Undergraduate Courses 2021-22

a) Under a policy approved by the Senate, exceptions to the general University policy stating that English is the medium of instruction will be permitted when the courses are related to the area of Chinese studies and are approved by the School of Humanities and Social Science. Courses approved to be taught in Chinese carry a [PU] or [CA] notation in the course description, which indicates the spoken language used in teaching: [PU] stands for Putonghua; and [CA] for Cantonese.

b) 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. For undergraduate courses, alternative English reading materials may be provided.

c) Some courses may use different medium of instruction/materials, either in Chinese or English, for different sections. They will be denoted by a combination of [CA], [PU], [C] and [EN]. Students will need to check the medium of instruction/materials to be used before course enrollment.

d) Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [SPO] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or self-paced online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• SOSC 1000-1010

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Focuses on a coherent collection of topics selected from social science. May be repeated for credit, if the topics studied are different. May be graded by letter, P/F for different offerings.
• SOSC 1100

  Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Research I

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This course focuses on practical aspects and implementation of social data analysis by introducing basic yet hands-on techniques for presenting, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data, many of which are rarely taught in a regular statistics course. It is deliberately designed as complementary to a formal and theoretically-oriented introductory statistics course. This course introduces basic knowledge about quantitative data analysis from a social scientific perspective, from data generating processes to causal inference. Devoted computing sessions, a signature feature of the course, demonstrate hands-on techniques, such as data extraction, data management, variable manipulation, and descriptive analysis. Students will have the chance to implement ideas and methods from the lectures through in-class exercises, as well as a project, by applying what they learn to real-world data. Upon completion of the course, students should have acquired useful skills for social data analysis as well as a better understanding of quantitative social scientific research.
• SOSC 1130

  Science, Technology and Business

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  MGCS 5023

  Description

  Examines the relationship between science, technology and business. Course topics include: economic and business dimensions of technology and innovation, business strategies for science and technology, and technology management.
• SOSC 1150

  Science, Technology and Work

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The course examines the growing integration of science and technology in our workplaces, the impact of science and technology on the direction of work, the workplace and even capitalism itself. The course investigates how science and technology have been key factors in shaping work since at least the beginning of factory production and generally explores the interactions between science, technology and work since that period. By surveying a range of topics and readings from history, sociology and anthropology of the workplace, this course also includes comparative discussions of science and technology as it is integrated into the workplace in industry as compared to the services.
• SOSC 1190

  China and the World: China's Development in Historical and Comparative Perspectives

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  In order to help the students better understand the causes and consequences of the economic development in contemporary China, this course examines this phenomenon from both historical and comparative perspectives. The course starts by reviewing the formation of a vibrant market economy in China from 1700 onward and introduce progress made in the studies of Chinese economic history. This historical background is important to view the socio-economic characteristics of the pre-1949 Chinese society and their relevance to modern economic growth. This course also exposes the students to the basic concepts and analytic tools in political economy such as market economy, the state, conflict of interests, correlation and causality, and selection bias. This illustrates the importance of causal explanations in social scientific inquiry and encourages students to compare it with similar causal reasoning in science and engineering.
• SOSC 1200

  Quantitative Social Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This survey course introduces students to quantitative social analysis by showing how such techniques are used to examine important social science topics as health, business, education, inequality, family and kinship, careers, crime, migration, and economic, social and political change. For these and other topics, the class presents examples of classic as well recent studies that make exemplary use of data and methods, and which have advanced our understanding of the relevant phenomena. The class will also introduce the major sources of data for quantitative social analysis, with an emphasis on ones that are publicly available. Along the way, students will learn about the differences between the concerns, paradigms, and methodologies of the major social science disciplines. Strengths and limitations of quantitative techniques for the study of social phenomenon will be discussed, as will the relationship of quantitative approaches to other methodologies.
• SOSC 1210

  First-Year Seminar for Quantitative Social Analysis

  1 Credit(s)
  Co-list with

  SHSS 1010

  Description

  This two-semester induction course is designed to facilitate the transition of Quantitative Social Analysis (QSA) students into university life. For QSA students only.
• SOSC 1270

  International Law

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  International law (IL) is a system of principles than govern relations among states and the human rights of individuals. It is mainly studied through analyzing international agreements (treaties), customs and court decisions. The topics taught in this course are the same as those taught in almost all introductory IL courses everywhere in the world, including the history and sources of IL, states and international organizations; human rights; sea, air and space law; environmental law; the use of force; and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Many of the topics are frequently discussed in the mass media and concern events of world-wide importance.
• SOSC 1300

