Undergraduate Courses 2025-26

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.

• HART 1001

  Arts and Creativity

  2 Credit(s)
  Description

  An experiential learning course designed to engage students in exploring arts and their own creative abilities through a series of lectures/seminars on arts and creativity, art tutorials and enrichment activities. Students will have the opportunities to create their own artwork and learn through guided reflective activities individually as well as in groups.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Understand the theory of creativity and the creative process in relation to visual arts
  • 2.
    Demonstrate the competency at fundamental level of a practical creative skill as defined by the instructor of separate art tutorials
  • 3.
    Apply artistic ability to generate original artworks and communicate visually
  • 4.
    Be exposed to different types of artworks, and to the environment in which artworks are produced and marketed
  • 5.
    Demonstrate reflective ability in the understanding and appreciation of artworks
• HART 1012

  Introduction to Photography

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  An introduction to the art and expression of photography through brief lectures, hands-on activities and field trip. In this course, students will learn about the history and development of photography, photographers who have helped shape our vision of the world and the great photographs they have made, basic photographic vocabularies, perspectives, concepts, theories and techniques. Students will also experience using photography as a documentary, communication and expressive medium. Upon the completion of this course, students will have a much deeper understanding of the power and breadth of photography through studying how it affected and reflected the societal and cultural changes in societies. Those interested in furthering the artistic skills and gaining more hands-on experience with this art form may enroll in the non-credit co-curricular workshops.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Appreciate the history and development of photography
  • 2.
    Describe the characteristics of contemporary art photography and appreciate the master works
  • 3.
    Understand basic concepts, theories and techniques of photography
  • 4.
    Explain the relationship between photography and society by understanding the meanings behind different photographic images
  • 5.
    Experience using photo as documentary tool to record facts and explore ideas, and as a medium of expression and communication
• HART 1013

  Fundamental Technique of Chinese Painting

  1 Credit(s)
  Medium of Instruction

  [CA] Cantonese

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  This course introduces students to the theories and practice of the various themes of traditional Chinese painting, including Flowers and Birds, Landscape and Figure painting. Through appreciation of masterpieces, in‐class demonstration and class discussion, students will acquire a fundamental knowledge of the historical development and theoretical issues of Chinese painting. Students will learn the basic technique of different brush works, through which they will understand the creative process of Chinese painting, and they will be encouraged to create their own works through the application of the technique and attempt to reform this traditional art form.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Possess the basic knowledge and technique of creating Chinese painting
  • 2.
    Have fundamental knowledge of Chinese art theories and of the development of Chinese painting
  • 3.
    Reflect on recent reforms of Chinese traditional art and on the issue of maintaining its uniqueness at the same time
• HART 1014

  Introduction to Chinese Calligraphy

  1 Credit(s)
  Medium of Instruction

  [CA] Cantonese

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  This is an introductory course on Chinese calligraphy. It will analyze the emergence of calligraphic styles in different dynasties and introduce the masterpieces of some renowned calligraphers. Students will study the history, development and theories of Chinese calligraphy, appreciate the beauty of this art, and learn some basic skills in writing Chinese calligraphy. Those interested in furthering the calligraphic skills and gaining hands-on experience with this art form may enroll in a separate non-credit co-curricular course.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Demonstrate a fundamental knowledge of the history, development and theories of Chinese calligraphy
  • 2.
    Appreciate the works of celebrity calligraphers
  • 3.
    Experience basic skills in writing Chinese characters in different calligraphers` styles
• HART 1017

  Introduction to Contemporary Dance

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces contemporary dance as a departure from dance traditions, and as an art that focuses strongly on personal creativity. Contemporary dance is thus not only about art making but also exploring personal and social meanings. Through examining a range of texts and videos from different parts of the world at lectures, students will learn to appreciate different ways in which significant practitioners make dances. They will also be introduced to the historical, social or political contexts, and the ideas that inform these practices. In practice sessions, a range of physical, experiential approaches will be introduced to help students create with movement. Students interested in furthering the artistic skills and gaining hands-on experience with this art form may enroll in a separate non-credit co-curricular course.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Identify a range of works and practitioners in contemporary dance
  • 2.
    Identify the aesthetic of different non-traditional dance trainings
  • 3.
    Perform basic dance movements that results from individual creative exploration
  • 4.
    Contribute to creative and reflective thinking processes in an interactive/group situation
• HART 1023

