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Introducing the

Departments

GeographyThe Department is the first and foremost geography department in Hong Kong. It has trained nearly 3,000 graduates including some world-class academics, prominent government officials and business leaders, as well as senior professionals.

Students are offered a wide range of stimulating and well-structured courses that are grouped under four main themes: China and the Pacific Rim, environment and resources, tourism and leisure, and urban and transport. Majoring in Geography enables students to have an edge in the pursuit of careers in urban planning, transport logistics, environmental impact assessment, tourism, international trade, and public policy making.

Politics and Public AdministrationThe Department is a founding department of the Faculty. During the past decades, the Department has contributed to the development of its discipline both locally and internationally through dedicated teaching and research.

Students are exposed to basic concepts and general features of political systems, as well as the organisation and functions of government. The specialist streams comprise comparative politics, international politics, political theory and public administration.

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Psychology The Department was the first department of psychology in Hong Kong. The pioneer spirit continues to push the Department to strive for excellence and break new grounds.

Through psychology, students can explore how the mind works, how we learn language and concepts, how family relationships affect our health, and how science can help us raise children more wisely.

Social Work and Social AdministrationThe Department has a strong background in providing quality-assured social work training. It has excellence in social work practice, social policy and research.

Students are learning about the needs and problems of people and the provision of social services in a society. Social work will be of interest to students who wish to pursue a career in management and administration or in government or non-governmental organisations.

SociologyThe Department was established in 1967 at the same time as the Faculty of Social Sciences. It studies the cultures and societies of people around the world. It provides students with the sociological tools - theory and methods - to think about and analyse everyday life in Hong Kong, China and the wider world.

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Programmes in the

Faculty of Social Sciences

Social Sciences students like all undergraduates at HKU must complete all University-level requirements for graduation, including Common Core courses and language courses.

Bachelor of Social Sciences [BSocSc] Students in this curriculum may choose to major in one of the six core disciplines: China Studies, Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, and Sociology. Students may also opt for a double major in multidisciplinary options such as Cognitive Science, Counselling, Criminology, Culture, Heritage and Tourism, Global Studies, Media and Cultural Studies, Social Policy and Community Building, and Urban Governance and other majors offered by the University. Students can choose to combine a major with one or two minors.

The Bachelor of Social Sciences curriculum requires all students as a condition of graduation, to undertake 24 credits (equivalent to 4 courses) of off-campus learning. 12 credits each must be taken in two areas: Social Innovation and Global Citizenship.

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BSocSc Curriculum Structure

Programme Structure of BSocSc

China Studies#

DISCIPLINARYMAJORS*

MULTI DISCIPLINARYMAJORS*

ADDITIONALMINORS

Majors may be treated as minors.

Jointly o�ered by the Faculties of Social Sciences and Arts.#

Journalism and Media Studies

Language course(6 credits)

Year 1

Faculty introductorycourses (18 credits)

Six 6-credit Common Core courses, selecting not more than one course from the same Area of Inquiry within one academic year and at least one and not more than two courses from each Area of Inquiry within the first three years of studies(36 credits)

Other courses for Disciplinary Major/ other major/minor/electives(144 credits)

Language courses (12 credits) (Year II)

Year II and III

Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (24 credits) (starting from the second year of studies)

Year 1V

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BSocSc Credit RequirementsStudents shall complete not fewer than 240 credits of courses.

University

Language - Chinese 6 Credits - English 12 Credits

Six 6-credit Common Core courses (at least one andnot more than two courses from each Area of Inquiry) 36 Credits

Disciplinary Major (To complete not fewer than 96 credits)

a) Introductory courses- disciplinary 6 Credits- pre-requisites 12 Credits

b) Advanced courses- disciplinary electives 36-48 Credits- capstone experience 6-18 Credits- Social Innovation and Global Citizenship 24 Credits

Multidisciplinary Major (To complete not fewer than 72 credits)

a) Introductory courses- disciplinary 6 Credits- pre-requisites 12 Credits

b) Advanced courses- core courses 12 Credits- disciplinary electives 36 Credits- capstone experience 6 Credits

Minor (To complete not fewer than 36 credits)

a) Introductory courses - pre-requisites 0-12 Credits

b) Advanced courses - disciplinary electives 24-36 Credits

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Language courses(12 credits)

Year 1 Common Core courses (24 credits)

Year II

Language course:CSSC 9001(6 credits)

Social Innovation or Global Citizenship(12 credits)

Year III

Year VI

Year V

Advancedcourses in SocSc/PPA(66 credits)

Free advancedelectives(12 credits)

Law courses(30 credits)

Introductory courses inSocSc/PPA(12 credits)

Law courses(30 credits)

Law courses(24 credits)

Lawcourses(72 credits)

Capstone experience(6 credits)

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws) andBachelor of Laws [BSocSc(G&L) & LLB]

Jointly offered by the Department of Politics and Public Administration and the Faculty of Law, the programme enables students to study two curricula and be awarded two degrees upon completion. The curriculum consists of a combination of Social Sciences and Law courses.