  The World of Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course is designed to provide a general understanding of political science as a field of study and to review the basic features and problems of political systems, processes, and international relations.
• SOSC 1350

  Contemporary China: Continuity and Change

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces students to the major developments and changes in China since 1949 from a multidisciplinary social science perspective. It reviews the transformative and developmental strategies in the spheres of politics, economics, society and external relations during that historical epoch. It critically examines change and continuity over three periods, namely 1949-1977 or the Mao years, 1978-1989, the earlier reform and open-up years, and 1989-present, the post-Tiananmen years.
• SOSC 1400

  Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 2300

  Description

  The Greater Bay Area (GBA) of Guangdong Province is rapidly evolving to be one of the world's largest and most important mega-city regions. Hong Kong has been critical to the GBA's development and the progress of Hong Kong and the region will continue to be intertwined. This course invites students to explore the strengths and weaknesses of individual cities of the GBA and to understand the cultural, economic, political and urban forces that link the cities together and connect the region to the world. Throughout the course we compare the evolution the GBA to other megacity regions in order to better understand the challenges the region faces and to gauge the region's progress.
• SOSC 1420

  Poverty

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course is an analysis of poverty, where the focus is on basic poverty measurement (such as Gini coefficient, income percentile, etc), underlying causes of poverty, impact of poverty on society, policy and practice on poverty reduction.
• SOSC 1440

  Introduction to Economics

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  ECON 2103, ECON 2113, ECON 2123, ECON 3113, ECON 3133

  Description

  This course provides an overview of both microeconomics and macroeconomics. It demonstrates how tools of economics can be applied for analyzing socioeconomic changes and the effects of government policies. Topics for the applications are China-related and carry global relevance.
• SOSC 1450

  Introduction to Comparative Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [SPO] Self-paced online delivery

  Description

  This course is designed to expose students with a broad survey of the important issues in the study of comparative politics. It will provide students with a set of commonly used concepts in understanding politics around the world and teach students the statistical skills to compare different political systems with quantitative data. The course is organized around major problems and concepts in comparative politics rather than around particular countries. The topics include comparative methodology, public policy, political economy, political communication, democracy and authoritarianism, ideology and political culture, nationalism and nation-state, revolution and social movement, political participation and representation, and political institutions. These concepts and themes will help students master more advanced topics in future courses.
• SOSC 1470

  The Political and Economic Development of Modern Japan

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 1000D

  Description

  The rapid economic modernization and building of a modern state in Japan after the Meiji Restoration of 1868 has long been considered a typical case of successful economic and political development. Japan's success has been overwhelmingly attributed to its "learning from the west". The lack of appreciation of Japan's indigenous resources of economic and political development achieved before the coming of Westerners leads to a western-centered view of development. This course aims to place Japan's development after 1868 against the historical background of economic and political development in Tokugawa Japan (1603-1868). Against this historical background, it emphasizes multiple possibilities in the political development of Japan after the Meiji Restoration, foreign aggression was by no means the only path of Japan's political development. Japan's indigenous development of market economy, state-building, and local representative assemblies contribute significantly to Japan's rapid rise as a regional power in 1905 and a world power after 1918. This course will deepen students' knowledge of modern Japan, provide them with the analytic skill and critical thinking over the issue of Japan's political and economic modernization. By highlighting the parallel processes of military development and the development of democracy in Japan between 1895 and 1931, this course will help the students to have a better understanding of the rise and collapse of democracy in pre-Japan. This course will help the students to view the relationship between Japan and China from a historical perspective.
• SOSC 1500

  Sport and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Sports are the highest form of human endeavor. No other activity combines mental and physical capacities, science and creativity, individual and group performance, competition and cooperation with such spontaneity, urgency and excitement. Yet sport can be enjoyed as a recreation or as a spectator. Sports are integral and important to our societies, providing jobs, economic growth, health, identity, national pride, entertainment, leisure, inspiration and accomplishment. And, sports are a very good reason to share a drink after playing or watching. Sports reflect our society, how business is organized and how people's efforts are valued. Sports exhibit advance through merit, but also discrimination, exploitation, gender disparities. They are used to obtain political and economic power. Sports, therefore, are an excellent window into how society works. The course examines the value of sports to society and uses sports to introduce students how the social sciences analyze society, the approaches of the different disciplines and the necessity to take an interdisciplinary approach.
• SOSC 1510

