Undergraduate Courses 2024-25

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 1050

  Introduction to Social Science Research

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This 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. This course offers a broad overview of principles in research design and introduces some fundamental research methods. The course covers the logic of research question, framing of research story, and selection of research techniques such as survey, experimentation, and quantitative analysis. The course serves as an introduction to research, helping translate general research interests into a well-defined research question, design a study to investigate it and interpret the results to give research/political inferences. Enrolment is restricted to students admitted to BSc in Quantitative Social Analysis from 2022-23 and onwards.
• 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. Not to be taken by students admitted to BSc Quantitative Social Analysis from 2022-23 and onwards.
• SOSC 1110

  Data Analysis for Quantitative Social Research

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course focuses on practical aspects and implementation of social data analysis by introducing basic techniques for presenting, analysis, and interpreting quantitative data, to Quantitative Social Analysis major students. This course is deliberately designed as complementary to formal and theory-based introductory statistical courses and substantive and history-based social science courses. 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 this 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 from real-world data. Upon completion of this course, students should have acquired useful skills for social data analysis as well as better understanding of social science research. Enrolment is restricted to students admitted to BSc in Quantitative Social Analysis from 2022-23 and onwards.
• 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 introduces progress made in the studies of Chinese economic history. The key concepts for the students to grasp include diminishing returns, market economy, global trade, as well as regional division of labor, and causes of industrial revolution. 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.
• SOSC 1270

  International Law

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1770

  Description

  Public international law (IL) is based on rules for relations among states (countries), as well as the human rights of people. It covers almost every aspect of human activity and is mainly studied by analyzing legal cases and international agreements (treaties). The topics in an introductory IL course are the same everywhere in the world. The cases used are mostly the “classics” that established the principles of IL. Most topics involve current 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 1309

  Making Sense of Government and Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CORE 1710

  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1300

  Description

  This course introduces students to the fundamentals of government and politics. The first part of the course examines political theory which seeks to evaluate and justify political issues through the study of concepts and ideologies. The second part of the course examines comparative politics which seeks to understand and explain political phenomena through the study of actors, institutions, and their dynamics. Students will benefit with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitude for making sense of various matters related to government and politics in the real world.
• SOSC 1350

  Contemporary China: Continuity and Change

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1359

  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 1359

  China: Development and Transformations

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CORE 1730

  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1350

  Description

  This course introduces students to the study of contemporary China from the perspective of social science. It critically examines the major transformations, government and politics, economic change, social change, and cultural change of contemporary China since 1949. Students will benefit with the knowledge of the major developments of contemporary China as well as the skills for analyzing the on-going social and economic change in China.
• SOSC 1400

  Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1740

  Description

  The Greater Bay Area (GBA) has become the world’s largest urban area. In less than forty years the region transformed from a backwater to an engine of advanced manufacturing and services. It has lifted millions of people out of poverty, provided homes and communities, and become a node in a global network of megacity regions responsible for much of the world’s economic dynamism. Yet, aspirations are higher. Government, businesses, and others want to harness the region’s synergies to compete with other highly developed bay areas. Becoming an innovative high quality living region is the goal. To understand the region’s successes and challenges, the course examines the GBA’s evolution through the agglomeration processes of external economies, governance and urbanization. These processes led the GBA’s development and will determine its future - in terms of continued economic development and more importantly in terms of the wellbeing of the GBA’s people.
• SOSC 1420

  Poverty

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1720

  Description

  This course aims to make students gain familiarity with poverty issues including poverty measurement, underlying causes of poverty, the impact of poverty on society and government programs and policies that address poverty. We will illustrate principles with real-world applications. Though the course discusses poverty in a broad context of developing and developed countries, an extra emphasis will be put on poverty related issues in Hong Kong and mainland China.
• SOSC 1440

  Introduction to Economics

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  ECON 2103, ECON 2113, ECON 2123, ECON 3113, ECON 3133, SOSC 1449

  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 1449

  Understanding Our Economy

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CORE 1810

  Exclusion(s)

  ECON 2123, ECON 3123, SOSC 1440

  Description

  This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of economics, in particular the determination of macroeconomic variables – output, employment, and prices – and the policy tools (and choices) used to (try to) achieve particular outcomes, over different time horizons. Special attention is being paid to current economic events in Hong Kong and globally.
• 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 Economic and Political Development of Modern Japan

  3 Credit(s)
  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 attributed to its whole-hearted efforts of “learning from the west”. In the meantime, Japan’s colonial expansion after 1895 and particularly after 1905 has also been characterized as “learning from the west”, in this case, imperialism. Japan did establish a constitutional monarchy in 1891. In 1925, it became the first country in East Asia to achieve universal male suffrage, a crucial measure of democracy in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. How did Japan build a system of imperial democracy before 1930? Why did democracy not consolidate in Japan but instead be replaced by military fascism after 1937? This course will resolve this puzzle by examining Japan’s history of economic and political development.
• SOSC 1510

