Course Descriptions - H
 
HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society (3,2,1)
A study of the development and characteristics of Chinese culture and society, helping students to develop a clear understanding of their tradition and preparing them for further study in the same area.
 
HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization (3,2,1)
This course is an introduction to the Western cultural heritage and its influence on the cultures of the East. It serves to provide students with a sound basis for study in the history of the West. The course surveys the time span of human development, from the ancient civilizations in the Near East to the Cold War. Among areas investigated in this course are the development of political institutions, social customs, intellectual trends, religious beliefs and other cultural elements. Continuity and change in Western history will also be a theme of the course.
 
HIST 1150 The Historical Tradition of the West (3,3,0)
An introduction to the nature and function of history and the methods of historical research and writing. Approximately one-half of the course is devoted to an understanding of the meaning of history, the function of history, the various philosophies of history, and a brief survey of basic Western historiography. This provides the conceptual framework which is necessary for interpreting history. In addition, approximately one-half of the course is devoted to learning the practical skills of historical research and writing which are essential for any successful study of history. This course is open to History and China Studies majors only.
 
HIST 1220 The Socialist and Communist Traditions (3,2,1)
This course provides an introduction to the history of socialism, Marxism, Leninism, and Maoism so that China Studies students may better understand the meaning of the phrase used to describe official PRC doctrine: "Socialism with Chinese characteristics". The course concerns itself with the historic development of socialism and communism in broad terms as worldwide phenomena, focusing in the last third of the course on their introduction and development in China proper.
 
HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History (3,2,1)
Emphasis will be on the background of traditional Chinese political, social, economic and cultural history. It is expected that this course, apart from stimulating students to study history, will also be useful for students of other options in their study of China.
 
HIST 2110 China and the West since 1500 (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society
This course aims to study the cultural, diplomatic, political and economic relations between China and Western countries since the late Ming period. Special emphasis will be paid to the impact of Western ideas on Chinese society, and how varied the Chinese responses were. The main themes of modern Chinese history, such as modernization, imperialism, and nationalism, will be examined in the context of Western contributions down to the present era.
 
HIST 2120 Historical Theory and Practice (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 1150 The Historical Tradition of the West and HIST 2170 Introduction to Chinese Historiography
This course deals with contemporary historical theories and methods, with emphasis on the "new" history¡Xquantohistory, psychohistory and history of society. Apart from introducing the methods, insights and weaknesses of the "new" history, this course encourages students to consider whether the methods of the "new" history can be employed in Chinese historical studies. It also offers practical guidance to students starting their own research, in order to better prepare them for the honours project. This course is open to History and China Studies majors only.
 
HIST 2150 Modern Asia (1800-1945) (3,2,1)
This course covers the political, social and economic developments of Asian countries, mainly concerning Japan, Korea, Vietnam and India as well as their foreign relations in the modern era. Special attention is given to Asia's response to the West, different types of modernization, nationalist and communist movements. This course is open to History and China Studies majors only, or to be taken as Supporting Course.
 
HIST 2160 Twentieth Century Hong Kong History (3,2,1)
The course aims at providing a macro-view of Hong Kong development in the 20th century, and enabling students through the interdisciplinary approach to perceive contemporary Hong Kong issues through a historical perspective.
 
HIST 2170 Introduction to Chinese Historiography (3,2,1)
A small portion of the course is devoted to an introduction to the techniques of using research tools to conduct Chinese historical studies and the styles of writing papers and book reviews in Chinese. A great portion of the course is devoted to a general account of the development of historical writings in China from ancient to modern times. This course is open to History and China Studies majors only.
 
HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History (3,2,1)
A general account of the political, social, economic, and cultural history of modern China. It is expected that this course will also be helpful for students of other options in their study of China.
 
HIST 2220 Foreign Relations of Modern China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society, HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History or approval from the instructor
This is a survey of China's foreign relations since late Qing with emphasis on the more recent times. The courses aims at a balanced rather than specialized coverage on China's foreign relations in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of its position both among the major powers and developing countries. It highlights the historical, geopolitical, ideological, socio-cultural and economic factors which have shaped the development of China's foreign relations.
 
HIST 2650 Great Trends in Modern European History (3,3,0)
Instead of piecing together different national histories, this course surveys environmental, economic, intellectual, social and political changes in Europe since the 15th century, including secularization, urbanization, industrialization, democratization, globalization, etc., in order to show what Europeans of the last several centuries faced in common and what their descendants today inherit. Utilizing a rather socio-economic approach, the programme begins with the investigation of the environmental changes and material progress in this period, before discussing non-material changes¡Xreligious, political, etc.¡Xin detail. Emphasis will also fall on the changing role of Europe in the global context, where Europe and other continents were integrated into one single entity in the modern era.
 
HIST 2660 History of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society, HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History or HIST 2170 Introduction to Chinese Historiography
A study of the Ming Dynasty with special emphasis on the events and policies of political, social, economic and cultural significance. Selected historical records, archaeological discoveries, public records of the Ming government, and works of contemporary historians will be studied.
 
HIST 2670 History of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1840) (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society, HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History or HIST 2170 Introduction to Chinese Historiography
A study of the Qing Dynasty with special emphasis on the events and policies of political, social, economic and cultural significance. Selected historical records, public records of the Qing government, and works of contemporary historians will be studied.
 
HIST 2690 History of Hong Kong to 1900 (3,2,1)
This course aims at providing students with the introductory knowledge of Hong Kong history from the ancient period to the 19th century, and enabling students to acquire the basic historical methodologies in approaching Hong Kong history.
 