  Politics Through Film

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 1000E

  Description

  This course discusses key concepts in politics using films as course materials. Movies illustrate human lives and feelings in a dramatic way, which often allows us to experience historical events or lives in the other side of the world indirectly. The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the field of political science and key events in political history by watching movies describing them. Often political concepts such as state, democracy, dictatorship, repression and protest, representation, and election, are considered too abstract or too complicated. Addressing those concepts through movies will allow students to understand those concepts with living examples and empathy. The course explores important political topics and themes including political power and election, democracy, protest and repression, media, corruption, and war. By watching movies, attending lectures, and participating in discussions, students not only learn these concepts but also understand that political issues are part of our society and history and have a substantial influence on individual's life.
• SOSC 1661

  Contemporary Hong Kong: Government & Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1662

  Description

  By unfolding the multi-dimensions of Hong Kong 's political system, political culture, and political dynamics before and after its handover, this course aims to review the factors shaping the governance of Hong Kong. Throughout the course, intensive class interaction will be encouraged and multi-media teaching instruments will be adopted to stimulate learning.
• SOSC 1662

  Contemporary Hong Kong: Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1661

  Mode of Delivery

  [SPO] Self-paced online delivery

  Description

  A sociologically informed examination of Hong Kong society. Topics include social change, political, economic and gender inequalities, the rise of the democracy movement, discrimination, consumer culture, identity, intimacy, and family life.
• SOSC 1700

  What Is Democracy?

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces classic theories of democracy from ancient Greece to the contemporary world. It examines both normative justifications and reasoned critiques of democracy. This course will discuss the normative foundations of democracy; the relationship between individual rights and rule by majority; the procedural and substantive aspects of democracy; and how to conceptualize the common good or public interest in democracy. The course thence encourages students to apply their knowledge of democracy to critically evaluate existing political systems and various social issues that they face in everyday life. Through in-depth examination of democracy as a normative value, this course will also guide students to explore possible linkages between democracy and the Chinese political tradition.
• SOSC 1780

  Population and Development in China

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course will first introduce formal demography and population studies as two major parts of demography and then investigate details about measurements about, major patterns of, and explanations to population size, growth, distribution, composition as well as three demographic processes fertility, mortality and migration.
• SOSC 1840

  Government, Law and Society in China

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces to students basic knowledge about the operation of the Chinese legal system or legal institutions. It examines how laws are used in the social, economic, and political activities of the Chinese people.
• SOSC 1850

  Understanding Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course will help students appreciate the power of the sociological imagination in understanding their everyday lives. This is an age in which we tend to explain human behavior in terms of our individual achievements, personalities, and even our genetic make-up. The sociologist, however, looks at human behavior as the product of groups, organizations and culture. In order to master this sociological outlook, the course shall examine a number of topics central to our lives from the point of view of sociological perspectives and methods. These topics will include: culture, deviance, inequality, religion, education, social change and development, gender, intimate relations and the family, and power and politics.
• SOSC 1860

  Population and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This blended learning course introduces the main measures and concepts in the field of international population studies, contemporary issues concerning the interrelationships between population and social and economic development, and examples of applications of a knowledge of population to wider social concerns, and shows how they relate to issues of concern in research, planning and policy development.
• SOSC 1960

  Discovering Mind and Behavior

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces the fundamental scientific knowledge about human thinking and behavior processes, and illustrates the relevance of this knowledge to the betterment of human performance and well-being in a wide variety of settings in the society.
• SOSC 1980

  Psychology of Personal Growth

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces major challenges of adjustment individuals face during their transition to adulthood from a psychological perspective. Topics include self-concept, emotion, coping, romantic love, interpersonal relationships, and workplace issues.
• SOSC 1990

  Research Methods in Psychological Science

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces students to the basic research principles in psychological science. It evaluates various research designs and statistical analyses, and discusses relevant ethical issues encountered in studying human behaviors. Priority will be given to students of the Psychological and Behavioural Science Minor programs.
• SOSC 2000

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Focuses on a coherent collection of topics selected from social science. May be repeated for credit, if the topics studied are different. May be graded by letter, P/F for different offerings.
• SOSC 2120

