first, study how cities in Britain grew anddeveloped since the industrial revolution. In doing so, we alsotrace the beginnings of “modern” Western urban planning, bothas advocacies and “ideas” and as actual practices. In addition, thenature of urban planning, especially for the more recent periods,will be highlighted. Based on this preliminary understanding, weproceed to take stock of the various theories built to understandurban planning practices. In other word, the second part of thecourse deals with planning theory.GEOG 4898-9 Honours Project (3,*,*)Prerequisite: GEOG 3005 Field CampThis is an independent honours project to be taken during thefinal year of study and normally concerns a particular geographicproblem relating to Hong Kong. The project topic is to be selectedin consultation with a department adviser. Evidence of originalresearch and presentation of professional quality is generallyrequired.GEOG 7010-40 Advanced Seminar on Contemporary (1,*,*)Geographic ResearchGeography encompasses a wide range of approaches to research,reflecting the diverse nature of the discipline. This courseattempts to expose students to this variety, and to broadenstudents understanding of our human and physical environment.Emphasis is placed on the development of concepts when carryingout research and on the development of methodologies, by usingcase examples of geographic research.GEOG 7510 Resource and Environmental (3,3,0)Management in ChinaThe course introduces the concepts, knowledge and skills inanalysing the environmental and resource management issuesin China in five broad areas. Firstly, the course begins witha general survey of the environment-resource-populationdevelopmentsystem of China. Secondly, it sets the backgroundfor an understanding of the basic environmental issuesconfronting China today, especially those problems associatedwith energy uses, water pollution, land degradation, anddeforestation. Thirdly, the course discusses the development ofthe environmental management system in China, and the factorswhich affect the way regulators and polluters alike have respondedto China’s environmental controls. Fourthly, the course examinesthe societal responses to resource and environmental problems,particularly on the awareness and participation of the generalpublic in resource conservation and environmental protection.Finally, the course concludes with an examination of China’sAgenda 21 and strategies for sustainable development.GEOG 7520 Urban and Regional Development (3,3,0)of ChinaThe course provides students with an in-depth understanding ofChina’s regional development and urban issues. Economic reformsince 1979 has shifted China from a planned economy to onedriven by market forces. Consequently, economic developmenthas not only re-established cities’ function as economic centralplaces but also generates disparities between urban and rural, anddifferent regions. These changes have generated heat discussionson the country’s urbanization and regional development strategy.This includes debates on city size, small-town strategy and theabolition of special economic zones. This course introducesstudents to these discussions and also recent literature on thetopic.GEOG 7530 Graduate Seminar on Geography of (3,3,0)ChinaGeographical and environmental concerns underpin much ofcontemporary China. This graduate seminar allows studentsto develop an in-depth understanding of selected topics onthe geography of China. Students are expected to conductcritical reviews of the latest theoretical and empirical works andundertake a limited research project.GEOG 7540 Energy Development in China (3,3,0)In the past two decades, momentous changes occurred in theChinese energy sector, including changes in the institutionalframework—moving from state allocation to the marketeconomy—and with respect to individual energy industries. Bythe mid-1990s, the problem of energy shortage had largely beenresolved, yet the country had become a net oil importer, and isprojected to import an increasingly larger amount in the future,with serious implications for the security of energy supply andfuture oil import outlay. The course takes a comprehensive surveyof the Chinese energy sector, including the resource endowment,energy policy since the 1980s, the major energy industries like oil,coal, natural gas, electricity—HEP and nuclear included—and theinternational energy trade of China. Current issues such as theThree Gorges Dam and the West-East Pipeline are also dealt with.GEOG 7550 Resource Management in China (3,2,1)This course introduces the concepts, knowledge and skills innatural resource evaluation and management, with the emphasison and the real-world cases in China. The course is presentedin two major parts. The first part begins with the introduction tothe concepts about the natural resources and their distribution inChina. This is followed by an extensive study on methodologyfor land and water resource evaluation. The second partpresents details about the nature, distribution and utilization ofnatural resources in China. The environmental conservationand sustainable development in relation to natural resources arealso discussed in the subject. Laboratory works for this coursefocus on resource assessment methods with the aid of remotesensing and geographical information system (GIS) technology.A field excursion to China’s mainland is also used to practisefield methods for land resource evaluation, and the first-handexperience in the regional natural resources management.GEOG 7560 Rural and Agricultural Development (3,2,1)in ChinaAn examination of (1) the physical and historical factors affectingChina’s agriculture, (2) institutional changes since 1949 inChina’s rural sector, and (3) underlying contemporary problemsand programmes concerning agricultural growth and ruraldevelopment. Field study in China may be required.GEOG 7570 Urban Development in China (3,3,0)This course will provide an insight into the internal structureand external linkage of Chinese cities, and analysis of problems,policies and reforms in China’s urbanization and urban economy.Field study in China may be required.GERM 1005 German I (3,3,0) (G)This course aims to introduce the German language and cultureto beginners. It combines linguistic and communicative skills witha balanced emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening.Special stress is placed on mastering the sound system and thebasic grammatical forms, as well as building basic receptive andproductive skills in German for effective daily communication.The course also helps students develop their critical thinkingthrough in-class discussions about the cultural dimensions of thelanguage and acquire strategies to learn “how to learn German”.The aim is for them to reach EU level A1.1.