  Introduction to Experimental Animation

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This introductory course aims at guiding students to explore the art of animation through producing drawing, cut-ups, roto-scoping, photographic and object animation with digital and traditional tools. By introducing non-mainstream techniques and mediums for creating time-based imagery, students will learn both practical skills and theories of animation as a visual art form for artistic expression and communication. Through brief lecturing, students will acquaint themselves with the history and development of experimental animation and its influences to moving image arts in general. The hands-on activities will allow students to explore freely the principles of animation starting from manual techniques such as simple flip-books and zoetropes. Students will also learn to create animation from common computer software, such as Photoshop and Aftereffect.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe and appreciate the history and development of experimental animation
  • 2.
    Identify and explain the stylistic and narrative elements of experimental animation
  • 3.
    Develop abstract ideas into experimental animation works
• HART 1025

  Introduction to New Topographic Photography

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  The New Topographic photographers acknowledged people’s interaction with the land by picturing built urban environments. It signaled a new approach to landscape photography that adopted an aesthetic of apparent objectivity, while taking as its subject matter the effects of humanity on the modern landscape. Students taking this course will learn about the history, development, theories and skills of “New Topographic” photography.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Develop a responsive attitude towards how lands are being used and disposed for human`s well-being in Hong Kong
  • 2.
    Express their interpretation of the appropriateness of land use through visual image
  • 3.
    Demonstrate a refined appreciation of the beauty exist in the human-made environment
  • 4.
    Manage photographic skills so as to reproduce the scene they have captured in decent details
  • 5.
    Describe the elements and trend in landscape photography
• HART 1026

  Connecting Acting with Public Speaking

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course introduces the basic concepts of theatre performance. Through theatre games, improvisation and in-class weekly based practices, students could explore their own potentials, creativities and train their senses. Since speaking is one of the major requirements for an actor, this course also examines the aspects of voice production and public speaking skills. Students will learn to free their voice and examine the intimacy between voice and acting.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Understand basic theories behind the theatre games and improvisations
  • 2.
    Understand basic concepts of public speaking
  • 3.
    Apply knowledge from acting to public speaking
  • 4.
    Show ability to communicate verbally with audience in an effective and confident manner
• HART 1029

  Multicultural Dramatic Works

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  In this highly practical performance-based theatre course, students will be exposed to dramatic works by influential modern and contemporary playwrights in diverse cultural and social backgrounds. Students will explore how drama as an art form operates to critically examine, deeply reflect and artistically transform stories, social phenomenon and human conditions in various cultures. Through the guided and imaginative journeys, students will have the opportunity to take on the roles of performers, directors and even designers to practice theatre-making skills. Students will apply drama knowledge and skills in studying, analyzing and performing plays of different genres with multicultural backgrounds including Greek & French, Singaporean & Chinese, American & German, and English & German. Throughout the course, students will often find themselves working in small groups and taking on various roles to explore the metaphors and meaning of the plays, turning the dramatic text on paper into a 3-dimensional performance, with specific performing styles and techniques.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Develop critical understanding of the cultural roles and significance of theatre and drama
  • 2.
    Acquire and apply appropriate choice of performing styles and skills for the performance of the play studied
  • 3.
    Acquire and apply theatre making skills in analyzing and transforming the play text into a performance
  • 4.
    Work collaboratively in small groups to explore, create and perform excerpts of the selected plays
  • 5.
    Reflect and consolidate learning through practicing the skills, making observations on peers, and giving constructive meaningful feedbacks
• HART 1035