  The Party-state System in China: Origins and Developments

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course is a comparative and historical study of the most powerful political structure and governing system in modern times. The Party-state system first emerged in the beginning of the 20th century in Russia after the 1917 October Revolution, then inspired parallel political developments in China during the 1920-40s, in Germany during the 1930-40s, and eventually spread to more Central-East European and Asian countries. Special emphasis will be placed on post-1976 China for three reasons basically: the Party-state system therein has been displaying some unique novelties despite the noticeable institutional and structural continuity; the system has been appearing more attractive to some parts of the world community amid the recent economic and financial crises affecting numerous countries; and the system has been exercising growing weight upon the lives and future directions of the Hong Kong population and politics.
• SOSC 2130

  Education and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The course will initiate a sociologically informed conversation about formal education. What forces have shaped current educational practices, and how can they be improved? Does schooling perpetuate inequalities? Why do boys perform so poorly compared to girls in schools? How can ethnic minorities be better served in educational systems? What should be the role of the humanities and creativity in education? How are administrative principles of audit culture, managerialism and performance targets shaping educational institutions? To answer these questions, students will be encouraged to reflect upon their own educational experiences, as well as examine contemporary debates about education at all levels in Hong Kong, and across cultures.
• SOSC 2140

  Research Methods in the Social Sciences

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  The course is designed to assist students in developing a basic understanding of qualitative and quantitative data analysis and interpretation in the social sciences. Background knowledge of statistics is not required for taking this course.
• SOSC 2170

  Environment, Sustainability and Business: A Design Approach

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Product design is the most effective and efficient way for a company to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a sustainable society. In this course, we explore how products (e.g., phones, cars, buildings, community developments, software, and financial services) can be designed for the environment. Students will review existing designs and design their own products according to the parameters of environmental design - product function, profitability, firm strategy, lifecycle impacts, the circular economy, inter-firm relations, and governmental policies.
• SOSC 2210

  Social Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  This course introduces the fundamental concepts and theories in social psychology, a scientific field of study that seeks to understand the nature and causes of individuals' thinking and behavior in social situations.
• SOSC 2240

  Biological Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  This course provides an introduction to the biological approach to psychology. Comparative studies on non-human animals and the issue of genetic inheritance of behavior will be discussed. Emphasis will be placed on key principles of human nervous system function and how they are reflected in human thoughts and behavior. Key topics covered include the organization of the brain, the visual system, how learning and memory occur in the brain, and the cognitive and behavioral consequences of brain injury and disease.
• SOSC 2280

  International Relations of East Asia

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This survey course helps students understand interactions among states in East Asia since WW II. The course presents a multi-tiered conceptual framework to explain current problems in East Asia the key events that have occurred there since WWII. The first part of the course presents an historical survey of the major events in the region. The second part applies theories and approaches from international relations to these events. The third part looks at the key bilateral and multilateral relationships in East Asia. The fourth part analyzes key issues, including the Korean nuclear crisis, potential conflict in the South China Sea, relations between Taiwan and the PRC government, problems related to energy, the environment, migration, and the impact of China’s growth on the region. A simulation game will allow students to engage in a crisis management situation, bring real-time experiences to academic knowledge and demonstrate how theory can be applied understanding foreign policy decision making.
• SOSC 2290

  Understanding Globalization

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course aims to help students learn theories and debates about globalization. The focus will be on economic, political, cultural, and social aspects of globalization. Students will discuss the process and impact of globalization in its various aspects.
• SOSC 2310

  Introductory Environmental and Health Economics

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  ECON 2310, ENVR 2310

  Description

  This course introduces students to basic theories and findings in environmental and health economics. The emphasis is on how the economic models and concepts can be used to analyze environmental and health issues. The course begins with an introduction of theoretical economic concepts and models; then it moves on to several policy-relevant environmental and health topics. Particular issues include externality, common goods and public goods, valuation of environmental goods and health, market failure and health, environmental regulations, pollution and health, and the economics of climate change. For students in their first and second year of study or those with approval from instructor for enrolling in the course.
• SOSC 2320

  Exploring Political Theory

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course offers an introduction to some of the major ideas and issues in political theory. The overarching theme is to explore the relevance of political theory to addressing pressing political issues in today's world. The first part of the course presents a number of classical ideas in political theory, namely political authority and obligation, liberty, equality, justice, and democracy. The second part of the course discusses a selection of contemporary issues through the lens of political theory, including human rights, gender, civil disobedience, political violence, global poverty, and the environment. Students will benefit with the knowledge and skills for comprehending and discussing public affairs in everyday life.
• SOSC 2330