HIST 2710 History of Southeast Asia (3,2,1)
This course is an introductory study of the origin and development of Southeast Asia from ancient times up to the present, with emphasis on the cultural, political and economics aspects.
 
HIST 2740 History of the United States to 1877 (3,3,0)
This course is a survey of the history of the American people and their political and social institutions prior to 1877. The course begins with pre-European history and concludes with the period of reconstruction after the Civil War.
 
HIST 2750 History of the United States since 1877 (3,3,0)
A survey of the history of the American people and their political and social institutions. The course begins with the "Gilded Age" and concludes with a study of the contemporary American scene.
 
HIST 2760 Topic Studies in Cultural History (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History or HIST 2150 Modern Asia (1800-1945) or any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered.
This course provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss selected topics of an advanced nature, with a view to introducing them to what is happening at the frontiers of the study of cultural history.
 
HIST 3110 Western Diplomacy in Modern Asia (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization
The course adopts a comparative approach to the study of the origins, nature and effects of East-West encounters. It provides a historical analysis and account of Western diplomacy in Asia from the mid-18th to the mid-20th century with emphasis on the following issues: (1) the origins of Western expansion in Asia; (2) the use of Western military power as a means to achieve diplomatic victory in Asia; (3) rivalry among the major Western powers in Asia; (4) Western powers in Asia during the two world wars; (5) the conflict between Western diplomacy and Asian nationalism during the 20th century; and (6) the appearance of economic blocs in global politics.
 
HIST 3210 Contemporary Chinese Political Thought (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
This course examines the historical origins and development of major schools of political ideas in modern and contemporary China, paying special attention to the period since 1949. The Chinese response to the introduction of Marxism-Leninism, and the role played by Mao Zedong in "sinicizing" various aspects of Marxist-Leninist ideology, will be dealt with throughout. Students will be required to read the original works of major political thinkers. Whenever possible, other important political ideology, such as liberalism, socialism and democratic thought, will also be addressed.
 
HIST 3220 History of Taiwan (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
This course examines the political, diplomatic, economic, social and cultural development of Taiwan. Discussions will include historical factors which have played crucial roles in Taiwan's transformation, as well as issues related to its current changes.
 
HIST 3580 Honours Project (3,*,*)
The purpose of the Honours Project is to provide the practical experience and academic training necessary for independent historical study and research. Students will be encouraged to examine China from the perspectives of a global/regional vantage point as well as of their local environment, Hong Kong. Hence they will be expected to conduct independent research on topics related to some issues in China, Hong Kong, modern China foreign relation and Taiwan since 1949. This course is open to Year III majors in BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies only.
 
HIST 3590 Honours Project (3,*,*)
A required course for all BA (Hons) in History students. Students will pursue in-depth historical research on a specific topic of interest to the student under the guidance of appointed lecturers from the Department of History. Students are to consult their advisers regarding the necessary library and archival research, synthesis and writing. The purpose of the course is to integrate the professional skills which have been taught in the preceding two years with specific application to a topic to produce a written report of such a synthesis. This course is open to Year III majors in BA (Hons) in History only.
 
HIST 3610 History of Chinese Women to 1911 (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
This course is principally a survey of women's lives and positions in traditional China. Apart from a general introduction to women's lives in different dynasties, special issues such as female infanticide, footbinding, education, arranged marriage and concubinage, chastity, femme fatale, and relationships among family members will be dealt with in detail. Moreover, theories of integrating women into the macro-history as well as factors leading to changes in women's lives and positions in traditional China will also be taught.
 
HIST 3620 Missionaries in Modern China (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
This course is for students interested in a more in-depth understanding of the role Christian missionaries played in China's entrance into the family of nations in modern times. Both positive and negative aspects of missionary contributions will be examined, but the major emphasis will be on how the missionaries attempted to introduce Western religious ideas and Western sciences to their Confucian audience. An effort will be made to analyse the overall impact of the missionaries on modern China's transformation. Chinese attitudes and reactions will be examined.
 
HIST 3630 Chinese Women and Politics in Twentieth Century China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
In the past century, the lives of the Chinese people in general, and that of Chinese women in particular, have undergone tremendous changes. Outdated traditions and conservative bondages broke down to redefine the status of Chinese women and brought them a new, independent life after the establishment of the Chinese Republic. This course analyses the lives of selected prominent Chinese women in these years of turmoil and their changes and responses to the challenges posed by the historical setting and environment in which they lived. This course, focusing on a detailed study on the changing status and roles of women, will offer an alternative path toward understanding China's political development.
 
HIST 3640 Social and Economic Development of Modern China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
The course investigates the relations between economic growth and socio-political changes in China from the late 18th century to the mid-20th century. It examines the various social, economic, and political factors which stimulated, or retarded, China's economic growth, and studies the development of a new social basis which shaped the political form in modern China.
 
HIST 3650 Intellectual Trends in Modern China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
This course studies the intellectual history of modern China from the 19th century to the present, with special attention on the impact of Western thought and learning, nationalism, liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
 
HIST 3660 Revolution and Nationalism in Republican China (1912-1949) (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
An analysis of the cultural, socio-economic, political and ideological crisis in Republican China, its search for solutions and the development of the Chinese Nationalist and Communist parties. Discussions cover selected theories on revolution and nationalism, warlord politics, unification versus separatism, party theories and organizational control, and mass participation in the process of political transformation in China.
 