Satisfactory completion of five years in the programme leads to the award of the degrees of Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB). Students may also choose to exit at the end of their fourth year of study with a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Government and Laws) only. The study of the fifth year for the two degrees is on a self-funded basis and the tuition fee is set at a higher level.

BSocSc(G&L) & LLB Curriculum Structure

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Language course(6 credits)

Year 1 Common Corecourses (18 credits)

Introductory core courses(30 credits)

Free electives(6 credits)

Language courses(12 credits)

Year II Common Corecourses (12-18 credits)

Introductory core course (6 credits)

Disciplinary electives(6 credits)

Free electives(0-6 credits)

Advanced core courses (18 credits)

Year III Common Corecourse (0-6 credits)

Disciplinary electives(6 credits)

Free electives(18-24 credits)

Advanced core courses (30 credits)

Year VI Free electives(12 credits)

Advanced core courses (48 credits)

Bachelor of Social Work [BSW]

The curriculum covers various disciplines, including social welfare and social policy, specialized social work theory and practice, human behaviour and social environment, social research, law, sociology and psychology. In the second and third year of study, students are required to complete two skills laboratory courses and two theory courses which adopt the problem-based learning model. Students will have a field work placement arranged by the Department of Social Work and Social Administration in the summer between the third and fourth year of the curriculum. The placement, which lasts for 10 weeks, takes place in local or overseas agencies under professional supervision. There is a second placement in the fourth year of study. On successful completion of the programme, students are eligible to apply for registration as Registered Social Workers with the Hong Kong Social Workers Registration Board.

BSW Curriculum Structure

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Language course(6 credits)

Year 1 2nd Majorintroductorycourses(18 credits)Introductory core

courses(24 credits)

Freeelectives(18 credits)

Year II

Year III

Year VI

Language courses(12 credits)

Common Core courses(36 credits)

Advanced core courses(18 credits)

Global Citizenship(12 credits)

Disciplinaryelectives(24 credits)

2nd Majoradvanced courses(54 credits)

Journalism summer internships (12 credits)

Capstone experience(6 credits)

Bachelor of Journalism [BJ]

Using a multidisciplinary international curriculum, the programme covers professional skills, media studies, and liberal arts and social sciences (e.g. economics, politics, sociology, psychology, English, statistics). Starting from their second year, students will pursue an additional major drawn from the Faculties of Social Sciences, Arts, Business and Economics, Science or Engineering. The programme’s convergent media approach offers students integrated training in print, broadcast and online media.

A Centre-administered internship programme places all students in media jobs in Hong Kong and overseas media. Students may also have an opportunity to spend one or two semesters at leading overseas journalism schools.

BJ Curriculum Structure

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Bachelor of Education andBachelor of Social Sciences [BEd&BSocSc]

The double degree offers a qualification equivalent to a four-year honours degree in Social Sciences plus a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Students may major in one of the six core areas in the social sciences: China Studies, Geography, Politics and Public Administration, Psychology, Social Work and Social Administration, and Sociology.

The curriculum is designed for students to complete two degrees in five years.

This double degree gives students a more integrated experience in Social Sciences and Liberal Studies education, and allows broader career prospects.

BEd&BSocSc Curriculum Structure

Language course(6 credits)

Year 1 Professional core courses(Liberal Studies Education) (12 credits)

Introductory courses in SocSc (18 credits)

Common Core courses (12 credits)

Free electives(12 credits)

Language course(6 credits)

Year II Professional core courses(Liberal Studies Education) (12 credits)

Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (normally taken in Years 2-4)

Disciplinary electives(12 credits)

Free electives(6 credits)

Year III Professional core courses (Liberal Studies Education)(18 credits, including 6 credits in Professional Practicum)

Advanced courses in SocSc (30 credits)

Free electives(12 credits)

Professional core courses (Liberal Studies Education)(48 credits, including 12 credits in Professional Practicum)

Advanced course in SocSc (6 credits)

Language course(6 credits)

Year IV

Year V Professional core courses (Liberal Studies Education)(30 credits, including 12 credits in Professional Practicum)

Free electives(12 credits)

Advanced courses in SocSc (18 credits, including 6 credits in capstone experience)

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The Faculty has identified two overarching themes for its undergraduate curricula: Social Innovation and Global Citizenship. Students are required, as a condition of graduation, to undertake the following credits of off-campus learning under these twin themes:

Requirement

Curriculum Graduation Requirement

BEd&BSocSc Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (24 credits)

BJ Global Citizenship (12 credits)

BSocSc Social Innovation and Global Citizenship (24 credits)

BSocSc(G&L) & LLB Social Innovation or Global Citizenship (12 credits)

BSW Nil

Social Innovation andGlobal Citizenship

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Social Innovation We seek to nurture a good understanding of social issues through first-hand practical experience in local organisations; provide a training platform for students to apply knowledge and skills acquired at the University to real work situations; and assist students to become more socially aware, develop critical thinking and analytical ability so that they can identify practical solutions to complex problems as well as improve their interpersonal and communication skills.

