English

This course explores, thematically and conceptually, a crucial stage in the development of Europe. The period c.1000–1300 in Europe saw some of the farthest-reaching changes in the continent’s history; changes that shape the world we live in today. The frontiers of western Europe expanded in almost every direction through conquest and settlement; the powers of both secular and ecclesiastical authorities increased through the growth of governments and state bureaucracies; there was rapid growth in the economy and in the power of those who controlled production; the emergence and development of new and diverse forms and expressions of religious life and devotion; and the establishment of an international European culture in the worlds of learning and the arts. At the same time, this period saw the birth of the Inquisition, the persecution of heretics and other religious minorities such as the Jews, and of perceived sexual deviants; increasingly effective state oppression of political dissent; and growing corruption in institutions. The approach of the course is firmly comparative, and the geographical scope is wide: from the British Isles to the Crusader States. 

This course introduces students to the unique history and contemporary landscape of design in Korea, tracing its evolution from traditional crafts and aesthetics to the vibrant modern and postmodern design culture of today. Through lectures, discussions, and extensive field trips to museums, galleries, design studios, and cultural districts, students will explore how Korea’s rapid modernization and global engagement have shaped its design identity. 

The course begins with an overview of design history, examining global developments that influenced the emergence of modernism in Korea. Students will then investigate traditional Korean art forms—such as ceramics, textiles, architecture, and calligraphy—to understand how enduring principles of form, material, and harmony continue to inspire contemporary design. Finally, the class turns to current trends in Korean design, from lifestyle products and branding to digital interfaces and fashion, highlighting the creative intersections of technology, sustainability, and culture. 

This is an introductory-level course designed for international students from diverse backgrounds. While no prior knowledge of design is required, curiosity and active participation are encouraged. Through hands-on experiences, site visits, and reflective projects, students will gain a holistic understanding of how Korea’s design reflects its past, embraces the present, and imagines the future. 

Topics include Intro to basic design concepts, Overview of Korean history, Traditional arts and crafts in Korea, Modern Korea and the birth of Modernism, Everyday design in contemporary Korea, Global visibility of Korean aesthetics, Futures of Korean design. 

This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of quantum information and computation. It covers the basic rules of quantum theory and the counterintuitive notions of quantum superposition and entanglement. In particular, it shows how quantum systems could be used to detect an object without directly interacting with it (Elitzur-Vaidman bomb tester), to increase the amount of bits that can be sent through a transmission line (dense coding), and to increase the chance to win certain games (CHSH game and GHZ game). It provides an overview of quantum computation and of major quantum algorithms such as Grover's search algorithm and Shor's factoring algorithm for prime factorization. Finally, the course introduces the upgraded framework of quantum theory, and uses it to explore applications to quantum error correction, quantum state discrimination, quantum cryptography, and quantum teleportation. Pre-requisite(s): MATH1013 or MATH1853 or MATH2014 or MATH2101.

This introductory course examines the causes of housing price fluctuations and their implications for urban life. It explores how housing functions both as an investment and a necessity, creating an owner–renter dichotomy with contrasting interests. The course analyzes the economic consequences of housing market swings, including negative equity, asset bubbles, financial crises, and affordability challenges, while considering broader impacts on living conditions, community sustainability, and urban policy. It explains the relationships between money, land, and housing; covers the factors that determine land and housing prices; identifies the effects of housing price fluctuations on financial stability and wealth inequality; describes how monetary and land policies influence housing affordability; and covers implications from the owner–renter dichotomy for housing policy.

This course provides the necessary background and experience in data science technology and concepts. Students gain experience tackling a complete data science project, from data gathering and pre-processing to data analysis through machine learning tools. Students apply fundamental concepts in machine learning to data storage and distributed processing as a foundation for their project.

How do people understand, experience, and shape place and space? How do space and place interface with difference, identities and groups in day-to-day life? How can we make sense of the social world through a critical lens? How does culture shape, and how is it shaped by, space and place? What are the practices, material artifacts, values and lived experiences that express and reinforce cultures? These are all key questions to social and cultural geography, an exciting and vibrant sub-discipline. This course sets out to examine themes such as place, space, power, difference, culture, and identity and demonstrates the value of a geographical perspective on a range of social and cultural phenomena worldwide. It also deepens students’ critical engagement with theoretical and methodological approaches that underpin contemporary social and cultural geography.

This course introduce students to the basics of personality and social psychology. It starts with an introduction to key dynamic personality theories of Freud, followed by Jung. Students learn about theories and research on aggression, pro-social behavior, and conformity. In addition, key fundamental topics in social psychology, attitudes and values, are introduced, as well as cross-cultural psychology and leadership. Topics include selected dynamic personality theories (e.g., Freud), leadership, attitudes values, and cross-cultural psychology.

The course provides a grounding in core theories, models, and concepts within the field of individual differences psychology, and then relates these to key health and wellbeing outcomes.  A major topic within the unit is personality. Critical and historical perspectives on key theories, approaches to, and models of personality are presented, along with details of the methodological tools that have been used to measure personality. A critical examination of theories and data linking personality to physical and mental health is then presented. Additional concepts from individual differences psychology, such as mood, intelligence, and motivation, are also introduced, and then examined in relation to physical and mental health outcomes.

This course serves as the first transgender focused gender studies course in the Gender Studies Program. The course introduces and discusses the concepts and theories of transness, transgender and otherness using some of the Western literature while incorporating and focusing on the Asian perspectives with Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines as focus. This course covers narratives and history of transness and otherness in 3 Asian contexts: Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippines. The course looks into the evolution of gender identities, roles and expressions and sexualities in these societies and weave the intersections in these narratives. It covers current situations of trans, non-binary and "other" people in these societies and how their transness and otherness impede them from being fully integrated in their societies. It considers ways colonization (Hong Kong, Philippines) and non-colonization (Thailand) affect their transness and collectiveness. Finally, the course invites social justice allies to help map action plans to help improve their states in their respective societies. Prerequisite: GEND1001.

This course deals with masterpieces of Japanese visual art (architecture, sculpture, painting and decorative art) from ancient to contemporary period. The course explains the meaning; expression; material, and technique of artwork selected from various categories, so the class can gain basic knowledge and skill to express their appreciation of Japanese art in writing.