HIST 3670 Western Intellectual Thought (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization
Western intellectual development is traced from classical Greece, through medieval scholasticism, and continues through the concepts of the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, the Romantic Movement, and Marxism down to post-World War Two, Existentialism, and what has been called "the exhaustion of ideals" of recent years. These "Western" concepts will be shown to have had a tremendous, and continuing impact on China, Asia and the world.
 
HIST 3680 China and Asia in the Twentieth Century (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 2150 Modern Asia (1800-1945) or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
An in-depth study of the relations between China and other Asian countries, mainly Japan, Korea, Vietnam and India in the 20th century. Special attention is given to China's influence on Asian nationalist movements and communist movements, Sino-Japanese and Sino-Korean relations, and China's role in East and Southeast Asia.
 
HIST 3690 Twentieth Century United States Diplomacy (3,3,0)
Prerequisites: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization (required), and HIST 2740 History of the United States to 1877 or HIST 2750 History of the United States since 1877 (recommended)
A course focusing on US diplomatic relations with the rest of the world in the 20th century. Beginning with the aftermath of the Spanish-American War and the Open Door Notes, students will delve into the events of American diplomacy to the present. Emphasis is on specific events and times and on the underlying base for that diplomacy as it changes over time. Enduring foundations of American diplomacy will be studied as well as the components which are more flexible and subject to alteration.
 
HIST 3710 Topic Studies in Western History (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization and any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered
A study of selected themes and issues in Western history.
 
HIST 3720 Topic Studies in Sino/Asian-Western Relations (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 2110 China and the West since 1500 and any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered
An in-depth study of selected themes and issues in Sino-Western or Asian-Western Relations.
 
HIST 3730 Topic Studies in Chinese History (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History, and any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered
An in-depth study of selected themes and issues in Chinese history.
 
HIST 3740 Topic Studies in Asian History (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 2150 Modern Asia or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History, and any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered
An in-depth study of selected themes and issues in Asian history.
 
HIST 3750 Current Issues in Hong Kong and China (3,2,1)
Prerequisites: HIST 2160 Twentieth Century Hong Kong History, HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History or HIST 3810 History of Modern China, and any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered
This course is intentionally designed to be highly flexible to allow discussion and analysis of current issues which are affecting Hong Kong and mainland China. Such an approach will emphasize not only a review of the events themselves, but also will require the student to evaluate the events in the light of the historical background, the world situation, and their impact on Hong Kong society.
 
HIST 3760 International Relations to 1945 (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization
This course examines the development of the current international scene in terms of recent historical events and theories concerning the conduct of international politics. The historical origins of diplomacy, international theories, the development of twentieth century diplomacy and the origins of international organizations are all examined. Finally, current events are analysed and related to their historical, theoretical and structural origins.
 
HIST 3770 International Relations after 1945 (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization
This course analyses the current international scene in terms of recent historical events and contemporary political theories concerning the conduct of international politics. The origins of international organizations (such as the United Nations, NATO and OPEC) and changing international structures are examined. Finally, current events are analysed and related to their historical, theoretical and structural origins.
 
HIST 3780 Sino-Russian Relations (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society, HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History or HIST 2220 Foreign Relations of Modern China
The course studies the changing relations between Russia/Soviet and China. Although it touches on the historical issues relating to the early contacts between these two countries, the course deals mainly with the period from the early 19th century to the 1980s. It emphasizes the historical, geopolitical, ideological, socio-cultural, ethnic and economic factors which have shaped both the evolution of the two complex states themselves, and their interactions at the state-to-state, regional and global levels.
 
HIST 3790 Sino-American Relations (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society, HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History or HIST 2220 Foreign Relations of Modern China
This course studies selected major issues in the political, economic and cultural interactions between China and the United States since the late 18th century. Special emphasis will be placed on the unique origin, nature and importance of China's relations with United States in contrast with those of other Western powers. Discussion will also focus on selected issues considered to have affected their interaction, including some which may still continue to do so.
 
HIST 3810 History of Modern China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society
This course is designed to study the major changes in the political, economic, social and cultural aspect of China in the period 1840-1949. Special emphasis is placed on issues such as problems of modernization, the Western impact, and the Chinese response.
 
HIST 3820 Contemporary China (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
The course begins with an analysis of the rise of Communism in China before 1949 and examines the development of the personal cult within the Chinese Communist Party's leadership. It then follows with a survey of the social, economic and political transformation in China under Communism with emphasis on the interplay between ideology and policy in contemporary Chinese historical development. The course also examines the major developments which affected China's foreign policy since 1949.
 
HIST 3830 Oral History and Its Local Applications (3,3,0)
Prerequisites: HIST 2120 Historical Theory and Practice and HIST 2160 Twentieth Century Hong Kong History
Following the guidelines and standards adopted by the Oral History Association, the first part of the course tackles the basic concepts related to oral history. The second half focuses more on applications in the context of studying Hong Kong's past. In addition to lectures, fieldwork is required.
 
HIST 3840 Modern Japan and the West (3,2,1)
A study of diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between Japan and the West since the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Special attention is given to such crucial issues as the significance of the Iwakura Mission to the West, the influence of Western political ideologies and institutions on the making of the Meiji Constitution, the revision of unequal treaties, and the confrontation between Western and Japanese cultural traditions. This course is open to History majors only.
 
