DESCRIPTION OF COURSES
Economics Courses
Econ. 100 Principles of Economics (for Non-majors
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide a general study of basic economic principles. It presents Economics not only as a mere body of knowledge but also as a method to understand current economic problems.
Major topics covered are as follows: the nature and methods of Economics; demand and supply in the product and factor markets; national income accounting; simple national income determination model; aggregate demand and supply analysis; money supply and the central bank; international trade and finance; and the effects monetary and fiscal policies on the local economy.
Econ. 101-2 Principles of Economics
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course aims to provide a general study of basic economic principles. It presents economics not only as a mere body of knowledge but also as a method to understand the current economic problems.
Major topics are as follows: the nature and methods of Economics; demand and supply; pricing and allocating factors of production; market failure and public choice; externalities and the environment; national income determination models; fiscal policy; money and banking in Hong Kong; monetary policy; inflation and business cycles; macroeconomic policy challenges; trading with the world; and balance of payments and exchange rates.
Econ. 103 Basic Microeconomics
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is designed to offer a broad coverage of basic microeconomic principles essential to an understanding of the economic activities of households, business organizations and governments. It also equips students with ability to apply microeconomic theory to analyze and critically evaluate social issues in economic perspectives.
Econ. 104 Basic Macroeconomics
1 Terms; 3 Credits
The course aims at equipping students with the understanding of the principles and concepts of basic macroeconomics. The structure of the course follows a standard pattern involving topics like fiscal policy, monetary policy, economic growth, open economy and business cycles. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to acquire a well- balanced foundation for evaluating macroeconomic issues.
Econ. 113 Mathematics for Economists
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is intended primarily for the student who has a serious commitment to studying economics at something more than the introductory level. It assumes very little prerequisite knowledge so students who have not undertaken a mathematics course for some years can learn it. This course will gradually introduce the student to a range of mathematical techniques used in economics, and will focus both upon understanding the mathematics of the technique and its applicability to the study of economics. Mathematics plays a critical role in developing and investigating economic theories are at the heart of economics and the study of economic behavior.
Econ. 114 Economic Statistics
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to develop in students an understanding of the techniques of data analysis and presentation, the ideas of probability and probability distributions, the techniques of statistical estimation and hypothesis testing, and of their application in Economics. Classes are designed to develop skills in numeracy, problem solving and the use of Excel and SPSS.
Econ. 203 Intermediate Microeconomics
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to offer an in-depth treatment of microeconomic theory in order to explore the relationship between economics analysis and human behaviour. It also equips students with the ability to apply key theories of microeconomics to analyze and resolve real-world issues. In addition to core elements of microeconomics, innovative topics, such as game theory, contract theory, economics of uncertainty and information economics, will be discussed.
Econ. 204 Intermediate Macroeconomics
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims at equipping students with the understanding of the principles and concepts of macroeconomics to intermediate level. Apart from standard topics like rational expectation, behavior foundation, unemployment and inflation, the course also follows modern approach to place substantial weight on long run economic growth and international economics. Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired the ability to understand how long-run economic growth determines the wealth of nations in today’s global economy.
Econ. 213 Introductory Econometrics
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to introduce the fundamental tools in econometrics and develop students’ ability to apply the theoretical concepts and techniques learned in lectures to the analysis of economic phenomena. Upon completion of this course, students will have gained experience in working with economic data, an understanding of the econometric techniques for the analysis of economic data, and practical experience of applying econometric methods from computer-based packages such as Eviews and SPSS.
Econ. 223 The History of Chinese Economy
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course is divided into three parts. The first part provides a general description of the economic development of China since ancient times. It gives the students an understanding of the trends of Chinese economic development and the principles underlying the economic changes.
The second part focuses on some of the important Chinese economic issues. The selected topics are studied in depth and it is expected that the students will be able to learn some of the economic research methods being used.
The last part deals with some selected economic readings. It is hoped that the students will develop the ability to appreciate ancient Chinese economic literature.
Econ. 233 The Economy of Hong Kong
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to help students acquire a better grip on economic theory as it applies to phenomena and problems pertinent to the economy of Hong Kong, develop their ability to search and synthesize relevant material, and to present arguments clearly and concisely both in writing and orally. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand the macroeconomic policy framework of Hong Kong, the competitiveness in services and manufacturing industries, the economic integration of Hong Kong and China, the socio-economic issues in today’s Hong Kong; and to apply economic concepts to analyze local economic problems.
Econ. 243 Money and Banking
Prere: Econ. 103-04 1 Term, 3 Credits
This course aims to provide students with knowledge in the role of money and banking in the monetary and financial systems. It also aims to enable students to understand how monetary policy can be implemented. Monetary theory and issues related to the banking system and central banking in Hong Kong will be examined. Topics include nature of money, commercial banking structure, bank management and regulations, central banking, money supply process, and monetary theory and policy.