GERM 1006 German II (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1005 German I or equivalentThis is a continuation of German I. The course will introducethe German language and culture relating to travelling andwork. Students will learn to communicate effectively in everydaysituations such as travelling and shopping, finding jobs, andconsulting doctors. An integrated approach to language skillswill be adopted, and materials and activities that are relevant totravelling or studying in Germany will be presented in context.They will encounter relatively more difficult texts and be ableto express themselves in more complex structures. The coursealso helps students develop their critical thinking through in-classdiscussions about cultural issues such as jobs, leisure time andenvironmental protection. By the end of the course, they shouldbe able to reach EU level A1.2.GERM 1008-9 European Language in Context I (8,4,8) (G)(German)This course is designed for the German stream of the EuropeanStudies programme. It seeks to introduce the German languagesin the context of living, studying and working in the Germanspeaking areas of Europe. At the end of this course studentsachieve the A2-Level of Competence of the Common EuropeanFramework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as laid down bythe Council of Europe.GERM 1610 German I (3,3,0) (G)This course aims to introduce the German language and cultureto beginners. It combines linguistic and communicative skills witha balanced emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening.Special stress is placed on mastering the sound system and thebasic grammatical forms, as well as building basic receptive andproductive skills in German for effective daily communication.The course also helps students develop their critical thinkingthrough in-class discussions about the cultural dimensions of thelanguage and acquire strategies to learn “how to learn German”.The aim is for them to reach EU level A1.1.GERM 1620 German II (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1610 German I or equivalentThis is a continuation of German I. The course will introducethe German language and culture relating to travelling andwork. Students will learn to communicate effectively in everydaysituations such as travelling and shopping, finding jobs, andconsulting doctors. An integrated approach to language skillswill be adopted, and materials and activities that are relevant totravelling or studying in Germany will be presented in context.They will encounter relatively more difficult texts and be ableto express themselves in more complex structures. The coursealso helps students develop their critical thinking through in-classdiscussions about cultural issues such as jobs, leisure time andenvironmental protection. By the end of the course, they shouldbe able to reach EU level A1.2.GERM 2005 German III (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1006 German II or GERM 3005 BusinessGerman or equivalentThis is a continuation of German II. The course will presentthe German language and culture in greater depth to advancedbeginners. It offers a balanced range of language skills throughfurther syntax acquisition: reading and text analysis, oralexpression and communicative skills. Giving directions, goodcustomer service, going shopping and to parties are generalsituations for using simple German. The course also helpsstudents develop their critical thinking through in-class discussionsabout cultural issues such as lifestyles. They should be able toreach EU level A1.2 by the end of the course.GERM 2006 German IV (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 2005 German III or equivalentThis course further develops the students’ basic knowledge ofGerman grammar and vocabulary beyond the intermediatestage. They will learn to use their German more independentlyin writing, listening and speaking. They will also learn to engagesuccessfully in small talk at home, in class, at work, in sportsand parties. The course also helps students develop their criticalthinking through in-class discussions about cultural issues suchas German manners and dealing with problems and complaints.They will expand their vocabulary to more than 1,200 wordsand master all the grammatical structures for communicating ineveryday life of the EU level A2.1.GERM 2008-9 European Language in Context II (8,4,8) (G)(German)Prerequisite: GERM 1008-9 European Language in Context I(German)This course is the continuation of GERM 1008-9 and aims toequip students to pursue academic studies as well as internshipsin the German speaking areas of Europe during year III. To thisend, the course will help the students to reach a sufficient andautonomous level in spoken and written German language; collectuseful information about German civilization and contemporarysociety; and last but not the least, acquire the right attitudesthat will enhance their learning and communication strategies.Students at the end of this course achieve