HIST 3860 Origins of Western Imperialism (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization or, with consent of the Head of Department, Year II standing in China Studies or History majors
The beginnings of western imperialism will be examined from the first voyages of the Vikings, through the explosion of the Crusades and the domination of the world's trade and exploration by the northern Italian city-states. The course continues to analyse the "Age of Exploration", especially the early overseas empires of Spain and Portugal and concludes with the early British, French and Dutch expansion down to the American Revolution and the "readjustments" of the Napoleonic wars.
 
HIST 3870 Overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History
Chinese who go abroad, settle down and make a living there are called the overseas Chinese. The overseas development of Chinese goes back to ancient times as far as the Yin and Zhou Dynasties, and they mainly emigrated to the Nanyang countries (today's Southeast Asia). This course analyses the historical backgrounds of Chinese emigration to Nanyang countries in different dynasties, their situations, and their history of development there. This course also covers the state of development of overseas Chinese in the circles of economy, culture and education, and politics in those countries.
 
HIST 3880 Japan in the Twentieth Century (3,2,1)
This course aims to study the political, social, and economic development of modern and contemporary Japan with an emphasis on the following topics: the process of modernization in the late Meiji period; the problems of party rivalry and political change in the Taisho period; the rise of militarism between the two world wars and the Japanese invasion of Asia; the post-war constitutional reform, economic recovery, and cultural change; and the role of Japan in the current international scene. This course is open to History majors only, or to be taken as Supporting Course.
 
HIST 3890 Nineteenth Century European History (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization (for BA History) or Year II standing in European Studies
The 19th century was a crucial age of evolution and change for Europe and, largely because of European developments and actions, the world; moreover, it was fundamental to the creation of the world's present state of affairs. The emphasis of this course is on the revolutionary transformation of Europe¡Xpolitical, social, strategic and economic¡Xfrom the period from the French Revolution to the outbreak of the First World War. This emphasis leads to a close study of developing nationalism and nation building, liberalism (plus the evolution of other significant political ideologies), industrialism and the distinct and world-shaping 19th century version of European imperialism.
 
HIST 3900 Twentieth Century European History (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1131-2 History of Western Civilization (for BA History) or Year II standing in European Studies
For Europe the 20th century has been a tumultuous era of power, change, crisis, extremism, suffering and decline. In 1914 Europe was at the zenith of its power, but the two world wars, the Great Depression, the Holocaust, de-colonization and the Cold War all combined to reduce Europe to a status it had not experienced since the early Middle Ages. Since the 1960s there has been a modest recovery and recently Europe has haltingly moved towards a more united structure. This course addresses these themes, brings European developments to a contemporary historical focus and closely considers the impact of European developments on the world. This world view is necessary because while 20th century Europe no longer directs world events, it remains a major focus.
 
HIST 3910 Topic Studies in Social History (3,2,1)
Prerequisite: HIST 1121-2 History of Chinese Culture and Society or HIST 1620 Perspectives on Chinese History or HIST 2210 Introduction to Modern Chinese History or any others which the lecturer may designate as appropriate for the particular topic being offered.
This course provides an opportunity for students to study and discuss selected topics of an advanced nature, with a view to introducing them to what is happening at the frontiers of the study of social history.
 
HIST 7010 Colloquium in History and Historical Research (3,*,*)
The content of the course will vary from semester to semester according to students' areas of research and their needs as determined by the Department of History and as expressed by the students. There are many topics which may be covered in this colloquium, ranging from historiographical issues in Chinese women's history, to structuralism in historical studies, to the use of archives for the study of Hong Kong history. From our faculties' expertise in history and historical methodology, topics will be selected, and the course will be team-taught.
 
HIST 7020 Issues and Controversies in Modern History (3,*,*)
This course will follow up some of the major scholarly issues and controversies in the field of historical studies. Major international refereed journals and monographs in the relevant field of studies will be taken as reference materials. In particular, special attention will be given to the areas which suit our students' research topics.
 
HIST 7510 South China Studies (3,3,0)
For more than two decades, South China has been described as the "promised land" of modern China. This course begins with a close look at the major treaty ports in the region and extends to explore the subsequent political, economic and cultural changes in South China over the past 20 years. The discussion may focus on one or more of the following regions or areas: Guangdong, Fujian, Hong Kong and/or Taiwan.
 
HIST 7520 Chinese Culture in Transformation (3,3,0)
This course will begin with an orientation in the changing perspectives on Chinese culture since the early 20th century. It will cover the political, economic and social aspects of Chinese culture in the last century. Special attention will be given to the recent scholarship in relevant areas, including Chinese business culture, popular culture, and the others. The contents are designed in a thematic manner, and the instructors may stress certain aspects as they deem fit and as they feel are most useful for the students concerned.
 
HIST 7530 Graduate Seminar on Contemporary Chinese History (3,3,0)
This course covers mainly three categories of further study in: (1) historiography; (2) various themes in contemporary Chinese history including political, social, economic and other aspects; and (3) Sino-foreign relations. Seminars covering individual headings could be offered by rotation or concurrently, subject to the need of students.
 
HRM 2110 Human Resources Management (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: BUS 1180 Introduction to Business or BUS 1630 The World of Business
This course is designed to provide students with an applied knowledge and understanding of human resources management. The compatibility of the productive utilization of people in achieving an organization's objectives and the satisfaction of employee needs will be emphasized. The course will focus on current issues and trends as they relate to Hong Kong and the Asia Pacific region.
 
HRM 2150 Human Resources Development (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research, theory and practices of training and development within the organizations and to prepare the student as a potential practitioner in a managerial role or as a specialist working within an organization, or as an external consultant working with a range of organizations.
 
