Postgraduate Courses
MGCS
Global China Studies
Courses marked with a [C] in the course description are not taught in Chinese but may require students to read materials in Chinese. Students who have difficulty reading materials in Chinese should consult the instructor concerned prior to enrolling in these courses.
- MGCS 5001Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data-Analytic Approach[3-0-0:3]Reading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis seminar aims to summarize some of the new directions in Chinese history during the last two decades. The course adopts an analytic approach that distinguishes measurement, ‘objectivities,’ from ‘ subjectivities,’ which emphasize interpretation: cultural representation and categorization of values, construction of identity, and the relationship between individual actions and the transformation and transmission of such social, political, and cultural subjectivities.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Articulate and develop thinking.
- 2.Identify the muddiest point, misconception/preconception, and constructive criticism.
- 3.Conduct a longer writing exercise on persuasive writing.
- MGCS 5010Introduction to Social Statistics[2-1-0:3]Co-list withMASS 5020Exclusion(s)SOSC 4610, SOSC 5090, MASS 5020Backgroundelementary statisticsDescriptionThis course teaches basic concepts and skills required to conduct quantitative research in social science. Students will learn to design and conduct statistical analyses to test hypotheses. They will acquire experience in the use of statistical software to carry out analysis of social data.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the fundamental concepts and practices in statistics for social science.
- 2.Recognize graphic and numerical summary of data with respect to distribution of variables and association between them; data-generating processes and study design; probability theory; probability distributions of continuous variables with a special emphasis on the normal distribution; sampling distributions; principles of statistical inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing; inference for population means and proportions; statistical tests of relationship between two categorical variables; and simple linear regression (OLS).
- 3.Operate a statistical package for data management and statistical analysis.
- 4.Conduct more advanced statistical analysis which is useful in the academic career, financial industries, marketing and consulting.
- MGCS 5012Quantitative Analysis of Social Data[2-1-0:3]Prerequisite(s)MGCS 5010 OR SOSC 5090 OR MASS 5020DescriptionThis course covers diverse types of social data and a wide variety of analytical strategies. It begins by reviewing a broad array of sources and types of data commonly used by social scientists, including social "big data" from surveys and administrative sources. It then introduces basic techniques for data management, including the use of relational databases, and alternative strategies for analyzing such data. Afterwards, it explores "unconventional" types of social data such as social networks and non-structured texts, and relevant analytical strategies. Finally, the course provides a brief introduction to data visualization.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the major types of data sources and the differences between them with ensuing implications for analytical strategy.
- 2.Operate the data management involving various data types and techniques.
- 3.Classify the analytical strategies targeting different data types.
- 4.Implement alternative approaches to data analysis from a social scientific perspective.
- MGCS 5020Chinese Social Stratification in Comparative Perspective[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5710 (prior to 2017-18), MASS 5030DescriptionThis is a graduate seminar for reading and discussing scholarly works on inequality and stratification in China, with a focus on changes in the post-Mao era. The general materials on social stratification and mobility, when relevant, will also be discussed to stimulate ideas and finally lead to empirical research papers on China.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Critically assess the scholarly work on social stratification and mobility in China from a comparative perspective.
- 2.Recognize both long term trajectory of research and most recent themes and findings in the study of Chinese stratification.
- 3.Stimulate ideas through discussion and write an empirical research paper analyzing issues related to socioeconomic inequalities in contemporary China.
- MGCS 5021Reform and Social Conflicts in Contemporary China[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5480, MASS 5060DescriptionThis course discusses political participation and political changes in contemporary China by focusing on popular contention. It addresses the rise, development, and consequences of social protests in China by referring to existing theories on contentious politics and collective action.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the difficulties and possibilities of reform in Chinese political system.
- 2.Explain theories on social movements and contentious politics.
- 3.Explain and analyze the political logic behind regime resilience in China.
- 4.Enhance communication skills in writing and oral presentations through class presentations, discussions, and term papers.