  Politics Through Film

  3 Credit(s)
  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)

  CORE 1862, 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)

  CORE 1862, 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 movement for democracy, popular 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 justification and reasoned critiques of democracy. It 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. It encourages students to apply the knowledge of democracy learnt in class to critically evaluate existing political systems and diverse social issues that they face in everyday life. Through in-depth examination of democracy as a normative value, this course will also encourage students to reflect the implications of democracy as a theory to various practical socio-political issues in today’s world.
• SOSC 1780

  Population and Development in China

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1780

  Description

  This course aims to provide comprehensive understanding of population growth, distribution, major demographic processes, and their relationship with economic development. Special attention is given to the demographic trends and policies in China in the context of the nation’s socioeconomic development.
• SOSC 1840

  Government, Law and Society in China

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1840

  Description

  This course introduces to students the 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. The course focuses not on the Chinese laws per se but on how laws are used in people’s daily lives. Examples or cases will be used extensively in the course to illustrate the topics included. Major topics discussed in the course include the interactions between legal institutions and the party‐state (i.e., the party and the government), the behavior of legal workers (e.g., judges, police officers), citizens’ use of civil lawsuits and administrative litigation, and some important mechanisms through which citizens or other social actors seek justice in China.
• SOSC 1850

  Understanding Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1859

  Mode of Delivery

  [SPO] Self-paced online delivery

  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 1859

  Exploring Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  CORE 1850

  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1850

  Description

  This course will help students explore various aspects of social life through the lens of sociology. It looks at human behavior as the product of groups, institutions 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, gender, the family, and power and politics.
• SOSC 1860

  Population and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1860

  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

  Introduction to Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1969

  Description

  This course examines human thinking and behavior processes from a psychological perspective and illustrates the relevance of psychological insights to the betterment of society. It is designed to help students acquire a basic understanding of psychology as a scientific discipline and prepare them for more advanced psychology courses in the future.
• SOSC 1969

  Discovering Mind and Behavior

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 1960

  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 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 2130

  Education and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 2730

  Description

  The course will initiate a sociologically informed conversation about formal education. What social and organizational forces have shaped current educational practices, and how can they be reformed? How 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 is the role of the humanities and creativity in education? Why do people now question the value of higher education? What is the future of education? To answer these questions, students will be encouraged to reflect upon their own educational experiences, read sociological accounts of education and participate in 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. Not to be taken by students admitted to BSc Quantitative Social Analysis from 2022-23 and onwards.
• SOSC 2210

  Social Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980 OR SOSC 1969

  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 OR SOSC 1969

  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 2250

  Cognitive Psychology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980 OR SOSC 1969

  Description

  Cognitive Psychology explores mental processes, including perception, attention, memory, language processing, and problem-solving. This course introduces basic concepts, theories, research findings, and new developments in studying how people acquire, store, and use information and knowledge. Methods and skills in investigating cognitive processes will also be discussed. Students are expected to gain experience in conducting cognitive psychology experiments and writing laboratory reports.
• 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 2299

  The Rise and Fall of Globalization

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  SOSC 2290

  Description

  We live in a deeply integrated and interdependent world. Globalization has boosted the growth of the world economy and improved living standards in many parts of the world. We are also facing great challenges and risks arising from globalization. What are the driving forces behind globalization? To what extent does globalization shape the global economic and political order? This course is devoted to understanding the causes and consequences of globalization and exposes students to the major debates on globalization.
• SOSC 2310

  Introductory Environmental and Health Economics

  3 Credit(s)
  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)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 2720

  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, multiculturalism, global poverty, war and intervention, 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

  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 2830

  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 OR SOSC 1110

  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 2740

  Gender and Society

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 2740

  Description

  Every aspect of social life is gendered. The purpose of this course is to help students develop a sociological mindfulness in order to appreciate this. That is, we will explore gender as the product of culture, groups and organizations and pay attention to behaviors and ways of thinking that are so taken-for-granted that we often fail to question them, with an eye to examining gender inequalities. Topics will include education, gendered social movements, men and women in the workplace, intimate relationships, family and sexuality (including LGBT), gender, science, technology and innovation, gendered violence and gender in the global economy. The focus of our discussions will be on gender in Hong Kong and China.
• SOSC 2888

  Special Topics in Psychology

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980 OR SOSC 1969

  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 OR SOSC 1969

  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 OR SOSC 1969

  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)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3701, MGCS 5001