the B2-Level ofCompetence of the Common European Framework of Referencefor Languages (CEFR) laid down by the Council of Europe.GERM 2111-2 European Language II (German) (8,4,8) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1111-2 European Language I (German)This is a continuation of the Year I courses (GERM 1111-2). Theobjective is to prepare students for the study and internship yearin Europe. The following overseas year (academic study and,possibly, internships) requires a continued intensive, skills-orientedlanguage course with at least twleve contact hours per week. Theaspect of area background studies will be intensified in line withEURO 2110/EURO 2120. In the second semester particularattention will be paid to the socio-cultural environment studentscan expect to find during the year in Europe. Supplementaryguided self-access studies continue to be obligatory with anadditional minimum of three hours per week and are monitoredby the language teaching staff. This course is open to EuropeanStudies majors only.GERM 2620 German III (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1620 German II or GERM 3630 BusinessGerman or equivalentThis is a continuation of German II. The course will presentthe German language and culture in greater depth to advancedbeginners. It offers a balanced range of language skills throughfurther syntax acquisition: reading and text analysis, oralexpression and communicative skills. Giving directions, goodcustomer service, going shopping and to parties are generalsituations for using simple German. The course also helpsstudents develop their critical thinking through in-class discussionsabout cultural issues such as lifestyles. They should be able toreach EU level A1.2 by the end of the course.GERM 2630 German IV (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 2620 German III or equivalentThis course further develops the students’ basic knowledge ofGerman grammar and vocabulary beyond the intermediatestage. They will learn to use their German more independentlyin writing, listening and speaking. They will also learn to engagesuccessfully in small talk at home, in class, at work, in sportsand parties. The course also helps students develop their criticalthinking through in-class discussions about cultural issues suchas German manners and dealing with problems and complaints.They will expand their vocabulary to more than 1,200 wordsand master all the grammatical structures for communicating ineveryday life of the EU level A2.1.GERM 3005 Business German (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1005 German I or equivalentIn this course, students with intermediate-level German willfurther develop all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and383Course Descriptions

384Course Descriptionswriting, and continue to review and learn additional grammarpoints. Emphasis will be given to writing and speaking fluently forbusiness purposes. Students will also learn more about Germanbusinesses and their cultures, as well as the German code ofbusiness and ethics. The aim is for them to reach EU level A1.2.GERM 3006 Creative Writing in German (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GERM 1006 German II or GERM 3005 BusinessGerman or equivalentThe course explores creative writing in three primary genres: shortstories, poetry and drama. Students will examine exemplaryworks in the context of writing, and they will write, discuss andrevise their own works in each genre. As they study the worksof famous exemplary writers and develop their own style, theylearn more about the elements in each genre and gain a deeperunderstanding of German culture. Students will finally organizetheir own exposition in a library foyer in Hong Kong at the end ofthe course. Classes will be conducted in German and English.GERM 3007 German Language, Culture (3,3,0) (G)and SocietyThis course aims to let students explore/understand crucialaspects of modern German culture and society. They will learn tounderstand the source of behaviour, customs and attitudes, whilecomparing it with Hong Kong, and respective mainland Chinesebehaviour. The Cultural historian Prof Hermann Bausinger notesin the preface of his book Typisch deutsch that common definitionsof what “German” is include many stereotypes and prejudices.However, it is not possible to make a clear-cut distinction betweenstereotypes and reality. Moreover, one has to consider the wayother nationalities look at what is considered typically German inorder to find out whether it is true or not.GERM 3111-2 European Language III (German) (2,2,0) (G)Prerequisite: Internship year in Europe or equivalentDepending on the acquisitional level reached during theirinternship year abroad, students will further develop theiroral/aural and reading/writing skills within an integratedcommunicative approach. The course will systematically focuson topics related to the social sciences (German area studies) andstudents’ own research for the honours projects. Remedial workon