HRM 2160 Recruitment and Selection (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course aims to introduce students to various theories, concepts and issues associated with the effective staff of organizations. After completing this course, students are expected to have acquired the conceptual background for understanding contemporary recruitment and selection issues and the competencies to address specific staffing problems.
 
HRM 2180 Performance Appraisal and Rewards (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course examines the major principles, concepts, and techniques of performance appraisal. Especially, common pitfalls and effective interviewing skills in conducting performance appraisal exercises are stressed. This course also takes a pragmatic look at how to reward employees for services rendered. Designing and administrating an equitable and competitive compensation system that motivates employees and stimulates them for better performance is another major focus of the course.
 
HRM 2620 Business Ethics (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: BUS1180 Introduction to Business or BUS1630 The World of Business
This course covers a wide range of ethical issues to enlighten students' awareness of ethical issues experienced by corporations and professional managers. The course is specifically designed to educate students regarding the legal and social expectations of ethical behaviours and to challenge students to think about the issues relating to corporate social responsibility. Most importantly, this course enables students to understand and apply their personal values in making business decisions and to resolve ethical issues and dilemmas in business situations.

HRM 2640 Applied Social Psychology in Organizations (3,3,0)
This course is designed to introduce students to social psychology in organizations. Students will learn about how people think about, influence, and relate to one another within the organizational context. In particular, students will examine the impact of person, situation, and cognition on behaviour.
 
HRM 2660 Human Relations for Personal and Career Success (3,3,0)
Success on the job often enhances personal success, and success in personal life can enhance job success. Dealing effectively with people is an enormous asset in both work and personal life. Thus, the aim of this course is to teach students how to become more effective in their work and personal life through knowledge of and skill in human relations. This course covers three major themes; they are: (1) understanding oneself, (2) dealing effectively with people, and (3) managing one's personal life.
 
HRM 2670 Presenting for Success (3,3,0)
In an increasingly competitive work environment, speech communication skills are essential in impacting an audience, a conference, a work team, an interview, or a conversation. These are the skills that employers demand. Improving them is an investment in one's future career and can lead to success in any field. Accordingly, this course aims to introduce students to the theories, concepts and proven principles needed to become dynamic, confident and successful public speakers. Students can expect to acquire both the conceptual background and adequate skill practice to deliver appropriate speeches for a variety of occasions. The course matter will be addressed through highly interactive sessions consisting of lectures, group and individual exercises, and practical applications with hands-on experience in practising effective speaking and delivering formal and informal presentations.
 
HRM 2681-2 Human Resources Management Mentoring (0,*,*)
This course is designed to provide students with applied knowledge and understanding of Human Resources Management through the guidance of human resource management professionals. Through this course, students will be offered ample opportunities to learn and grow and to better understand life in the business world. Upon completion of the course, students will acquire new insights through expanding learning horizons, and they will be able to develop greater career engagement.
 
HRM 3180 Labour Relations and Law (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course aims to (1) introduce various theories of industrial relations and the dynamic relationships among the different actors constituting the industrial relations scene, and (2) cover employment legislation that is commonly used by HR professionals in an everyday situation. A practical and contemporary approach is taken, exposing the students to the full gambit of employee-management relations in the workplace.
 
HRM 3190 Human Resources Research and Measurement (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course is composed of two parts. The first part deals with Human Resources Research while the second one is on Human Resources Measurement. The first section examines problems and functions involved in designing, developing, and implementing or managing effective human resources programs. It deals with topics as research questions, methods, designs, and analysis and interpretation of data. The second, smaller, section introduces to students the importance of measuring the economic value of employee performance and the techniques used in measuring the efficiency and productivity of a human resources department.
 
HRM 3630 Human Resources Management in China (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
(No prerequisites for non-HRM option students who take this course as an elective.)
This course offers an advanced study of human resources policies and problems in mainland China. The aim of this course is to introduce to the students current and practical issues of HRM in mainland China. This course prepares HRM students (1) to make decisions on various HR policies such as compensation and benefits of local employees, management of out-of-province workers, and training and development of unskilled and illiterate workers; and (2) to give attention to getting Chinese workers and staff to accept responsibility, to exercise initiative, to emphasize quality, and to communicate readily across functions.
 
HRM 3650 Human Resources Strategy and Planning (3,3,0)
Prerequisite: HRM 2110 Human Resources Management
This course is designed to consider the theories and role of human resources planning and link it to the policies and practice required for effective human resources management. This course examines internal and external environmental factors and trends that have crucial impacts on HR objectives and strategies in organization. The role of human resources information system and the use of information technology in HRM and employee planning are also key issues to study in the course.
 
HRM 7010 Global Human Resource Management (2,2,0)
Global Human Resources Management (GHRM) has been identified as a crucial factor in a firm's international success. GHRM is more complex and varied than domestic HRM and incorporates a broader scope, and increased risk exposure as well as a change of emphasis. This course will examine environmental elements and the characteristics of GHRM. It will deal with the practical issues and consequences of the internationalization of HRM.
 
HRM 7020 Managing Human Resources Today (3,3,0)
This foundation programme aims to introduce students to human resources management and how contemporary developments are transforming the human resources management function into a more proactive and strategic one. Specifically, the programme will equip students with an understanding of the nature of people management and related activities, and how these activities simultaneously promote employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.
 
HRM 7030 Human Resources Planning and Staffing (3,3,0)
The major purpose of this course is to provide students with (1) an appreciation of the major theoretical perspectives relating to strategic human resources management, (2) an understanding of HRM strategies and environmental factors affecting these strategies, and (3) issues and activities associated with the effective staffing of organizations.
 