  Environmental Politics and Policy

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 2000D

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This course introduces the various ideas, actors and institutions in environmental politics, as well as their dynamics in shaping environmental policy. The first part of the course presents the competing theoretical foundations for environmental politics and discusses the major forms of collective action. The second part analyzes government's policy responses to environmental activism in the context of capitalist political economy. Students will benefit from the perspectives into managing environmental sustainability through democratic politics and reflecting on the relationship between nature and society.
• SOSC 2400

  Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Research II

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1100

  Description

  This course introduces applied analysis of survey, administrative and other types of data of interest to social science researchers. The course is divided into two parts. The first part deals with statistical inference involved in survey data analysis from a practical perspective. The focus will be on the specification of models including choice of control variables, the interpretation of results, handling missing data, and the challenges posed by reverse causality, omitted variable bias, endogeneity, and other issues that commonly arise in the analysis of social data. The second part introduces analytical strategies for “unconventional” data types, such as social network, web data, and plain texts. Special attention will be given to challenges to social scientists regarding data extraction, data integration, and visualization.
• SOSC 2640

  The Chinese Cultural Revolution: A Case Study in Politico-Social Movements

  3 Credit(s)
  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  This course guides students to explore the causes, processes, and long impact of the Chinese Cultural Revolution (CR) of 1966-76. As one of the most critical periods in China’s 20th century, such a massive sociopolitical upheaval and violence not only caused many deaths, dismantled the bureaucracy and crushed the economy, but also inspired radical politico-social movements in Hong Kong, Western Europe, Japan, North America and etc. Firsthand sources and accounts on the CR will be examined together with scholarly studies concerning the CR and the 20th century radicalism worldwide.
• SOSC 2740

  Gender and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course studies how pervasive gender is in organizing our social life. We shall examine how gender organizes everything from our sense of personal identity to our daily face-to-face interactions, and how gender is embedded in institutions such as the family, labor market, media, and the state. The aim is to introduce students to a sociological perspective of thinking about gender.
• SOSC 2780

  Modernization and Social Change

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course is designed to acquaint students with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of modernization and social change. Development experiences from both developing and developed countries will be used as examples to illustrate the merits and shortcomings of different theoretical perspectives in the field of modernization and social change.
• SOSC 2888

  Special Topics in Psychology

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Selected topics of current interest in psychology. The course aims to broaden students' exposure to a broad range of topics within the psychology discipline. The course may be repeated for credit if the topics studied are different. Graded letter grade or P/F subject to different offerings.
• SOSC 2980

  Personality Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  This course surveys the principal approaches to studying personality and examines relevant modern research.
• SOSC 2990

  Developmental Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Developmental psychology is the scientific study of how we grow and change over the lifespan. This course will guide students to investigate physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development from infancy to late adulthood from a psychological perspective. Students should complete the course with a deeper understanding of key theories, research methods, and research findings on human development.
• SOSC 3000

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Focuses on a coherent collection of topics selected from social science. May be repeated for credit, if the topics studied are different. May be graded by letter, P/F for different offerings.
• SOSC 3001

  Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SHSS 3001

  Exclusion(s)

  MGCS 5001

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  The purpose of this course is to summarize some of the new directions in Chinese history and Chinese social science during the last two decades. The course eschews the standard chronological narrative arc for an analytic approach that focuses on specific data sets and distinguishes between data measurement and the production of new facts, and how these new facts complicate our understanding of current social theories. The primary motivation for this course design is to stimulate critical thinking, and to encourage students to question received wisdom.
• SOSC 3010

  Special Topics

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Focuses on a coherent collection of topics selected from social science. May be repeated for credit, if the topics studied are different.
• SOSC 3110

  Innovation and Technology in Hong Kong

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Exploration of Hong Kong’s technology policy with special focus on government and quasi-government initiatives in research, education, and technology promotion.
• SOSC 3120

  Economic Development

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  ECON 4434

  Description

  This course examines the economic situations of low and middle-income economies, considering many important topics in the field of development economics. It addresses questions such as what factors help explain why some countries are rich and others poor and whether economic policies can affect these factors. We will study key aspects of life for poor households in the developing world, such as inequality, gender and the intra-household division of resources, education, child labor, health, savings and credit, institutions and globalization. Students will also study recent research in the field and examine empirical evidence on these topics. Prior knowledge in introductory economics and basic statistics is beneficial.
• SOSC 3130