To fulfill the Social Innovation requirement, students are required to complete FOSS2018 Social Innovation Internship (SI2).

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Global Citizenship

We seek to equip students with knowledge, skills and values to participate as active citizens of the global village through our curriculum, student activities and off-campus learning opportunities, including overseas internships, exchanges and summer school programmes approved by the Faculty.

Students can fulfill the Global Citizenship requirement in one of the following ways: • Completing FOSS2019 Global Citizenship Internship• Completing FOSS2020 Global Citizenship Summer Institute• Undertaking 12 credits of advanced courses on exchange study or an

overseas summer programme approved by the Faculty (including 3 Campus Comparative East Asian Studies Programme, for details: www.socsc.hku.hk/3campus)

For more information, please visit Faculty’s Social Innovation and Global Citizenship website: www.socsc.hku.hk/sigc.

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The Faculty cares for its students, and is determined to promote whole person development and support students’ needs. Since 2008, we have developed an Academic Advising System to engage with freshmen joining our Social Sciences programmes and to foster a close student-teacher relationship.

Effective from the 2012-2013 academic year, all first-year students will be assigned to a Faculty Academic Adviser. Students are required to meet with his/her Faculty Academic Adviser at least once every semester in their first year of study to discuss different academic issues.

What you can expect from us, and what we expect from you

You are entitled to: • our individual attention• accurate knowledge of degree requirements• answers to your questions• encouragement • referral to appropriate services• advice on progression of study

What we ask of you:• prepare for your appointments• follow up on referrals provided to you• attend and participate in class• contact us immediately if you suffer from a condition that is negatively

affecting your academic success• take advantage of the University’s student services and resources,

including student societies and events

Students can find the contact information of the Faculty Academic Adviser at the HKU Portal in September 2013.

What is

Academic Advising?

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Induction Forum

Date: Wednesday August 28, 2013Time: 11:30amVenue: CPD-LG.07-10, Centennial Campus, HKU

Prior to the commencement of the first semester, each student will be assigned a reading in the form of a feature article about a current social problem in Hong Kong. The aim is to challenge students and stretch their imagination by opening their eyes to the social issues of our time. Students are expected to complete the reading and then post their individual comments on the e-learning platform (www.socsc.hku.hk/induction) before attending the Induction Forum.

During the Induction Forum, a panel consisting of our professors and distinguished guest speakers will debate about the social issues that students will have read about. Students will be given opportunities to ask questions and share their ideas. Overall, it is hoped that students will learn about what roles they can play in our society and assert their citizenship.

First Year Experience ...

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Induction Workshops

To equip students with effective communication, academic learning and life skills, the Faculty offers Induction Workshops to help freshmen adapt to university education.

First Semester

Workshop 1 September 3, 2013; 12:45 – 13:45Effective Presentation SkillsThis workshop gives students an opportunity to understand what are expected of students when doing academic presentations for their courses. Some students are nervous at making oral presentation but there are steps they can take to make the presentation more successful.

Workshop 2 & 4 * September 6 & 12, 2013; 12:45 – 13:45 Writing Academic Papers and ReferencingThis workshop introduces several tips for freshmen on writing academic papers that most professors assume their students have: how to write a good academic paper, how to format an academic paper, how to quote passages, how not to plagiarize, how to write Footnotes and Endnotes with examples on writing, and more.

* Two sessions with the same content in different timeslots will be organized.

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Workshop 3 September 10, 2013; 12:45 – 14:00Things I wish I knew when I was an undergraduate student Being born in such a competitive environment, you must have already gone through a lot of stress and hard work to finally secure a place at HKU. Now, what’s next? Have you ever noticed that you come to this world with your own individuality and unique life purposes? This workshop is more than a sharing session on personal growth. By understanding individuality to acquire practical skills like goal setting and better management of your life, you will be equipped to be an undergraduate student for the 21st century. Are you ready for the challenge?

Registration InstructionRegistration is open from August 21, 2013 on a first-come-first-served basis. Registrants will be placed on a waiting list if the registration quota is reached. Please also visit the Student Learning website (www.socsc.hku.hk/sl) for online registration and most updated information.

