Hong Kong

This intensive course is intended for foreign learners who have no prior knowledge of Cantonese. The course introduces students to present-day Cantonese, with an emphasis on learning correct pronunciation throughthe Jyutpingphonetic romanization transcriptionsystem and basic structure. It aims to develop fundamental oral communication skills through a variety of situational conversationsin a highly interactive classroom. Assessment: self introduction, group presentation, midterm written test, final written test, class participation and exercises, two reading recordings.

This course examines the evolving physical, cultural and political landscape of China. Emphasis is placed on (a) the natural environment and physical setting for development; (b) historical contexts and evolution of the landscape; (c) the political system and post-1949 development; and (d) the growth and spatial distribution of the Chinese population. 

This public health oriented course addresses how the environmental and occupational (work-related) factors affect human health and what can be done to prevent or minimize the negative impacts. Whereas environmental science tends to address how human beings affect the environment, this course focuses on how the environment affects human health. Topics include an introduction to the toxicology and environmental epidemiology methods in assessing the impact of environmental exposures on human health; how the physical, chemical or biological agents in the air, water, soil and food affect human health; the evaluation and control of common hazards in the work place; and the impacts of global environmental changes on health. Assessment: course project (30%), final exam (70%).

This course examines commercial linkages and transformations across the Indian Ocean region over the last 500 years. It covers spices that brought European traders and conquerors to Asian shores; commodities like tea, opium and cotton that have shaped the modern world; and fossil fuels, among the most valuable and contentious commodities of the present age.