University of Hong Kong

This intensive course is intended for foreign learners who have completed CHIN9503 (3 semesters) or have attained an equivalent level of competency. It develops audio-lingual proficiency as well as raises reading and writing ability. Students can use information obtained from the course to converse on daily topics with Chinese people, and present short speeches based on the assigned topics. Emphasis is placed on everyday topics and common patterns so that students can experience communication in Chinese. Students learn to write 250 new characters on top of approximately 500 characters acquired at the previous level. Students should be able to recognize no less than 1400 Chinese characters accumulated through previous learning. Students are taught to write short compositions of about 350 characters. Assessment: workbook, compositions, quizzes, midterm exams, final exams.

This course studies how poor nations have alleviated poverty through economic growth and why inequality continues to persist in rich nations. The course examines closely how empirical evidence is used to arrive at robust findings of falling inequality globally, but rising inequality within nations. Simple economic ideas on economic growth, international trade and investments are introduced and used to explain why the spread of markets and economic globalization has fostered growth and reduced poverty in many poor nations. Other topics include why some poor nations have failed to grow and remain mired in poverty; why poverty has not been eliminated in rich countries and why inequality has increased in recent decades. The role of human capital investments, technological advances, and political economy factors are introduced and used to investigate the experiences of the rich economies, including Hong Kong.

This course introduces a variety of theoretical and methodological perspectives to examine education policy reform, processes, contents and outcomes. It provides an international perspective to education policy, focusing on international organizations, international case studies, and international data bases. The course explores both the power and the limits of policy as a lever for improving P-12 educational organizations, specifically in terms of education equity and quality. The course provides a foundation to the complex, interdisciplinary and, at times, controversial nature of education policy analysis.

This course provides an advanced level understanding of the nature of urban transportation problems from an economic perspective. This course focuses on urban transportation as it is examined in the context of general economic, social and spatial trends in metropolitan settings. Particular attention is placed on the decision making process and how it affects policy choices. The course develops an understanding of relevant theories and analytical techniques, through the exploration of various cases drawn from different parts of the world. This course covers a wide range of topics in transportation economics: the major forces of transportation demand; conceptual and analytical models of travel behavior; the costs of driving; the role of transportation infrastructure in land use and economic development; the concept of accessibility. It also covers other topics in transportation policy with a discussion of relevant institutions being involved, including transportation finance, public transportation, non-motorized transportation modes, energy consumption, environment, land use and social equity. Through these topics, students are able to critically evaluate policies aimed to influence various urban transportation issues.

This course introduces the theories and practices of strategic communication, in the broader context of how NGOs, public relations firms, and other advocates seek to influence public opinion. Through readings, discussions, case studies and writing exercises, the course presents how to apply the methods these organizations use to build public awareness of their mission and brand. Students develop a comprehensive strategic communication plan, employing multiple media, for a local NGO.

This course is the first of a series of two intermediate financial accounting subjects. It builds on the foundation laid in the introductory accounting course to provide the required techniques in preparing and interpreting financial statements. It reviews the fundamental financial accounting concepts and focuses on the detailed recording and reporting of important items relating to the asset side of the balance sheet. It also examines the conceptual framework of accounting and financial statement presentation. This course provides the prerequisite knowledge to prepare for advanced accounting courses.

This course examines how the condition of globalization reveals itself in architecture and the urban environment. In our immediate surroundings, it benefits us greatly if we can grasp how the buildings that we inhabit are made and how they function. With an improved understanding of the various forces at play in the shaping of our human-made environment, we should be encouraged to think of ways to support a healthier kind of citizenry participation in the making of our buildings in the era of globalization. Paul Ricoeur described a condition of universal civilization that encapsulates a scientific spirit and consumer culture. Today, we are perhaps operating universally under the effects of globalization, aided in no small part by the advent of the information age as well as technological advancement, and a more liberal flow of capital and labor. This course explores the architecture and city we live in as a barometer that measures these effects – appraising specifically the qualities and identities of buildings and districts built or transformed as a result of globalization. By understanding the innovative and co-operative forms that have emerged, as well as resistances of local practices to external forces, we will be better equipped to cope with these global forces. This course examines seven different types of building typologies and environments in our cities.

Public policies and management do not take place in a vacuum. It is essential for public managers to possess a good awareness and understanding of their embedded political context. The course applies various institutional approaches to understand systematically the political-institutional structures and processes in which public policies and management are practiced and major reforms take place. The course draws on theories and practices developed by both academics and practitioners as its learning resources.