- MGCS 5022Political Economy of China[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5140, SOSC 5210 (prior to 2014-15), SOSC 5430 (prior to 2017-18), SOSC 5480, SOSC 5720DescriptionThis course provides an overview of the trajectory of China’s political and economic development since 1949 and examines the driving forces behind pivotal events/developments (e.g., the socialist transformation in the 1950s, the Cultural Revolution spanning 1966-1976, and the start of economic reforms in 1978) and fundamentals trends of change (e.g., post-revolution industrialization, and post-Mao marketization, internationalization, and privatization).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Distinguish between the empirical and analytic contributions of research on China's political economy.
- 2.Diagram the (intended) casual arguments in political science scholarship.
- 3.Identify competing explanations for a particular phenomenon in China's political economy.
- 4.Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of studies concerning China's political economy.
- 5.Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
- 6.Write critical memos that go beyond mere summary of assigned readings.
- 7.Develop, research, and write a research paper informed by questions that have both analytic and empirical relevance.
- MGCS 5024China in Comparative Perspective[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 6030EReading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis course explores the empirical and analytic value of studying China in comparative perspective. General comparative method and approaches that have been used to explain politics in modern China will be reviewed. The course also considers how the study of China can contribute to concept formation and broader debates in social science.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Acquire a clear view of the unique ways by which Chinese society has been structured and organized
- 2.Understand the institutional parameters that have defined and redefined authority relations in social life since 1949
- 3.Critique major works on social change in China from a comparative perspective
- MGCS 5032Ethnicity in Chinese Context[3-0-0:3]Reading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis course explores the issue of ethnicity in China in the context of a nation-state. Issues of nationalism, ethnic identities, and ethnic diversity will be examined from anthropological perspectives. Ethnicity has become an important socio-cultural institution in China. This course explores issues of identity construction, ethnic classification system and local reactions in Chinese society. Historical changes and contemporary development of the phenomenon of ethnicity will be examined in anthropological perspectives.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the major ethnic issues such as identity formation, ethnic classification system, ethnic relations, assimilation, social conflicts, nation-building, and ethnic hierarchy.
- 2.Use appropriate approaches to study the multiethnic history of Chinese society, the Communist and Western theories on nationality and ethnicity, and the formation of distinctive minority cultures in the context of the Chinese nation-state.
- 3.Recognize ethnic diversity in Chinese society.
- MGCS 5033Accommodating the Provocative Others: Translation and Cultural Encounters between China and the West[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course will delve into concepts of translation and travel as complex literary and cultural practices, examining them against the backdrop of cross-cultural exchanges between China and its foreign "others" through the selection of literary texts and films. Some specific topics for discussion include how translations of Western literature impacted Chinese literature and culture and how Western canons exerted influence and were reinterpreted in China. Also on the agenda will be discussions of the translation and appropriation of Chinese culture in the Western context. Students will be guided to engage in critical thinking on the literary and cultural issues of (un)translatability and (in)communicability in the present age of globalization and cultural hybridity.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the concept of cultural translation and critically analyze significant cultural communications between China and the West.
- 2.Explain literary text and cultural events in modern and contemporary China from both global and local perspectives.
- 3.Effectively and appropriately apply the insights to practical analysis of contemporary situations and communicate them in written papers and reports in English to both non-expert and expert readers.
- 4.Persuasively and appropriately communicate when presenting and discussing sources and ideas with both non-expert and expert audiences and discussants.
- MGCS 5034Chinese Creative Writing: Reading Literary Classics, Writing Essays and Novels[3-0-0:3]Medium of Instruction[PU] PutonghuaReading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis course introduces selective Western and Chinese literary classics, literary novels and basic literary theories, and provides students with a forum for extended practice in the art of creative writing. It is designed for students who have little or no previous experience writing literary texts in a particular genre. Introductory workshops introduce students to a variety of technical and imaginative concerns through exercises, readings, and discussions. In addition to weekly reading literary classics, this course will especially focus on writing literary essays and novels in Chinese.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Interpret and write literary essays.
- 2.Master the essence of literary creative writing.
