Undergraduate Courses 2021-22
LANG
Language
Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [ONL] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or pure online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.
- LANG 1002English for University Studies I3 Credit(s)Exclusion(s)IELTS - Band 7 or above in overall and Band 6.5 or above in each part of the test or equivalentDescriptionThe course aims to develop students' proficiency in English as well as their academic literacy skills, so that they can cope with the linguistic demands of studying through the medium of English. The course aims to develop students' competence in academic writing and their ability to engage in oral interaction in social and academic contexts. For students under the four-year degree curriculum.
- LANG 1003English for University Studies II3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1002Exclusion(s)IELTS - Band 7 or above in overall and Band 6.5 or above in each part of the test or equivalentDescriptionThe course builds on LANG 1002 and aims to further develop students' proficiency in English as well as their academic literacy skills, so that they can cope with the linguistic demands of studying through the medium of English. The course aims to develop students' competence in reading and writing, as well as the ability to engage in oral interaction in social and academic contexts. For students under the four-year degree curriculum.
- LANG 1004Mediated Me: An Introduction to Digital Literacy3 Credit(s)Mode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionThis introductory course will help students explore the impact of digital media texts (such as podcasts, wikis, and social media like YouTube) on academic, professional and social communication practices. The course will enable students to be: critical of current digital communication practices; reflective of their communication and participation through digital media; aware of how digital communication can impact language delivery; and reflective of their English language development. To achieve this, the course guides students in developing basic knowledge of digital literacy theories and practices and to produce their own digital media texts for English communicative purposes. Students will undertake authentic tasks related to their academic and future careers that enables them to achieve the necessary communication skills in a digital world.
- LANG 1005Expressive Clarity4 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)Grade B+ or above in LANG 1003 OR Level 5 or above in HKDSE English LanguageDescriptionThis course aims to develop students' English communication skills beyond basic language accuracy (e.g. grammar and pronunciation) through the adoption of an online active learning platform. In order to better equip students for their academic and professional careers, this course will focus on communication competencies related to critical thinking, oral presentations, reading and writing, medium and style. Students will develop an understanding of why style and rhetoric matter and learn how to use effective word choice, phrasing, sentence structure, and tone across a variety of mediums.
- LANG 1006The Art of Public Speaking3 Credit(s)Medium of Instruction[EN] Taught in Eng/Chin subject to diff. offerings
[PU] Putonghua
[CA] CantoneseMode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionThis introductory course in public speaking is delivered in two complementary stages. The first, presented in a blended learning environment, will help students to understand some basic terms, concepts and theories applicable to the art of public speaking. The second part of the course consists of small-class face to face tutorials and will have a practical focus. In this part of the course, students will be guided from the theoretical introduction to the practical work of composing and delivering two public speeches. The first speech will be of a knowledge sharing character and the second, longer, speech will be a persuasive public speech. The medium of instruction of the first part of the course will be English, and for the second part of the course, Cantonese, English or Putonghua will be used, depending on the target language chosen by students. Graded P or F. - LANG 1113Effective Chinese Communication3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)Level 3 in HKDSE ChineseExclusion(s)Level 4 or above in HKDSE Chinese, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118, LANG 1120, LANG 1121, LANG 1122, LANG 1123, LANG 1124, LANG 1125, LANG 1126, LANG 1127DescriptionThis course seeks to enhance the market competitiveness of HKUST graduates by making them effective users of spoken Putonghua and Standard Written Chinese in meeting communicative needs in academic, social and professional contexts. The course materials and activities help students acquire fluency and accuracy in the use of Chinese by engaging them in authentic communication tasks based on real-life situations and needs. Students' mastery of Putonghua phonology and Chinese syntax and lexis will also be enhanced through in-class teaching and outside class practice.
- LANG 1117Advanced Chinese Communication3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)Level 4 or above in HKDSE ChineseExclusion(s)LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1118, LANG 1120, LANG 1121, LANG 1122, LANG 1123, LANG 1124, LANG 1125, LANG 1126, LANG 1127DescriptionThis course seeks to advance the Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing abilities of local Hong Kong students who have attained a reasonably high standard in Chinese language on leaving secondary schools. The course materials and learning tasks help students to engage in rigorous intellectual analysis of academic and socio-economic issues and formulate coherent arguments for Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing in demanding situations such as participation in public fora and writing critical essays for publication in the media.
- LANG 1118Enhanced Chinese Communication3 Credit(s)Exclusion(s)Level 3 in HKDSE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1120, LANG 1121, LANG 1122, LANG 1123, LANG 1124, LANG 1125, LANG 1126, LANG 1127DescriptionThis course seeks to enhance the Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing abilities of students who have typically undergone schooling in a Chinese language community. Learning tasks and activities on this course further challenges students to aim at very high levels in terms of precision of expression in writing and expressiveness and persuasiveness in speaking. The learning experience will also sharpen the students' awareness of style and tone and context of situation.