  Public Art Interventions

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course aims to introduce students without artistic background into hands‐on art making for the public realm. Students will look into contemporary concepts of art in public space, such as interventions and guerrilla art, and learn how art has the potential to transform our everyday perception of our life, as taking art from a gallery context into the public can be challenging and thought provoking, yet at the same time playful and meaningful. As part of the course, participants will explore UST campus for its artistic potential, and complete a series of site‐specific interventions using spatial concepts, methodologies, techniques and materials available. Most likely the interventions will be ephemeral only, yet the effect and memory they create for the passing audience will be longer lasting. The interventions will also encourage direct interaction with and feedback from the audience, thus provide participants opportunities to very actively get involved with their daily community.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Demonstrate an understanding of recent trends and tendencies in public art practices
  • 2.
    Identify opportunities for art creation in the public sphere
  • 3.
    Apply a self-developed artistic concept that takes into consideration the spatial qualities of a location
  • 4.
    Produce a creative intervention that challenges the original perception of the site
• HART 1036

  Introduction to Graphic Design

  1 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  ISDN 3200

  Description

  Graphic design is the art of communication through the combination of images and words into a unified form to convey a clear message to an audience. Common uses of graphic design include logos, signs, publications, posters, print advertisements, product packaging and web sites, etc. This course aims to introduce students to what graphic design is and the design process. The basic elements, principles and process of graphic design will be explored and illustrated by works of famous graphic designers. Through the problem-solving approach, students will learn how to apply the design basics to create graphic design solutions. Although the course is focused on printed matter, design for the screen such as web sites will be discussed. Class time is devoted to lectures, exercises, and critiques where students are asked to evaluate each other’s work. Such evaluations are very important in the development of analytical thinking and communication proficiency.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Describe what graphic design is and its role in society
  • 2.
    Identify and describe how the use of design elements and principles contribute to the visual communication of ideas
  • 3.
    Apply the basic principles of graphic design to communicate a message visually to an audience
  • 4.
    Develop self-analytical judgment by exchanging critical and supporting ideas in a peer group setting
• HART 1047

  Introduction to Chinese Landscape Painting

  1 Credit(s)
  Medium of Instruction

  [CA] Cantonese

  Reading Material

  [C] Require Chinese reading

  Description

  Of the three main categories of traditional Chinese painting, namely, landscape, flower‐and‐bird, and figure painting, landscape painting has developed a unique significance through history. Painters in every dynasty and epoch, whether official imperial court painters or literati painters in their cultural circles, have made brilliant achievements in this field. They may have different focuses, techniques and presentation methods of nature; nevertheless, what they always show is the inner scenery of the painter, the ideal world constructed by the painter. Students will learn basic brush techniques, through which they will understand the creative process of Chinese painting with the focus on landscape painting. They will be encouraged to create their own works through the application of the techniques and attempts to reform this traditional art form. 中國繪畫以山水、花鳥、人物為三大主要分科。山水畫發展歷史悠久，經歷不同朝代及社會民生的變化，包含著複雜卻又千絲萬縷的關係。無論宮廷畫院，文人派系，甚至新中國時期以祖國建設為題的山水作品，都是以傳統基礎為依，堅守外師造化，卻不失時代環境的獨特個性。透過學習山水畫，通過臨摹、作品觀摩、範本挑選、課堂示範和練習等，同學不但能學習相關技法，也能對中國藝術的審美能力有所提升。

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Possess the basic knowledge and technique of creating the Chinese landscape painting
    能掌握山水畫的創作方法
  • 2.
    Gain fundamental knowledge of Chinese art theories and history, especially on landscape painting
    對中國藝術的審美標準，包括歷史、畫學等發展有初步的認識及體會
  • 3.
    Reflect on the recent reforms of Chinese traditional art and on the issue of maintaining its uniqueness at the same time
    對中國繪畫的承傳，以至變革有一定的認識，讓同學能進深思考中國傳統文化的價值
• HART 1048

  Fashion Art and Styling

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  In this course, students will explore the craft and visual expression of fashion design. Students will learn to work with fabrics and unconventional materials to produce mixed media fashion art and design. Sewing techniques and other material manipulation learned in the class will be applied to creating a finished garment, and at the end of the course, students will undertake a fashion photo‐shooting exercise to promote their own work.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Conduct concept research on fashion design and compose a mood board
  • 2.
    Manipulate fabrics and mixed media to design fashion
  • 3.
    Design and create an original piece of garment
  • 4.
    Acquire knowledge of fashion photo shooting and promotion of a brand