- 3.Express their own creativity in the genre of literary essays and fiction.
- 4.Evaluate basic literary trends.
- 5.Analyze masterpieces of world literature and Chinese literature.
- MGCS 5035China Studies and Creativity: Entering the Minds of Composers[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThrough a progressive series of composition projects inspired by the operatic adaptation of the classical Chinese Novel, Dream of the Red Chamber, students will learn the organizational skill of musical composition and performance, focusing on the basics of unity and variety, promoting students’ understanding of humanistic experiences, creativity and emotion from a Chinese and global cultural context.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the nature of music composition.
- 2.Explain music and creativity from a global China perspective.
- 3.Express and cultivate their own creativity.
- 4.Analyze musical ideas from a variety of contemporary global sources.
- 5.Evaluate music and creativity from an active, contemporary perspective.
- MGCS 5036Western Opera and Asia[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000EDescriptionFor almost four hundred years opera was the dominant form of public entertainment as well as the pinnacle of musical and theatrical arts in the West. This course aims to make opera more enjoyable and understandable and to look at depictions and representations of Asian cultures in traditional Western opera across various cultures and time periods. This course will briefly examine the development of Western opera and their related literary texts and then closely discuss selected operas that depict Asian exoticism. By watching and analyzing opera, the students will learn to understand the relationship between music, literature, drama, and culture and also come to understand how these works promoted either a common cultural understanding or a reductionist or even prejudiced viewpoint with regard to Asia. Prior knowledge or experience of Western opera or classical music is not required.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the development of Western opera.
- 2.Explain the interrelationship between music, literature, drama and culture.
- 3.Identify the elements of exoticism and depictions of Asia in Western opera.
- 4.Analyze the structure of scenes.
- 5.Critique production quality.
- 6.Coordinate team activities.
- 7.Give and take direction and constructive criticism.
- MGCS 6000Special Topics[3-0-0:3]DescriptionCoherent collection of topics selected from Global China Studies. The course may be repeated for credit if the topics studied are different. (Some of the Special Topic courses may require students to read materials in Chinese. Students who have difficulty reading materials in Chinese should consult the instructor concerned prior to enrolling in these courses.)Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop a global or/and local perspectives on China's past and present.
- MGCS 6200Independent Study[3 credits]DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. Students are required to conduct an independent study in a designated subject under the supervision of a faculty member. It may require readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of research paper(s).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Examine a specific topic in Global China Studies.
- 2.Read academic articles critically.
- 3.Write academic articles effectively.
- MGCS 6980Research Project in Global China Studies I[6 credits]DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. This course provides a skill-based training in an independent research project on chosen topic conducted under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. The student is required to complete a research prospectus and an oral research prospectus examination. The prospectus should be a research plan that (a) clearly articulates a problem in a way that (b) displays the student's knowledge of the problem's place in the corresponding research area and of the attempts to resolve the problem and (c) gives as clear an indication as the student can give of how he/she intends to organize the research paper, and of what he/she expects his/her contribution to be, that is, of what he/she can add to the existing literature.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop research and academic-writing skills for further study.
- 2.Apply knowledge and skills accumulated in prior coursework studies into practical researches.
- 3.Design, develop and conduct a research in their chosen fields.
- MGCS 6981Research Experience in Global China Studies[1 credit]DescriptionThis course enables students to experience conducting research on a chosen topic under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. Approval from faculty supervisor(s) is required. The student is required to submit a written report upon completion of this course.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify their research interests.
- 2.Evaluate their own potentials in academic researches.
- 3.Generate new ideas for potential future researches.
- MGCS 6982Research Project in Global China Studies II[6 credits]Prerequisite(s)MGCS 6980DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. This course provides a skill-based training in an independent research project on chosen topic conducted under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. The student is required to complete a concrete and coherent research paper with oral defense as part of the research project.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop research and academic-writing skills for further study.
- 2.Apply knowledge and skills accumulated in prior coursework studies into practical researches.
- 3.Design, develop and conduct a research in their chosen fields.