- LANG 1120Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I3 Credit(s)Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionIntroduction to Chinese language and culture; basic understanding of Putonghua phonology and Chinese syntax; basic communicative competence in Chinese; recognition of high‐frequency Chinese characters. The course is restricted to students with non‐Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds.
- LANG 1121Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students II3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1120Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, and takes students to a higher level of understanding of Putonghua phonology and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in daily and social situations. The course is restricted to students with non‐Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 50 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.
- LANG 1122Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students III3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1121Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120 and LANG 1121, and takes students to a higher level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in daily, social and professional situations. The course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 100 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.
- LANG 1123Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students IV3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1122Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122, and takes students to an intermediate level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social, professional and business situations. The course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 150 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.
- LANG 1124Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students V3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1123Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, and takes students to an intermediate-high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 200 hours of prior Chinese learning experience may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.
- LANG 1125Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students VI3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1124Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, and LANG 1124, and takes students to an intermediate-high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 250 hours of prior Chinese learning experience may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.
- LANG 1126Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students VII3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1125Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, LANG 1124 and LANG 1125, and takes students to a high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 300 hours of prior Chinese learning experience may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.
- LANG 1127Chinese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students VIII3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1126Exclusion(s)HKDSE/HKALE/HKCEE/JEE Chinese, LANG 1113, LANG 1114 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1115 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1116 (prior to 2017-18), LANG 1117, LANG 1118DescriptionThis course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, LANG 1124, LANG 1125 and LANG 1126, and takes students to a high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 350 hours of prior Chinese learning experience may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.
- LANG 1130Cantonese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I3 Credit(s)DescriptionThis course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds who are beginners in the learning of Cantonese. It equips students with Cantonese communicative competence necessary for living and net-working in Hong Kong, thus facilitating their smooth integration into the local community. The learning activities involve developing students' listening and speaking skills in an attempt to build learners' confidence and fluency in using Cantonese for daily communication.
- LANG 1133Cantonese for Chinese Language Background Students I3 Credit(s)DescriptionThis course is restricted to students with Chinese language backgrounds who are beginners in the learning of Cantonese. It equips students with Cantonese communicative competence necessary for living and net-working in Hong Kong, thus facilitating their smooth integration into the local community. The learning activities involve developing students' listening and speaking skills in an attempt to build learners' confidence and fluency in using Cantonese for daily communication.
- LANG 1210Japanese Language and Related Culture3 Credit(s)DescriptionThis is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of Japanese. It aims to offer students a foundation in Japanese language and related Japanese culture with an emphasis on practical oral communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Japanese on a variety of everyday topics.
- LANG 1310French: World Language and Culture3 Credit(s)DescriptionThis is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of French. It aims to promote an international perspective by helping them acquire the basics of French. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in French on a variety of everyday topics, and have an overview of certain themes in French and Francophone culture which will enhance their knowledge of Europe and the world.
- LANG 1330Spanish and the Other America3 Credit(s)DescriptionThis is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of Spanish. It aims to offer students a foundation in Spanish language and related culture, with an emphasis on practical oral communication. It presents aspects of essential Spanish and Latin American cultures, the flamenco to the salsa, from the temples of the Incas to the architecture of Gaudi. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Spanish on a variety of everyday topics.
- LANG 2010English for Science I3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1003DescriptionAn English course for students of the School of Science. The course introduces students to the language and discourse of science and develops their competence in speaking and writing about scientific topics.
- LANG 2030Technical Communication I3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1003DescriptionThe course provides students with a broad introduction to English within the discipline of engineering. A central aim of the course is to encourage students to analyze critically the wider social implications of engineering products and processes, through the careful examination of texts (and other media) beyond their own specific engineering field and to communicate effectively by delivering oral presentations and writing reports on topics relevant to all engineers.
- LANG 2070English Communication for Humanities and Social Science Studies I3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1003DescriptionRestricted to students in programs offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science. The course is an integrated skills course with a special emphasis on critical reading and thinking. It develops students' ability to understand the nuances of English vocabulary and to assimilate information from different sources for analysis and commentary. The course also hones students' skills in giving effective academic presentations.
- LANG 2082Communication for Environmental Management and Technology I2 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 1003DescriptionThis course aims to develop students’ competence in discipline-related English, specifically communicating topics in the field of Environmental Management and Technology to the general public. Throughout the course, environmental issues will be examined, and students will learn the necessary skills to be applied in weekly communicative tasks and individual spoken and written assessments. For EVMT students only.
- LANG 2083Communication for Environmental Management and Technology II2 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2082DescriptionThis course aims to develop students’ competence in discipline-related English, specifically communicating topics in the field of Environmental Management and Technology to a business audience. Throughout the course, the importance of communication and persuasion will be examined, and students will learn the necessary skills to be applied in weekly communicative tasks, and individual and group assessments. For EVMT students only.
- LANG 2170Chinese Communication Skills for Humanities & Social Science Studies3 Credit(s)DescriptionRestricted to students on the Global China Studies program. The course enables students to achieve thorough comprehension of texts written in Chinese, and prepares them for writing academic papers such as project reports and dissertations, with special attention paid to the demands on students from various Humanities and Social Science disciplines. Students must be able to read and write Chinese.
