Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology
Programme Director: Dr LEUNG, Hon Chu
In this programme all students will be required to develop a sound knowledge of sociological theory and sociological research methods. They will also be required to be familiar with the main features of social development and social organization in Hong Kong and mainland China. Additionally, they will be free to choose from a wide range of electives.
The combination of theoretical knowledge, academic investigation and first-hand experience provided in this programme trains students in skills in social analysis and its practical application. In the changing circumstances of the modern world, where the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems is valued, a training in sociology is highly relevant. Graduates will be able to pursue a variety of worthwhile careers in the public or private sector which contribute to the social and economic well-being of Hong Kong.
The aims of the programme are:
- To illuminate the complex patterns of relationships among individuals, groups, and larger social structures in a cross-cultural perspective;
- To enhance the understanding of continuities and changes at the local, regional and global levels;
- To provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of Chinese cultures and societies;
- To enable students to appreciate the complexities of Hong Kong society in all its manifestations;
- To cultivate abilities and creativity in independent research and theoretical investigation;
- To develop critical thinking skills adequate for academic inquiry and everyday problem-solving;
- To enable students to acquire and apply such transferable practical skills as problem identification, argument formulation, evidence gathering, analytical logic, teamwork, information technology and communication ability suitable for a wide variety of professional careers in civil service, social service, education and business sectors;
- To encourage an enthusiasm for life-long learning which in some instances will lead to postgraduate studies;
- To train students to appreciate and respect human diversity, and recognize the significance of cultural and social differences; and
- To enable students to conduct and complete a research project independently.
The structure of the curriculum is as follows:
I) | Major Courses | 54 units |
II) | Honours Project | 6 units |
III) | General Education | 38 units |
IV) | Free Electives# | 30 units |
128 units |
# Students may take additional GE courses in any categories to fulfil the “Free Electives” requirement but only a maximum of 6 units will be counted towards the fulfilment of the “Free Electives” requirement.
Requirements
I. | Major Courses | 54 units |
Major Required Courses (21 units) | ||
SOCI1005 Invitation to Sociology | 3 units | |
SOCI2005 Qualitative Methods of Social Research | 3 units | |
SOCI2006 Social Statistics | 3 units | |
SOCI2007 Quantitative Methods of Social Research | 3 units | |
SOCI2015 Sociological Theory I: Classical Theory | 3 units | |
SOCI2046 Introduction to Sociological Thinking and Writing | 3 units | |
SOCI3005 Sociological Theory II: Contemporary Approaches | 3 units | |
Major Elective Courses (33 units)* | ||
Two of the following courses: | ||
SOCI2016 Modern Chinese Society | 3 units | |
SOCI2017 Popular Culture and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI2025 Population Studies | 3 units | |
SOCI2026 Self and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI2027 Social Problems | 3 units | |
SOCI2035 Social Stratification and Mobility | 3 units | |
SOCI2036 Sociology of Marriage and the Family | 3 units | |
SOCI2037 Traditional Chinese Society | 3 units | |
SOCI2045 Critical Urban Studies | 3 units | |
SOCI2047 Hong Kong Society | 3 units | |
At least three of the following courses: | ||
SOCI3006 Demographic Analysis | 3 units | |
SOCI3007 Global Social Transformations | 3 units | |
SOCI3015 Modernization and Social Change | 3 units | |
SOCI3016 Political Sociology | 3 units | |
SOCI3017 Sociology of Health and Illness | 3 units | |
SOCI3025 The Internet and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI3026 Work and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI3027 Careers and Life Courses | 3 units | |
SOCI3035 Sex, Gender and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI3036 Sociology of Media | 3 units | |
SOCI3037 Children, Youth and Aging | 3 units | |
At least four of the following courses: | ||
SOCI4006 Chinese Family and Kinship | 3 units | |
SOCI4007 Chinese Social Thought | 3 units | |
SOCI4015 East Asia: Economic Miracles and Social Change | 3 units | |
SOCI4016 Globalization and Development Studies | 3 units | |
SOCI4017 Management, Organization and Society | 3 units | |
SOCI4025 Population of China | 3 units | |
SOCI4026 Selected Topics in Contemporary Sociology I | 3 units | |
SOCI4027 Selected Topics in Contemporary Sociology II | 3 units | |
SOCI4035 Selected Topics in the Sociology of China I | 3 units | |
SOCI4036 Selected Topics in the Sociology of China II | 3 units | |
SOCI4037 Cultural Sociology | 3 units | |
SOCI4045 Social Movements | 3 units | |
SOCI4046 Social Networks and Chinese Society | 3 units | |
SOCI4047 Sociological Issues in Urban and Rural Development | 3 units | |
SOCI4055 Women in China | 3 units | |
SOCI4056 States and Power: Europe and China | 3 units | |
* Students are required to take a total of 33 units of major elective courses. The requirements are as follows: a) 6 units from Level 2, b) 27 units from Level 3 or 4 of which at least 9 units should be selected from Level 3 and 12 units from Level 4. | ||
II. | Honours Project | 6 units |
SOCI4898 Honours Project | 3 units | |
SOCI4899 Honours Project | 3 units | |
III. | General Education | 38 units |
IV. | Free Electives | 30 units |
128 units |