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

208HIST2055.The Chinese rural economy, with special reference to Guangdong province, 1870sto 1930s (6 credits)(This course is also offered to second and third year non-BA students for inter-Faculty broadeningpurposes.)This course aims at introducing to students a significant body of Western literature on the controversialsubject of the late Qing and Republican rural economy. It uses the case of Guangdong to illustrate themerits as well as limitations of different schools of thought regarding the Chinese rural economy in themodern period. Special attention is drawn to the man-land ratio, the production of the staple food crop,trade, the commercialization of agriculture, land tax, rent and rural credit. Although distinctive insignificant ways, Guangdong's rural economic development displayed a pattern that was congenial withthe trend of development throughout China.Assessment: 100% coursework.HIST2056.Gender and history (6 credits)(This course is also offered to second and third year non-BA students for inter-Faculty broadeningpurposes.)What has it meant to be 'male' or 'female' in different times and places? How can asking such questionsaffect our understanding of history? In this course we will study the cultural construction of masculinityand feminity, both Western and Asian, through reading and discussing works by some of the majorscholars in this field.Assessment: 100% coursework.HIST2057.Social history of contemporary Japan (6 credits)This course will study changes in society in contemporary, post-World War II Japan. In particular, itwill look at the transition from an agricultural economy to an industrial economy and the social impactof that transition; at the experience of minority groups; and at the experience of women.Assessment: 100% coursework.HIST3015.The theory and practice of history (6 credits)(This course is open to third year students only.)This course aims to acquaint students with some of the theoretical and practical considerations whichunderlie the study and writing of history by considering the development of the discipline of historyfrom its beginnings in the ancient world through to the postmodernist critique. The course is especiallyrecommended to those who wish to pursue history at the postgraduate level. All students taking theDissertation elective are required to take The theory and practice of history.Assessment: 100% coursework.HIST3016.Computer methods for historical studies (6 credits)(This course is open to third year students only.)Computers and information technology are playing an increasingly important role in historical researchand teaching. The theoretical and practical implications of these developments are considered in thiscourse. Students will learn to use a range of relevant information technologies such as databases andweb-authoring tools, but they will also be expected to assess critically their uses by historians. Teachingwill be primarily through workshop sessions. This course offers a range of skill-learning opportunitiesfor students who intend to pursue historical studies at the postgraduate level. It will also be particularlyvaluable to students who wish to teach History in the schools where information technology willbecome more common under new government initiatives.Assessment: 100% coursework.