selected grammatical aspects on the upper-intermediate levelwill be included. The class is held entirely in German. Up-todatereading lists and structured assignments will be presentedeach semester on the course homepage. This course is open toEuropean Studies majors only.GERM 3630 Business German (3,3,0) (G)Prerequisite: GERM 1610 German I or equivalentIn this course, students with intermediate-level German willfurther develop all four skills of listening, speaking, reading andwriting, and continue to review and learn additional grammarpoints. Emphasis will be given to writing and speaking fluently forbusiness purposes. Students will also learn more about Germanbusinesses and their cultures, as well as the German code ofbusiness and ethics. The aim is for them to reach EU level A1.2.GERM 3640 Creative Writing in German (3,3,0)Prerequisite: GERM 1620 German II or GERM 3630 BusinessGerman or equivalentThe course explores creative writing in three primary genres: shortstories, poetry and drama. Students will examine exemplaryworks in the context of writing, and they will write, discuss andrevise their own works in each genre. As they study the worksof famous exemplary writers and develop their own style, theylearn more about the elements in each genre and gain a deeperunderstanding of German culture. Students will finally organizetheir own exposition in a library foyer in Hong Kong at the end ofthe course. Classes will be conducted in German and English.GERM 3650 German Language, Culture (3,3,0) (G)and SocietyThis course aims to let students explore/understand crucialaspects of modern German culture and society. They will learn tounderstand the source of behaviour, customs and attitudes, whilecomparing it with Hong Kong, and respective mainland Chinesebehaviour. The Cultural historian Prof Hermann Bausinger notesin the preface of his book Typisch deutsch that common definitionsof what “German” is include many stereotypes and prejudices.However, it is not possible to make a clear-cut distinction betweenstereotypes and reality. Moreover, one has to consider the wayother nationalities look at what is considered typically German inorder to find out whether it is true or not.GERM 4008-9 European Language in Context III (German)GLCB 2005 Understanding Chinese Business (3,3,0) (P)EnvironmentsThis course aims at providing students with a generalunderstanding of the business environments in China. Itdemonstrates how the business environments affect businessstrategies and operations in China. In addition, it also discussesthe business strategies for Hong Kong-based firms in entering anddoing business in China.GLCB 3005 Global Business Research (3,3,0)Prerequisite: BU S I 3 0 0 7 B u s i n e s s Re s e a r c h M e t h o d sor equivalent and MKTG 2005 MarketingManagement (students who take MKTG 3005Marketing Research in China will not be permittedto take this course)This course enables students to build up solid theoretical andpractical foundations for doing business research in order to assistmanagerial decision making for the Chinese market. Students willlearn how the unique Chinese environments affect the researchprocess. They will also learn how to systemically apply qualitativeand quantitative research approach in collecting and analysingdata for business decision making. This course is not open toMarketing concentration students.GLCB 4005 Seminar in Global and China (3,3,0)BusinessPrerequisite: BUSI 3015 Business Management in ChinaThis seminar provides students with an opportunity to exploreand discuss current developments, problems and issues in Chinabusiness. Veteran practitioners from various fields in Chinabusiness will be invited to give students an understanding of theirexperiences and discuss practical issues with them. It aims toallow students with their previous academic training in variouscourses in the BBA programme a chance to compare and combinetheoretical knowledge with practical business requirements inChina business.GLCB 4006 Managing Global Business (3,3,0)Prerequisite: BUSI 3017 International BusinessThis course addresses issues facing managers in managing globalbusiness, particularly those for multinational corporations.Various important issues such as global expansion, transnationalstrategies are discussed in this course from a strategic perspective.GLCB 4007 Practice of International Trade (3,3,0)and InvestmentPrerequisite: BUSI 3017 International BusinessImport and export has long been an important business activity.While global sourcing and multinational purchasing continue tobe an integral part of a global economy, international investmentis of growing importance to contemporary business firms.This course provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysisof international trade and investment theories and particularlypractices. Students will be able to develop a good understandingof theories and particularly practices of international trade andinvestment to help them make informed and profitable businessdecisions.