  Hong Kong Culture

  3 Credit(s)
  Medium of Instruction

  [CA] Cantonese

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  Explores Hong Kong identity and urban space in the local-national-global nexus, the city's changing political cultures as well as various forms of cultural politics in civil society.
• SOSC 3180

  Political Issues in Hong Kong from a Comparative Perspective

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course focuses on the critical issues regarding the government and politics of Hong Kong from a comparative perspective. The topics include Hong Kong's democratization, social and political movements, changing political culture, interaction between Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, as well as Hong Kong in global politics. The topics may change in accordance with the evolving political dynamics and contexts of Hong Kong. The course aims at providing in-depth study of issues critical to the development of Hong Kong. Documentary movies and critical debates are extensively used in seminars. Site-visits may also be made whenever they are appropriate.
• SOSC 3240

  Application of Geographical Information Systems

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course provides students with comprehensive knowledge of Geographical Information Systems including basic concepts, software and functions, data and application to social science and other fields.
• SOSC 3250

  Gender and Development

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Girls and women in developing countries suffer multiple deprivations through the interacting effects of poverty and gender discrimination. This course aims to help students develop an understanding of the interactions between gender and development through a study of theoretical frameworks as well as a discussion of practical case studies. Students will compare different approaches to gender and development and will learn about various strategies for empowering women in developing countries - such as improving their access to credit, giving them cash transfers and increasing their political participation. By the end of the course, students should be able to critically analyze developmental policies and interventions through a gender lens.
• SOSC 3260

  Sustainability Science: Policy Problems and Perspectives

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 3000H

  Description

  Sustainability problems pose difficult challenges because of their complexity and uncertainty in both the technical and political realms. The goal of the course is to explore how students can make use of interdisciplinary approaches to be effective in the design and implementation of solutions that impact both society and environment. Students will work to understand complex issues and engage analytically with a range of materials. The course will introduce the core concepts of sustainability science, and apply them to real problems such as climate change, urbanization, air pollution, and food production.
• SOSC 3280

  Methods for Demographic Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces demographic methods, with an emphasis on application. Methods for demographic analysis of population data will be introduced with a focus on real-world applications and hands-on practice. Topics covered include the fundamental building blocks of measurement; the differences between period and cohort measures; means of measuring population change, population aging, fertility, migration, and mortality (including standardization); constructing and interpreting life tables and making population projections. We will also explore qualitatively the variation in such measurements in different parts of the world.
• SOSC 3410

  East Asian Economic Development

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course examines East Asia's economic development using theoretical concepts of development economics that range from classical to developmentalist and neoclassical theories. It also covers a number of concepts and events specific to East Asian economies, including the East Asian "development miracle", the role of government in East Asia's economic development, demographic change, cultural idiosyncracies, regional production networks, and differences in the development strategies and development paths of East Asian countries.
• SOSC 3520

  Understanding Comparative Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Compares the political systems of democratic, socialist and authoritarian regimes, by looking at Canada/U.S., China/Former Soviet Union, and Egypt. Course teaches the comparative method and policy analysis. Key issues include state formation, political leadership, political culture, political participation, political conflict, political institutions, and political processes and policy making.
• SOSC 3530

  Social Movements and Contentious Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces to students theories about social movements and contentious politics, with reference to empirical cases that have occurred in China, Hong Kong, and other countries or areas. It will discuss various issues in social movements and protests, including the role of grievances, issue framing, political opportunities, leadership, mobilization of participants, protest tactics, response of the targeted authority, and protest outcomes.
• SOSC 3540

  Environmental Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  This course examines the transactions between humans and the physical environment from a psychological perspective. It discusses how human behavior is affected by, and affects, the built and natural surroundings. It also explores the human dimension of environmental issues.
• SOSC 3550

  Educational Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 2960

  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Educational Psychology relates the fields of psychology and education with one another, examining the theories, research methods, and research findings on human development, learning, and instruction. Topics covered include cognitive, language, and literacy development; social, moral, and emotional development; effective teaching and learning strategies; individual differences in learning; assessment of learning; and educational issues currently relevant in the Hong Kong society. This course is appropriate for those who are interested in a career in teaching, but also for those who are interested in understanding how development occurs across the lifespan and becoming more efficient learners, both inside and outside of the classroom.
• SOSC 3600

