The Department of Sociology offers two undergraduate degree programmes: BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology and BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies (Sociology Concentration). Both programmes emphasize students acquiring an intellectual foundation in sociological theory and social research methods as well as familiarity with the main features of social development and social organizations in China and Hong Kong. In addition to required courses, students are free to choose from a wide variety of electives. These electives may be grouped into three broad categories - occupational and industrial sociology, family and gender studies, population and development.

BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies (Sociology Concentration) is part of the larger China Studies programme in the University, which was launched during 1989-90 with the purpose of training well-rounded China specialists. Sociology is one of the four participating departments of the programme, with the other three being Economics, Geography, and History. In addition to basic training in sociological knowledge and methods, sociology students in the China Studies programme are required to take courses from other options in the programme and to participate in the five-week Summer Sojourn Programme at Tsinghua University, Beijing, after the second year. During that five-week period, students undertake an immersion course in Putonghua and attend seminars on current issues related to the political, economic, historical, and social development of China. Students also visit places providing first-hand experience of life in contemporary China.

The China Studies Program has been revamped and the current program had the last intake of students in AY2019-2020.

BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology 
 
  1. To illuminate the complex patterns of relationships among individuals, groups, and larger social structures in a cross-cultural perspective;

  2. To enhance the understanding of continuities and changes at the local, regional and global levels;

  3. To provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of Chinese cultures and societies;

  4. To enable students to appreciate the complexities of Hong Kong society in all its manifestations;

  5. To cultivate abilities and creativity in independent research and theoretical investigation;

  6. To develop critical thinking skills adequate for academic inquiry and everyday problem-solving;

  7. To enable students to acquire and apply such transferable practical skills as problem identification, argument formulation, evidence gathering, analytical logic, teamwork, information technology and communication ability suitable for a wide variety of professional careers in civil service, social service, education and business sectors;

  8. To encourage an enthusiasm for life-long learning which in some instances will lead to postgraduate studies;

  9. To train students to appreciate and respect human diversity, and recognize the significance of cultural and social differences; and

  10. To enable students to conduct and complete a research project independently.

BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies (Sociology Concentration) 

  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.

BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology
Curriculum StructureBSocSc in Sociology
Major courses
Major required courses27 units
Major elective courses36 units
General education courses
University Core13 units
GE Programme18 units
Elective courses30 units
Social Sciences Common Core4 units
Total128 units
BSocSc (Hons) in China Studies (Sociology Concentration)
Curriculum StructureBSocSc in China Studies
(Sociology Concentration)
Main Discipline option core / elective courses
Core courses18 units
Elective courses12 units
General education courses
University Core13 units
GE Programme18 units
Free elective courses18 units
China studies core courses
Introduction to China Studies1 unit
Summer sojourn3 units
Honours project6 units
Elementary Putonghua3 units
Social sciences foundation courses12 units
China studies foundation courses12 units
Advanced China studies courses9 units
Social Sciences Common Core4 units
Total129 units

BSocSc in SociologyDownload
BSocSc in China Studies (Sociology Concentration)Download

BSocSc (Hons) in Sociology

 

Required Courses

Elective Courses
Year 1  
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4