HRM 7040 Training and Development (3,3,0)
This course covers a full spectrum of training management and administration. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research, theory and techniques of training and development within an organization.
 
HRM 7050 Performance Management (3,3,0)
This course provides an overview of the philosophy and principles of performance management and the design of an effective performance management system. Specifically, it examines major concepts and techniques in conducting performance appraisal.
 
HRM 7060 Compensation and Benefits (3,3,0)
This course takes a pragmatic look at one of the most controversial and critical issues facing all kinds of organization, that is, how to compensate employees. It focuses on the design and administering of a compensation system that rewards employees fairly while motivating outstanding performance.
 
HRM 7070 Employment Relations and Practices (3,3,0)
This course introduces various concepts on employment practices, industrial relations as well as work-family interface and the dynamic relationships among the different actors constituting the employment relations scene. In addition, it covers employment and related legislation that is commonly used by HR professionals in an everyday situation. A practical and contemporary approach is taken, exposing the students to the full gambit of employee-management relations in the workplace.
 
HRM 7080 Human Resources Management in the PRC (3,3,0)
This course is an advanced study of human resources policies and practices in mainland China. It focuses on sensitising students to the challenges of managing human resources in the PRC and equipping them with the substantive knowledge to design contextually-appropriate HR policies and practices.
 
HRM 7140 Quantitative Methods for Human Resource Professionals (3,3,0)
Students will acquire knowledge in strategic and operational decision making, using personnel economics, to audit HR activities and functions through measurements and tests, while investigating different issues using HR research to improve organizational communication. This course will put special focus on HR programmes in Asia from a return-on-investment perspective. The concept of "utility" and its measurement will be discussed, along with estimating the resource value of job performance. As well, measuring the cost/benefits of HR development programmes will be linked to profitability and to return on investment.
 
HRM 7150 Managing Human Resources Information (3,3,0)
A human resources management system (HRMS) is more than a human resources information system (HRIS). It is what the name implies: an information management system accessible to staff at all levels, designed to ensure that the organization's most important strategic resource¡Xits people¡Xare recruited, selected, developed, employed, deployed and supported most effectively. In this course, HRMS will be studied as the concept relates to e-HRM, as the HRM field in Asia must move quickly toward net-based systems. Topics will include extending the core HR System; establishing a centralized service; moving communications transactions to the Internet; globalizing the HR Function; e-HR recruiting; e-learning; e-benefits and e-HRMS; and future trends in e-HRM.
 
HRM 7310 Foundations of Human Resources Management (3,3,0)
This course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamental principles of human resources management. It will cover all of the main functional areas of human resources management within the broader context of business strategy, globalization, and social responsibility. Best practices will be highlighted. A special focus will be to position HR functions within an Asia/Pacific context. As well, the concept of Action Research will be introduced at this stage, so that students are familiar with the basic concepts from the beginning of the programme.
 
HRM 7320 Industrial-organizational Psychology (3,3,0)
In this course, students will study theories, principles, concepts, and measurement methods in industrial-organizational psychology, to gain an understanding of how this knowledge can be applicable in the design and management of global HR systems. Special stress will be placed on the changing nature of work within the Asia/Pacific region and how this issue presents an ever-increasing strategic and operational challenge to employers and employees alike. Both psychological change and enhanced competition require a sophisticated approach to managing the human resource, based on empowerment and ethical investment in human capital.
 
HRM 7330 Skills for Managing Human Resources (3,3,0)
Students will be equipped with concepts, skills and techniques of workplace learning, motivating and developing members of organizations. In addition, students will also acquire skills in dealing with difficult interpersonal/group situations such as conflict, ethical dilemmas, organizational politics, negotiation, collective bargaining and media handling. Throughout, the focus will be on how these concepts are applied to the Asia/Pacific region.
 
HRM 7340 International Human Resources Management (3,3,0)

In this course, students will be exposed to critical issues in managing human resources. Topics will include market dynamics, problems encountered by FIEs manpower planning strategy, compensations and benefits, ethics and safety, and globalization of HRM. Again, stress will be placed on how these concepts relate to the Asia/Pacific region. This course is designed to provide students with knowledge, issues and skills for designing and managing expatriate assignments and managing cultural diversity. Special emphasis will be placed on the linkage between global HRM practices and policies and international expansion strategies. This course will cover key issues in international employee relations, comparative HRM practices, and multinational corporate ethical responsibility as related to HRM.
 
HRM 7350 Current Human Resources Issues (3,3,0)
In this course, students will be exposed to critical issues in managing human resources. Topics will include market dynamics, problems encountered by FIEs, roles of modern HR, gender and family issues, recruitment and labour problems, training and localization, work values and ethics, and local and international politics. Again, stress will be placed on how these concepts relate to China and the Asia/Pacific region.
 
HRM 7360 Strategic Human Resources Management in Practice (3,3,0)
In this course, global HR strategy will be regarded as an integrating force, linking various strands together into an overall strategic thrust which complements and is consistent with the overall business strategy. The links between each aspect of a strategy will be emphasized and various communications channels will be suggested, as HR strategy should flow from business strategy.
 
HRM 7370 Human Resources Research and Information (3,3,0)
This course introduces to students the fundamental concepts needed for using statistics in human resources management. Students acquire the technical knowledge and know how to conduct practical research studies with scientific validity. This course also covers development and implementation of HR information management systems capable of ensuring the right people are effectively recruited, deployed and supported.
 