Contact InformationShould you have any enquiries related to the content of the workshops, please feel free to contact Miss Jessie Chow by email at jmlchow@hku.hk or by phone at 39171239. Should you have any technical issues related to registration, please contact Miss Peggy Fung by email at peggy414@hku.hk or by phone at 39171218.

Second Semester

Workshop 5Major-Minor TalkThis workshop gives students an opportunity to learn more about the majors/minors that are offered under the Faculty of Social Sciences. Programme Coordinators will provide an overview of the structure and requirements of each major and minor, including: course requirements and any internship and dissertation components. Choosing a major/minor may seem like a daunting task for many students. Through this workshop, students can meet the coordinators and members of the Social Sciences Society in order to make informed choices.

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Academic Resources and

Support ServicesCentre for Applied English Studies (CAES)CAES provides quality English support to all undergraduates. In addition, to provide English undergraduate courses, the Centre has a Consultation Desk to help students with their English studies during term time. Students can visit the Language Resource Centre (LRC) to access resources for studying English.

Centre for Applied English Studies (CAES) — Language Resource Centre6/F, Run Run Shaw Tower, Centennial Campus, HKUTel: (852) 3917 2004Email: caes@hku.hkWebsite: www.caes.hku.hk

Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)CEDARS provides comprehensive and student-centered resources and outside classroom learning opportunities for students’ development. The Centre gives assistance and guidance on:• Careers & Placement• Counselling & Enrichment• Student Development • Student Advising

Centre of Development and Resources for Students (CEDARS)3/F, Meng Wah Complex, HKUTel: (852) 2859 2305Email: cedars@hku.hkWebsite: www.cedars.hku.hk

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Office of International Student Exchange (OISE) OISE provides students with many international education opportunities through developing and enhancing international relations with overseas institutions by establishing a joint student mobility programme and other academic collaborations. The Office administers the HKU Worldwide Student Exchange Programme for undergraduate students and provides support services to students.

In addition, OISE organizes different summer school programmes every year for students to enrich their university experience during holidays.

Office of International Student Exchange (OISE)Global Lounge (G/F, Fong Shu Chuen Amenities Centre, HKU) Tel: (852) 2219 4121Email: goabroad@hku.hkWebsite: www.als.hku.hk/admission/exchange/

University Health Services (UHS)UHS provides primary health care and health education to all students in the University. It has an on-campus clinic providing a variety of services: medical consultation, dental consultation, laboratory, dispensary, physiotherapy, and health education.

University Health Services (UHS) Medical Consultation2/F, Meng Wah Complex, HKUDental Consultation3/F, Meng Wah Complex, HKUWebsite: www.uhs.hku.hk

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Directory and

Useful Websites

Faculty of Social Sciences W: www.socsc.hku.hk T: (852) 3917 1234 E: socsc@hku.hk

Department of Geography W: www.geog.hku.hk T: (852) 3917 2836 E: geog@hku.hk

Department of Politics and W: www.ppaweb.hku.hkPublic Administration T: (852) 3917 2393 E: psdhku@hku.hk

Department of Psychology W: www.psychology.hku.hk T: (852) 3917 2375 E: dpsychol@hku.hk

Department of Social Work and W: www.socialwork.hku.hkSocial Administration T: (852) 3917 2094 E: swsa@hku.hk

Department of Sociology W: www.sociodep.hku.hk T: (852) 3917 2050 E: socidept@hku.hk

Social Sciences Society W: www.ssshkusu.hkusu.hku.hk T: (852) 2540 3757 E: ssshkusu@hku.hk

Academic Services Office W: www.asa.hku.hk T: (852) 2859 2433 E: asoffice@hku.hk

Finance and Enterprises Office W: www.feo.hku.hk/finance/ T: (852) 2859 2337 E: student@fo.hku.hk

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Academic Advising Office W: www.aao.hku.hk T: (852) 2219 4686 E: aaoffice@hku.hk

Office of International Student Exchange W: www.als.hku.hk/admission/exchange T: (852) 2219 4121 E: goabroad@hku.hk

Centre of Development and Resources W: www.cedars.hku.hkfor students T: (852) 2859 2305 E: cedars@hku.hk

Centre for Applied English Studies W: www.caes.hku.hk T: (852) 3917 2004 E: caes@hku.hk

University Health Services W: www.uhs.hku.hk T: (852) 2549 4686 E: uhealth@hku.hk

11/F, Faculty of Social Sciences, The Jockey Club Tower

The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong

(852) 3917 1234 | (852) 2517 0806

socsc@hku.hk | www.socsc.hku.hk

Tel: Fax:

E-mail: Website:

Faculty of Social Sciences, HKU

All rights reserved - printed in August 2013

www.socsc.hku.hk/slwww.socsc.hku.hk/sl