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This course introduces some new directions in the study of Chinese history and social science. It aims to demonstrate how a new scholarship of discovery using a data analytic approach is redefining what is singular about modern Chinese history and social science. The course offers alternative perspectives into China derived from 40 years of empirical analyses of almost 10 million records of historical Chinese microdata, distinguishable from those perspectives based largely on Western experience or on Chinese experience seen through a Western lens. Students will benefit from the development of critical thinking skills and the ability to question received wisdom on Chinese history and social science.
• 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 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)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3730

  Medium of Instruction

  [CA] Cantonese

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  The course looks at identity, cultural and urban space issues in Hong Kong in the local-national-global nexus, focusing on how popular culture, the state and civil society shape meanings, values, discourses and ideologies, and vice versa, from colonial times to the post-colonial era.
• 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 3200

  Quantitative Social Analysis Colloquium

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course will run as seminars by faculty members from the Division of Social Science who will introduce their research areas and recent research projects. It demonstrates how the knowledge and skills in quantitative social analysis are applied to studying social phenomena, including health, business, education, inequality, family and kinship, careers, crime, migration, and economic, social and political change more generally. Students will learn about the differences between various concerns, paradigms and methodologies of the major social science disciplines, which will help them generate research ideas for their capstone projects as well as prepare for the future careers. Enrolment is restricted to students admitted to BSc in Quantitative Social Analysis from 2022-23 and onwards, and on their third year of study or above.
• SOSC 3240

  Application of Geographical Information Systems

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3740

  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 3520

  Understanding Comparative Politics

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course analyzes politics from a comparative perspective. The central theme is to demonstrate how political science understands and explains the variations of political phenomena across different countries/jurisdictions. It explores topics ranging from comparative approaches and methods to comparative political regimes, actors, and institutions. Students will benefit with the knowledge, skills, and attitude for analyzing the world of politics.
• 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 OR SOSC 1969

  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)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980 OR SOSC 1969

  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)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3860

  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)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3863

  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)
  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 3800

  Ethics, Emerging Technologies and Public Policy

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  PPOL 3800

  Description

  This course studies the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies and public policy. The overarching theme is to explore the moral debate surrounding some pressing policy issues in emerging technologies nowadays. The first part introduces the essential moral concepts and theories for general reasoning in ethics and public policy. The second part discusses a selection of disputed policy issues in emerging technologies through the application of moral concepts and theories. By the end of the course, students will benefit with the knowledge and skills necessary for policy argumentation from the perspective of ethics.
• SOSC 3850

  Ethics and Public Affairs

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This course studies the ethical dimensions of public affairs. The overarching theme is to explore the moral debate surrounding some pressing public issues in today’s world. The first part introduces the essential moral concepts and theories for reasoning in ethics and public affairs. The second part discusses a selection of disputed public issues through the application of moral concepts and theories. By the end of the course, students will benefit with the knowledge and skills necessary for discussing public affairs from the perspective of ethics.
• SOSC 3880

  Social Inequality and Social Mobility

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 3880

  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 OR SOSC 1969

  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)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1960 OR SOSC 1980 OR SOSC 1969

  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 OR SOSC 1969

  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 4250

  Experiments and Quasi-experiments in the Social Sciences

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  SOSC 4000K

  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 2400

  Description

  This course explores the statistical methods used for causal inference in the social sciences within the potential outcomes framework. Using this perspective puts the logic of statistical inference for both experimental and non-experimental studies within the same framework. Though randomized experiments serve as the gold standard for causal inference, the course also outlines how it may sometimes be reasonable to treat non-experimental data as if it had been drawn from an experiment. Usually, this involves a set of assumptions or substantive factual information about how the natural world produced the data. Research designs and methods covered include randomized experiments, matching, instrumental variables, difference-in-differences, synthetic control, and regression discontinuity designs.
• 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 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

  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 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 4500

  The Politics of the State

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SOSC 1300 OR SOSC 1450

  Description

  This course introduces to senior undergraduate and first year graduate students in the Division of Social Science major topics in the study of the state in political science and sociology. It covers normative studies of the legitimacy and autonomy of the state, comparative historical analysis on state formation, empirical studies of state capacity, and nationalism. It incorporates both classical scholarship in the study of the state and recent progress in quantitative and qualitative research of the state. Readings are selected from political philosophy, historical sociology, political science and economic history. This course is designed to help the students to integrate quantitative and qualitative methodology in studying topics that are related to the state of their own interests. The course aims to help the students generate research ideas that are related to various aspects of the state in either contemporary or historical context, either China-focused or examining China in comparative perspective.
• 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.