HRM 7380 Human Resources Measurement (3,3,0)
This course introduces concepts and techniques needed in making decisions to maximizing human capital. Students will learn how to audit HR activities and functions through measurements and tests, applying relevant methods in HR research techniques to improve organizational effectiveness and well-being.
 
HRM 7390 Current Employment Practices in China (3,3,0)
This course focuses on the human resources issues and problems encountered by international companies in mainland China today. It introduces to the students current and practical issues regarding employment and HRM in mainland China. This course prepares participants to make decisions on various HR policies and practices such as recruitment of local employees and management of expatriates, performance and rewards, management development and localization, and the complexities of PRC labour law.
 
HUM 1110 Humanities Study and Research Methods (3,2,1)
This first year course will prepare students for the three-year study of the humanities. It will introduce the approaches and methods distinctive of interdisciplinary humanities thought and research, and it will compare these methods with those employed in other branches of learning, e.g. social and natural sciences. The course will develop the argument that the Humanities disciplines cultivate the human mind. Students will learn to integrate different points of view through cross-disciplinary and bicultural readings.
 
HUM 1131-2 English Skills (3,3,0)
Major components of the course include argumentation, writing about literature, writing about language, research methods, and reasoning. Students will write essays, in-class themes, bibliographical exercises, and research papers. They will also participate in group discussions and debates as well as give prepared and ex tempore speeches. This course is open to Humanities majors only.
 
HUM 1140 Human Self-Discovery (3,2,1)
This course aims to introduce various theories of human nature as an intellectual foundation for reflection on what is it to be human. Students will examine the diverse ways human beings consider and define themselves as a unique species. They will also learn the differences between the Chinese and Western, and between the traditional and modern, concepts of humankind.
 
HUM 1150 Humanism and the Individual (3,2,1)
The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the concepts of humanism and individualism. Students will develop critical skills by assessing primary and secondary source readings in history, philosophy, and literature. They will develop critical aesthetic skills by studying Renaissance painting, sculpture, and architecture. They will also learn to form independent judgments, to commit themselves to an arguable point of view, and to defend personal values in class debates.
 
HUM 2140 Chinese and Western Modes of Thought (3,2,1)
This course aims to provide students a clear understanding of the basic differences and similarities between traditional Chinese and Western cultures through comparative study of selected themes in mythical, religious, moral and scientific thinking. It will also analyse issues pertaining to cultural encounters, accommodations and confrontations in modern and contemporary Chinese history with some emphasis on Hong Kong.
 
HUM 2150 Language and the Humanities (3,2,1)
The goal of this course is to explore the role language plays in defining our fundamental human nature as symbol-constructing, symbol-using beings. The course also examines how fundamental issues within the humanities intersect with the nature of language as both a system and an activity to produce the complex human world we experience as simply "the way things are".
 
HUM 2160 Gender Studies (3,2,1)
This course will introduce students to trends of thought and the basic theories in gender studies. This introduction will define and explore how gender is constructed socially, culturally and historically. By examining gender-related issues like discrimination and inequality, students will critically consider what it means to be human and to empathise with human beings and their struggles.
 
HUM 2180 Great Works in the Humanities (3,2,1)
This course will present an array of primary texts, in English and Chinese, that have shaped the study of the humanities and have been acknowledged as formative masterpieces in the study of the humanities. It will demonstrate, through the particular address of primary texts, the humanistic tradition of intertextual study involving literary, philosophic, historical and other forms of writing. The course will encourage students to confront the contemporary controversy surrounding canonical literature, and it will encourage students independently to exercise their critical, analytical and creative judgments in assessing the value of such canonical works in the modern world.
 
HUM 2190 The Art of Speech: Appreciation and Practice (3,2,3)
The art of rhetoric has been one of the central components in the history of humanities and liberal arts education. The ability in composing, delivering and appreciating eloquent speeches has been regarded as a central part in the development and the human mind. This course aims at introducing the theories of rhetoric and the art of speech from the classical time of Aristotle and Cicero to modern theories of discourse analysis and hermeneutics. It will also be devoted to the appreciation of the famous speeches in ancient times, Shakespearean plays and modern historic speeches by famous statesmen and public figures. The students may also have the opportunity to practise this art by writing or delivering speeches in different imagined situations, e.g. political speech, legal disputation or commercial lobbying.
 
HUM 2210 Writing Seminar: Workshop in Creative Writing (3,2,1)
This course deals with the major creative writing genres, such as poetry, fiction and drama for developing students' writing skills. Students will be asked to produce exercises in different genres and an extended project in a single selected form. This programme will introduce students to the representative works in English and Chinese that parallel their writing training in both languages. Reading and writing exercise will also be devoted to functional and non-fictional writing.
 
HUM 2220 Professional Writing Practicum: Essentials of the Craft of Writing (3,2,1)
This course is designed to enable students to cope with the writing tasks they may be required to perform in the commercial, industrial and public fields of employment in Hong Kong. The class will focus on report writing, proposal writing, business correspondence, persuasive commentary and review. A specialist in English and one in Chinese will co-teach the course, thus allowing each type of writing to be taught in parallel fashion enabling students to make meaningful comparison.
 
HUM 2230 Drama as Human Experience (3,2,2)
The course regards drama as a form of human expression. Through reading, discussion, and re-enactment of different situation concerning various human experiences, the students learn to reflect on personal, social and cultural values. It also aspires to an extended study on the forms of educational drama, i.e. the training on drama teaching.
 
