Bachelor of Arts (BA) - The University of Hong Kong

173The 'Urban & Transport' OptionWe live in a rapidly urbanizing world where the time-space dimensions have been immenselycompressed by the development of modern transportation systems in the twentieth century. Given thatthe urbanization process and the development of modern transport systems have brought tremendousimpacts on both the physical and human geography of contemporary societies, a focus on urban studieswill help to improve our understanding of the changing geography of the world, the Pacific Asianregion and Hong Kong. The 'Urban & Transport' Option caters to individuals who wish to pursuecareers in the fields of urban development, urban planning, and transport policy and planning. Studentselecting the 'Urban & Transport' Option will be introduced to the principles, processes, and patterns ofurban development systems. A broad spectrum of courses included in this option will provide studentswith a systematic understanding of the basic approaches and key theories of urban change and transportdevelopment as well as a thorough training in the application of such knowledge to urban planning,urban environmental management, and transport planning issues in both developed and developingcountries. A combination of lectures, tutorials, field-work and directed projects will equip students withanalytical and problem-solving skills to pursue careers in the fields of urban development, urbanplanning, urban environmental management and transport policy and planning.The 'China & the Pacific Rim' OptionDramatic social and economic transformation of China, one of the most populous and quicklydeveloping nations of the world, has been a major historical event of the twentieth century that is likelyto engender far-reaching impacts on human society in the next millennium. At this historical juncture,demand for knowledge of what is taking place in China and its global implications is greater than everbefore. The 'China & the Pacific Rim' Option responds to such a demand by bringing together a groupof well organized courses to address issues that have great theoretical significance and practicalapplications. Students are introduced to important ideas and advanced techniques for understanding thetransformation of China, the role it plays in the world, the interaction between the mainland, HongKong, and Taiwan, the locational characteristics of investment and development, and the implicationsof changes in China for the formulation of effective international business strategy and governmentpolicies. Through lectures, field trips, and directed projects, students are trained in a comprehensiveand systematic manner to gain essential knowledge and skills capable of identifying, analyzing, andsolving real-world problems. The option offers an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue apromising career and explore the tremendous opportunities related to economic development in China.The 'Environment and Resources' OptionThe global environment and society's knowledge and perceptions of it are undergoing rapid changes. Abasic tenet of environmental study is that all things are inter-connected, part of a synergistic whole, andthat the consequences of disruption in one part have knock-on effects throughout the whole system.Increasingly, human action, for good or ill, is being identified as a key component in the operation of theEarth system and its component parts. The 'Environment and Resources' Option offers an excellentselection of courses which provide students with the basis for a sound understanding of our currentknowledge of environmental systems and processes as well as the integration of the human dimensioninto the relationship. By means of carefully balanced combinations of lectures, directed projects,fieldwork and self-guided learning, students will be suitably equipped to identify, analyze and providesolutions to everyday practical and contemporary environmental problems. In addition, they will havethe opportunity to acquire skills which will enable them to bring a holistic approach to bear inproblem-solving and decision-making which is highly valued by discerning employers.