- LANG 3021Science Communication in English (Mathematics)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010 OR LANG 2030 (for DSCT students only)DescriptionThe course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate mathematical knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain mathematics concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate mathematics notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For MATH and DSCT students only.
- LANG 3022Science Communication in English (Chemistry)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThe course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate chemistry knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to write genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain chemistry concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate chemistry notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For CHEM students only.
- LANG 3023Science Communication in English (Physics)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThe course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate physics knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain physics concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate physics notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For PHYS students only.
- LANG 3024Science Communication in English (Life Science)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThe course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate life science knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain life science concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate life science notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For BCB, BISC and BIOT students only.
- LANG 3025Science Communication in English (Environmental Science)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThe course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate environmental science knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain environmental science concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate environmental science notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For students on programs offered by the Department of Ocean Science.
- LANG 3026Science Communication in English for Research Students (Mathematics and Physics)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThis course offers undergraduate students the opportunity to improve their skills in writing research articles, abstracts, review articles, and other related genres. The course teaches academic writing features and research writing, referencing and editing skills, to help Mathematics/Physics students write up their research project reports professionally. Input on how to write different sections of a scientific research paper will be provided, with illustrations from authentic texts. Students will be guided to complete their individual reports by exploring the research writing conventions of their individual disciplines and will receive feedback on their own writing. Instructor's approval is requirement for enrolment in the course. For IRE students and students doing research projects in MATH and PHYS only.
- LANG 3027Science Communication in English for Research Students (Chemistry, Life Science and Ocean Science)3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2010DescriptionThis course offers undergraduate students the opportunity to improve their skills in writing research articles, abstracts, review articles, and other related genres. The course teaches academic writing features and research writing, referencing and editing skills, to help Chemistry/Life Science/Ocean Science students write up their research project reports professionally. Input on how to write different sections of a scientific research paper will be provided, with illustrations from authentic texts. Students will be guided to complete their individual reports by exploring the research writing conventions of their individual disciplines and will receive feedback on their own writing. Instructor's approval is requirement for enrolment in the course. For IRE students and students doing research projects in CHEM, LIFS and OCES only.
- LANG 3070English Communication for Humanities and Social Science Studies II3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2070DescriptionRestricted to students on programs offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science. The course builds on the critical reading and thinking skills students have developed, and prepares them for writing up long documents such as project reports and dissertations, with special attention paid to the demands on students from various Humanities and Social Science disciplines.
- LANG 3081Communication for Environmental Management and Technology III2 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2083DescriptionThe course aims to develop students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project proposals, reports and presentations. For EVMT students only.
- LANG 4030Technical Communication II for CSE, CPEG & DSCT3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030 OR LANG 2010 (for DSCT only)Corequisite(s)(For COMP, CPEG and DSCT students) COMP 4910 OR COMP 4981 OR COMP 4981H OR CPEG 4901 OR CPEG 4902; (For COSC students) NilDescriptionA one-term, major-specific language course for CSE students, and for CPEG and DSCT students undertaking a CSE Final Year Project or Final Year Thesis. The course focuses on report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to the disciplines.
- LANG 4031Technical Communication II for ECE & CPEG3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030Corequisite(s)ELEC 4900 OR ELEC 4901 OR ELEC 4910 OR CPEG 4911 OR CPEG 4912DescriptionA one-term, major-specific language course for all ECE students and for all CPEG students undertaking an ECE Final Year Project. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations and communication in professional contexts relevant to ECE and CPEG.
- LANG 4032Technical Communication II for IEDA and ISDN3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030DescriptionA one-term, major-specific language course for students in IEDA and ISDN. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations and appropriate communication strategies and language use in professional contexts relevant to the disciplines. For IEDA and ISDN students in their third or fourth year of study only.
- LANG 4033Technical Communication II for Civil and Environmental Engineering3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030DescriptionA one-term, major-specific language course for all students of the CIVL Department undertaking the Final Year Project and Capstone Project. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to the CIVL Capstone Project. For CIVL and CIEV students in their third or fourth year of study only.
- LANG 4034Technical Communication II for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030Corequisite(s)MECH 3690 OR MECH 3830DescriptionA one-term, major-specific course for all Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students. The course focuses on academic speaking and writing skills for laboratory report writing and the Final Year Design Project. For MAE students only.
- LANG 4035Technical Communication II for Chemical and Biological Engineering3 Credit(s)Prerequisite(s)LANG 2030DescriptionA one-term, major-specific course for all students in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to chemical and biological engineering. For CBE students in their third or fourth year of study only.
- LANG 4070Academic Writing in Context - Global China Studies1 Credit(s)Corequisite(s)SHSS 4991 OR SHSS 4992DescriptionThis is a course with a special delivery mode -- a combination of input sessions plus highly individualized assistance provided for students to address their specific writing needs, dictated by students' choices of topics in particular areas of Global China Studies. For GCS students only.