(BA) (4-year-programme) - The University of Hong Kong

33SCHOOL OF ENGLISHINTRODUCTIONThe School of English offers teaching and conducts research in literary and cultural studies, Englishlinguistics and language and communication. The School also contributes to the teaching of theBA&BEd in Language Education (English) double degree programme and the BA (Literary Studies)& LLB joint degree programme.The School offers two majors and two minors:(1) English Studies (ES)(2) Language and Communication (L&C)Admission to the School is strictly on the basis of academic record including a minimum Level 5 inEnglish Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination, or a Cgrade in the Use of English AS-level exam, or their equivalents. Students intending to declare a majoror a minor in the School must pass at least one introductory course from List A in the first year. Amajor consists of five introductory courses (including the first-year prerequisite) and eight advancedcourses (including a capstone experience). A minor consists of three introductory courses (includingthe first-year prerequisite) and three advanced courses. Students intending to enroll in advancedcourses must normally have completed three introductory courses (with at least one course from bothList A and List B).Choice of courses and options is subject to the School’s approval. Students should consult the Schoolweb page about the actual course offerings and must ensure that their choice of courses conforms toany prerequisites laid down by the School. Majors in English Studies and Language andCommunication are given priority entry into advanced courses in their respective major.Prescribed reading, specifications for each course, recommended course combinations, andinformation about prerequisites are available at the website http://www.english.hku.hk. Regularattendance at tutorials and other classes and the punctual completion of work prescribed by thestudent’s tutor or supervisor are expected.ENGLISH STUDIESEnglish Studies is the study and critique of the English language and its many uses in social andhistorical contexts from multiple perspectives, including linguistics, literary study, creative writing,and critical and cultural theory. It has a strong cross-cultural orientation, recognizing English as alanguage of global communication and world literature, a language which people make their own,creatively and habitually, all over the world. The major in English Studies consists of 30 credits ofintroductory courses (including the prerequisite) and 48 credits of advanced courses (including acapstone experience). It offers students both a solid foundation and a wide range of choices in variousconcentrations. Introductory courses emphasize the practice of critical reading, analysis and writing,as well as the development of historical and theoretical knowledge. Advanced courses focus onEnglish language and literature as representations of culture and society in diverse historical contexts,on the production of meaning in different discursive contexts, genres and media, and on the place ofEnglish in relation to histories of colonization and globalization with special reference to Hong Kongand the region. A range of capstone courses, including research seminars, internships and seniorcolloquia, offer students opportunities to integrate and deploy their learning in the major whileconsidering their options upon graduation.The courses of the English Studies major incorporate a variety of teaching and learning methods,including formal lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, workshops, and online learning. They aremostly assessed by coursework, including oral presentations, in-class tests and quizzes, essays and