  Public Policy Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces students to conceptual frameworks and analytical techniques in approaching various contemporary public policy issues, such as ageing, urbanization, technological innovations, and security. It will help students understand how policies are made, implemented and evaluated in the real world; and how analytical techniques and tools can generate more effective policy interventions. Strong emphasis will be given to the learning and application of analytical techniques widely used in the practices of policy analysis, such as stakeholder analysis, cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria analysis, and randomized control trials.
• SOSC 3630

  Democracy and Democratization around the World

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Based on single-country and cross-national research, this course includes some issues concerning democracy and democratization around the world. It will start with helping students understand the debates on the definitions of democracy and explore their implications. The course will then examine empirically the consequences of democracy and thereby debate on the alleged strengths and weaknesses of democracy. The course will also introduce the global expansion of democracies since the late twentieth century. It will analyze the causes of global democratization from various perspectives. Lastly, it will examine the factors shaping democratic stability from various approaches.
• SOSC 3700

  Quantitative Social Analysis Practicum

  1 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 2400

  Description

  The course is intended to prepare students for the Quantitative Social Analysis Capstone Project by giving them practical experience in the quantitative analysis of social data by independently applying skills acquired in their required and elective methods courses. Students will either conduct a small research project related to the theme of a topical course in the Division of Social Science in which they are concurrently enrolled, or complete an internship that involves application of skills learned in their methods courses. Enrolled students will meet as a class at regular intervals during the semester and submit a final report. Students who plan to carry out a project are expected to be simultaneously enrolled in a topical Social Science course. Graded P or F. May be only taken twice. For QSA students only. Instructor's approval is required for enrolling in the course.
• SOSC 3720

  Introduction to Social Network Analysis

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 3000G

  Description

  This course familiarizes students with the basic concepts of Social Network Analysis, their application in different Social Science fields, and teaches them how to analyse network data using open-source software. The course consists both of lectures and applied exercises, the latter culminating in a group project. Knowledge of basic statistics is recommended, but not required for this course.
• SOSC 3880

  Social Inequality and Social Mobility

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Social stratification concerns the unequal distribution of resources/rewards/opportunities which are scarce but widely desired, and the process of status attainment or social mobility whereby some persons or groups come to receive more of these scarce things than are received by others. This course will introduce the basic concepts and theories in analyzing social and economic inequalities in the contemporary world.
• SOSC 3888

  Special Topics in Psychology

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Selected topics of current interest in psychology. The course aims to broaden students' exposure to a broad range of topics within the psychology discipline. The course may be repeated for credit if the topics studied are different. Graded letter grade or P/F subject to different offerings.
• SOSC 3900

  Abnormal Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 2970

  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Abnormal psychology is the scientific study of psychopathology and abnormal behavior. This course introduces theories, research methods, and the most updated research findings in the field of abnormal psychology. Students will be introduced to various types of psychological disorders, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, somatoform disorders, sex-related disorders, etc. They will also learn about the diagnosis, causes, maintenance, and treatment of major psychological disorders from an integrative perspective.
• SOSC 3990

  Health Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980

  Description

  Health psychology is the scientific study of how biological, psychological, and social factors affect health promotion as well as the prevention and treatment of illness. We look at how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they cope and recover when they are ill. This course is intended to introduce students to the theoretical models, research methodology, empirical findings, and current issues in health psychology. Students should complete the course with a fundamental knowledge in this young and exciting field of study.
• SOSC 4000

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Focuses on a coherent collection of topics in social science at an advanced undergraduate level. May be repeated for credit, if the topics studied are different. Prerequisites may be required for specific topics. May be graded by letter, P/F for different offerings.
• SOSC 4100

  Research Pro-seminar

  1 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 3700

  Description

  This course is intended for students to share and develop ideas for the purpose of the prospective Capstone Project. Students will present and discuss their progression during regular sessions. Faculty with access to candidate datasets will be invited to hold information sessions for students. Some class sessions will also feature speakers in the Division of Social Science seminar series. For QSA students in their fourth year of study only. Graded P or F. Instructor's approval is required for enrolling in the course.
• SOSC 4110

  Capstone Project

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The capstone project aims to prepare students for conducting independent research in quantitative social science. Students will choose a topic, identify appropriate data and methodologies, design and execute an analysis, and write up and present the results. For the project, students will have a faculty mentor in Social Science to advise them on substantive aspects of the work, and optionally a co-mentor in Social Science or Math to advise them on methodological issues. For QSA students in their fourth year of study with approval of the course instructor. Graded DI, PA or F.
• SOSC 4260

