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

115COGNITIVE SCIENCECOGN1001.Introduction to cognitive science (6 credits)This course allows students to gain an understanding of the workings of the mind in the context of thetechnological advances that are increasingly shaping our lives and our society. The course introducesstudents to the domain, goals and methods of Cognitive Science, showing how different disciplinesconverge in their enquiry into how the brain works. With integration as the overall objective, there willbe a series of lectures given by specialists within each of the major disciplines (Computer Science andInformation Systems, Linguistics, Philosophy, Physiology and Psychology) that contribute to CognitiveScience. Each series of lectures will present case studies highlighting research findings which showhow similar questions about the functioning of the human mind are answered from the perspective ofeach contributing discipline.Assessment: 40%coursework, 60% examination.COMPARATIVE LITERATUREIf we do not study other cultures, we cannot even understand our own. In the Department, we studyliterature from a broad range of international and interdisciplinary perspectives, and in relation to otherforms of cultural expression.The department offers courses in literary, theoretical and cultural studies using cross-cultural materialsand interdisciplinary approaches. Some of the main areas covered include Visual Cultures and FilmStudies, Cross-Cultures: Literature and Theory, Feminism and Gender Studies, Postcolonial/HongKong/China Studies, and New Media and Global Studies.Our courses study a wide range of texts in terms of both form and content. Students learn to read culturein the broadest sense – analyzing literary texts, films, fashion magazines, cyber texts, advertisements,comics, popular music, and other relevant cultural productions and practices.Such an approach provides a focus for significant interdisciplinary study in the Humanities and atraining in thinking about the nature of the relationship between culture and society. The direction ofinterest is indicated in the description of each course.Texts are studied in English, though texts in Chinese are used in Cross-Cultural studies and HongKong/Chinese cultural studies.Courses are open to students who have fulfilled the University's entrance requirements, though prioritywill usually be given to students with a Grade C or above in the Use of English examination, or whootherwise show special aptitude.In order to major in Comparative Literature first year students must normally take at least two of the6-credit first year courses offered by the Department. In the second and third years, students must selectnot less than eight 6-credit courses or equivalent from among those offered by the Department. Thereare no particular requirements in terms of core courses and course combinations.All courses offered in the Department will be examined by 100% continuous assessment. Courseorganisers will provide details of assessment at the beginning of their course. All specific coursedescriptions will be provided in the departmental handbook and can be downloaded from ourwebsite: www.hku.hk/complit/courses.htm.