HUM 2240 Performing as Human Experience (3,2,1)
This course provides students with basic training in performance (including drama and performance art). Through creating and enacting dramatic scenarios, students will develop an acute awareness of their own physical and spiritual situation in their daily life experience. Both the idea and exercises of performing are central to the content of this course.
 
HUM 2250 Modern Dance as Hong Kong   Experience (3,3,3)
This course will inspire students to understand the modern dance development, its vocabulary, and its humanistic values in general; as well as its relation to the Hong Kong society in particular. Through lectures, workshops and creative experiences, students will develop an understanding of the expressive aspect and the artistic values of modern dance.

HUM 2260 The Present State of the Arts (3,2,1)
This course enables students to acquire comprehensive view of the current art and cultural scenes. It also extends their learning and understanding of art through theoretic, critical studies as well as direct encounter with art practitioners. The programme work will also allow them to experience art-making during research studies and "visual" presentations on current art topics.
 
HUM 2310 New Media Cultures (3,3,3)
This programme will examine from a cultural studies approach how new media shape and change representation, ideology and power relations in contemporary culture. It is an investigation of the struggle over meaning, knowledge and power produced by newer forms of media (web sites, computer interface, virtual worlds, multimedia, computer games, digital video, special effects in cinema and net films, interactive computer installations, etc.). Analyzing whether the newness of new media is really new or just a reformation of what already exists, this programme explores what kind of challenge new media has brought to our everyday life and studies if the new forms produce distinctively different contents and audiences. We understand the activities carried out in the new media as a place of significant contestation in which the dominant class disseminate their ideas and the subordinate groups construct their identity. This programme will also look at how new media accentuate the productive dimension of the consumption process and identify the moments of transformation in cultural consumption.

HUM 2320 Science Fiction, Film and Culture (3,3,3)
Science fiction and film are the cultural forms that reflect how we understand our world. This programme aims to examine science fiction through some of its most influential works in the novel, short story, and film. The possible worlds that science fiction writers and filmmakers predicted do not only offer to conceive some alternate systems but also represent contemplations on radical difference and otherness as well as the ideological nature of our social totality. This programme examines how the imaginations of science fiction and film are connected to the historical and collective fantasy of our social world. The culture of science fiction and film, seemingly distanced from its social context, precisely serves as a critique of the latter, by ruminating on the ideological mechanism of virtual reality, human-machine, future institutions, alien races, and the nature of humanity. This programme will not only assess the development of science fiction as a popular genre from the early decades of the twentieth century to the explosion of science fiction from the 1950s to the present, but it also traces back to the "proto-science fiction writers" of the renaissance and eighteenth century through the evolution of science fiction in the nineteenth century with Shelley, Poe, Verne, and others. In addition, the programme will explore why the science fiction genre is missing in Chinese culture.

HUM 2610 The Study of Culture (3,2,1)
This course will introduce the dynamic conceptions of culture and criticisms of culture as the product and accumulation of human activities and creativities. Students will understand culture as human experience that differentiates humans most completely from animals and as something that actualizes our potentialities as human beings. They will also recognize that the methods of inquiry and interpretation are themselves outcomes of culture itself.
 
HUM 3130 Special Topic in the Humanities (3,2,1)
This course provides an opportunity for senior students to study in depth selected topics in contemporary issues related to the study of the humanities. Through examination of theories related to the topic, students will look at cultural issues from an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspective. The course will guide students to integrate various points of view and develop their own critical judgment.
 
HUM 3140 Histories (3,2,1)
The course will introduce students to some of the diverse functions history has served in thought, belief and government. It will also introduce both traditional notions and contemporary reevaluations of history. Students will be inculcated with the intellectual habit of thinking within interdisciplinary perspectives. The interrelationship among history, literature, science, politics and religion will also be demonstrated. Historical episodes and examples will be chosen from European, North American and Chinese history.
 
HUM 3150 The Making of the Contemporary World (3,2,1)
This course will introduce students to the diverse ways of defining modernity from a humanistic perspective. Students will develop a critical awareness of our present human condition through a comprehensive view of the formation and the nature of the contemporary world. Emphasis will be placed on the various intellectual, social, political and cultural developments that have transformed the modern world into the contemporary world.
 
HUM 3160 Artistic Creativity and Aesthetics Awareness (3,2,1)
This course introduces artistic creativity as one of the best inventions of the human mind and the sense of beauty as an important dimension of being humane. Major principles and theories of arts and aesthetics are introduced to help students to understand artistic creative processes, the nature of different art media and the discussions of aesthetic experience. Art creation and appreciation will be practiced and students will also reflect on the meaning of the work of art and its related issues in different social and cultural contexts.
 
HUM 3591-2 Honours Project (3,*,*)
The Honours Project plays an important part in the Humanities Programme. It affords the opportunity to exercise individual initiative and to develop the ability to pull together into an integrated whole what has been learnt in separate courses, including those outside the particular option. It should provide an outlet for demonstrating the knowledge and insight gained during the Programme. This course is open to Humanities majors only.
 
HUM 7010 Advanced Humanities Seminar (3,3,0)
It is an in-depth study of selected seminal works in the humanities

(e.g. phenomenology, structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxism, gender theory). Enhancing students' understanding of the work through close reading, this course also guides students to investigate the historical origin, theoretical framework and ideological underpinning of the work, as well as relevant current issues, through which a solid foundation of researches in humanities can be established.
 
 
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©2008 Hong Kong Baptist University
Source: Calendar/Bulletin 2008-2009
Last modified: August 2008
 
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