Chinese University of Hong Kong

This course examines the development of mass communication in different social and historical contexts. Emphasis will be placed on analyses of the roles, functions, and impact of some major mass media (such as print, broadcast, TV, film, advertising/public relations and new media) in various societies like Hong Kong, China and other parts of the world from a developmental perspective. 

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 systems of meanings and practices that evolved around notions of love, body, and emotions across time and place, and their political significance. In particular, the cross-cultural perspective will demonstrate the intimate associations of these ‘private emotions and desires’ with social structures such as gender, class, ethnicity, and religion. It examines both the reproductive role of ideologies about love and intimacy in different societies, as well as their transformative potential. The questions that will be raised in class include: Do bodily and emotional experiences of intimacy differ across cultures? What shape the economic and social formations of intimate relationships such as love and friendship? What does it mean to say that romantic love is an ideology? What have our desires got to do with social order? Why are some emotions and desires taboo? And is our body a product of nature or culture?

This course examines cultural psychology and focuses on how it is relevant in an increasingly globalized world. It covers colonialism and how it shaped our psychological understanding of ourselves and others; how racism and stereotyping are psychological phenomena that interfere with successful globalization today; and how cultures’ different set of moral values often conflict with one another.

This course examines language and culture in Taiwan and Southern Fujian. Course content includes sounds and tones, simple daily conversation, traditional and popular songs, as well as ancient and modern poetry.

This beginning Cantonese course familiarizes students with the use of basic vocabulary and grammar points. Vocabulary is introduced based on everyday conversations and daily usage. The course focuses on appropriateness and application. Text: CANTONESE I: A SHORT COURSE by the Chinese Language Center at CUHK. Assessment: assignments (40%), quizzes (20%), tests (40%).