Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in China Studies—Sociology Concentration

Programme Director: Dr CHUNG, Him

Sociology is a discipline that focuses on the study of society. On one level it is concerned with the way in which we know and understand the social world. In this context sociologists are concerned about how individuals perceive themselves and others, how individuals acquire and manage their social identity, and to the situational location of meaning. On the micro level sociology is concerned with how behaviour is structured and understood. On the macro level sociology is concerned with dominant social structures and values.

Sociology also emphasizes the study of social structures and the ways in which they are organized. These structures can be political, economic, cultural, or social organizations and networks. Examples include the state bureaucracy, business organizations, schools, and friendships networks. Both the formal and informal patterns of behaviour are of interest to sociology.

All students in this programme will be required to develop 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 mainland China and Hong Kong. Additionally, they will be free to choose from a wide range of elective courses on different fields in sociology.

The combination of theoretical knowledge, scholarly investigation, and first-hand research experience provided in this concentration equips students with both applied and analytical skills. Training in sociology is highly relevant in the rapidly changing contexts of the contemporary world, where the ability to identify, analyse and solve problems is increasingly valued. Upon graduation, students will be able to pursue a broad variety of public and private sector careers that contribute socially and economically to mainland China and Hong Kong.

The aims of the Sociology Concentration are:

1. The illumination of the complex pattern of relationships among individuals, groups and larger social structures, in a cross-cultural perspective;
2. The enhancement of an understanding of the dynamic interaction of various institutions of society as these affect and are affected by social change;
3. The appreciation of the complexities of transitional modern Chinese society in all its manifestations;
4. The thorough preparation appropriate for postgraduate studies in Sociology or a related discipline; and
5. The critical acquisition and application of such transferable skills as problem identification, argument formulation, evidence gathering, analytical logic, teamwork and communication ability suitable for a wide variety of professional careers in public administration, social service, education, civil service and business.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

# Students may take additional Healthy Lifestyle courses and/or General Education (Level 1 or 2) courses in any categories, subject to a maximum of 6 units,  to fulfil the Free Electives requirement.

Requirements