  China's Economic Transformation

  3 Credit(s)
  Background

  SOSC 1440, ECON 2123, ECON 3024 or similar course

  Description

  This course explores the origins, processes, and consequences of economic change in China since 1978. It focuses on China's transformation from a closed and state-controlled economy to a market-oriented, increasingly internationalized, and predominantly private economy. It begins with an overview of the Maoist economic system since the communist revolution in 1949. It then examines how the rules governing economic activities have been redefined in major economic sectors since 1978. It also highlights the main features of the new, capitalistic economy and reflects on the issues and challenges that have emerged during the transformation of the economy.
• SOSC 4270

  Social Change in Contemporary China

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1350 or SOSC 1850

  Description

  This course surveys the post-1949 Chinese society, focusing on social changes since 1978. It explores the basic institutional make-up of Chinese society, the structural changes brought forth in the reform era, and how these institutions configure the social life in contemporary China.
• SOSC 4280

  China in the Global Political Economy

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  HUMA 2590 OR SOSC 1350 OR SOSC 2290

  Description

  This course examines China's political economic development from a global political economy perspective. It introduces major theories in the field of global political economy; analyzes causes, trends, and consequences of China's political and economic development since 1978.
• SOSC 4290

  China's Sustainable Development

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  ENVR 3110 OR SOSC 1170 (prior to 2017-18) OR SOSC 3150 (prior to 2017-18)

  Description

  There is a great necessity and responsibility for China to shift to a more sustainable development path. This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the concepts, principles, and evaluation methodologies of sustainable development. The course will introduce students to multidisciplinary approaches to apply these principles and methods to analyse sustainable development issues in China, such as energy resources and water pollution, transportation and urbanization, and climate change; and to explore solutions for China's future development. Governance and policy, technology, organizational and individual behavior are important elements affecting sustainable development and will be examined at international, national, and local levels.
• SOSC 4300

  Computational Social Science

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  MATH 2411 OR MATH 2421 OR SOSC 2400

  Description

  The increasing use of the Internet and online communities in the last decade has led to an explosion of social data capturing every aspect of our daily activities. The new digital data have in turn led to the rise of Computational Social Science, an emerging field that aims to empirically study social behavior by applying computational methods, algorithms, and models on "big data". This course introduces the methods and ideas of computational social sciences. Students will learn and evaluate the new possibilities and challenges that digital data have created for studying social phenomena. They will also learn and practice essential methods that are needed to analyze digital data, from data collection to techniques and methods to analyze big data.
• SOSC 4310

  Chinese Capitalism: Historical and Comparative Perspectives

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course examines the development of capitalism in post-Mao China through the lens of comparisons with capitalist practices in pre-1949 China and non-PRC Chinese economies and with select capitalist systems elsewhere. Through reading and discussing scholarly works focusing on contractual governance, students will be guided to explore the forces that shape the evolution of internal organization, inter-firm interactions, and business-government relations in different historical and social contexts. The objective is to help students deepen their understanding of China's economic transformation and broaden their perspectives on capitalist economic organizations and institutions.
• SOSC 4320

  Policy Analysis and Design for Sustainable Development

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 3260 OR ENVR 1050 OR ENVR 1170 OR ENVR 3010I OR OCES 2100 OR SUST 1000

  Description

  Sustainable development problems pose some of the greatest challenges for policy makers around the world. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the tools and methods, including analytical techniques and presentation skills, which are required for effective policy analysis and decision making in this area. Work in the course will be largely case based, and topical issues will be presented and mastered alongside different analytical skills and techniques.
• SOSC 4330

  Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Research III

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 2400

  Description

  Designed for students with prior knowledge in statistics and linear regression, this advanced course covers a wide variety of generalized linear models for categorical dependent variables that are commonly used in social science research, as well as such alternatives as quantile regression and robust regression. It also introduces selected models for complex data structures, including multilevel analysis, time-series analysis, and survival analysis. This course will address such model specifications as random- and fixed-effects and other topics. The course will be application oriented with special attention paid to estimation of the aforementioned models using social science datasets.
• SOSC 4600

  Understanding Chinese Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1300 or SOSC 1350

  Description

  After an historical and organizational introduction to Chinese politics, this course uses concepts such as political participation, bureaucratic politics, state-society relations, and political economy, to explain the development of the People's Republic of China.