Econ. 244 Managerial Economics
Prere: Econ. 103, or 203 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to equip students with the ability to apply economic thinking about business decision to a range of practical issues. It provides a range of transferable skills (including communication, problem solving, learning, self-management, working with others, computing and statistics) as an integral part of the study of “Managerial Economics” that relevant to a wide range of careers and further study.
Econ. 314 Economic Forecasting
Prere: Econ 114 1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide students with a rigorous training in forecasting macroeconomic variables.
The focus of this course is time-series modeling and forecasting rather than causal modeling— some very basic aspects of causal modeling will also be discussed, but the emphasis will be on using causal models as tools for capturing and projecting trends and seasonal patterns. Upon completing this course, students should be able to:
1. identify a range of commonly used business forecasting/modeling techniques, including the rationale underlying them, and their strengths and weaknesses;
2. suggest strategies for choosing techniques appropriate for given situations or data series;
3. prepare, present, and defend a forecast which is concerned with the building of a stochastic model for linear univariate time series in the time-domain.
Econ.323 The Economy of Contemporary China
Prere: Econ 203 & 204 1 Term; 3 Credits
This course will focus on the historical development of China’s economic institutions, on its varying economic policies and strategies, and in particular how economic reform affected different sectors of the Chinese economy. Considerable time will be spent on discussion of current economic issues in China. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 outline the economic history of the PRC;
2 identify the process of the PRC’s economic development;
3 describe the general business environment in the PRC; and
4 analyze current economic issues in the PRC and provide policy suggestions.
Econ. 333 Asia-Pacific Economies 1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to equip students with a better understanding of Asia-Pacific Economies and their fast economic growth and development, and to provide a range of transferable skills (including communication, problem solving, learning, self-management, working with others, computing and statistics) as an integral part of the study of economics that are relevant to a wide range of careers and further study. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. acquire a knowledge about economic systems and business conditions in the Asia-Pacific region;
2. think in a critical manner and evaluate Asia-Pacific economic issues including economic performance, achievements, problems and prospects; and
3. acquire a well-balanced general knowledge in a broad spectrum of Asia-Pacific region including cooperation, competition and conflicts among countries in the region.
Econ. 334 International Economics
Prere: Econ 203 & 204 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to enable each student to understand economic strategies and tactics firms can use when competing in the global marketplace. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to :
1. outline comparative advantage theory and the Heckscher-Ohlin theory of trade;
2 provide an analysis of offer curves for discussing the terms of trade and optimal tariffs;
3 identify the relationship between international trade and economic development;
4. provide analysis of trade policies;
5 analyze of a country’s balance-of-payments; and
6. analyze the association between exchange rates and major macroeconomic variables.
Fin. 343 Introduction to Financial derivatives
Prere: Bus 308 or Acct 340 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to provide an understanding of the main types of derivatives and of the markets in which they are traded. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1 explain how futures and options can be used for speculating on price changes and for hedging price risk;
2 calculate the fair value of a futures contract;
3 calculate the fair value of a call option contract using both the simple binomial model and the Black-Scholes model;
4 understand and apply the put-call parity theorem;
5 explain the use of a variety of option trading strategies such as covered call, strangles, short straddles, bull spreads, bear spreads and long butterflies;
6 understand how synthetic securities may be created and their use; and
7 consider operational issues (e.g. trading and market-making) and strategic issues (e.g. basic financial engineering).
Econ.344 Public Finance
Prere: Econ 203 & 204, or a good grade in Economics 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to provide students with solid foundations of public economics with emphasis on taxing and spending activities of government together with their influence on resource allocation and income distribution. Focuses are also placed upon how the theory can be applied to a broad range of current public finance issues. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. acquire the basic tools of public finance analysis;
2. grasp analytical tools in evaluating public finance policy;
3. describe the conditions for efficient resource allocation of public goods;
4. identify the features of alternative voting mechanisms and their effects on public finance policy;
5. analyze the issues of public sector production;
6. acquire the skills in cost-benefit analysis;
7. grasp the microeconomic framework for taxation analysis;
8. evaluate the effects of taxation on individual behaviors;
9. grasp the macroeconomic analysis of budgetary finance;
10. account for the public choice approach to taxation and public expenditure;
11. understand the concepts of fiscal federalism and multi-government public finance; and
12. acquire the basic features of local public finance system.
Econ. 346 Issues in Development Economics
Prere: Econ 203 & 204 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course will be delivered in a team teaching paradigm and adopts the 100 per cent continuous assessment approach to evaluate students’ performance. The aim of the course is to study the economic and social transformation and development of less developed part of the world economy, including the transition economies. This course aims to provide students with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the forces of development in the emerging countries. It examines theoretical and empirical issues in economic development, focusing on the nature of development; the role of history and expectations in development process; interconnections between economic inequality and development; population, education and human capital issues; international trade and technology transfer; investment and finance; markets in agriculture; urbanization and environment; and political economy of development. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to
1. generalize the forces of development in the emerging countries; and
2. identify the problems faced by the emerging countries and suggest solution.
Econ. 305 Economics of Industrial Organization
Prere: Econ. 101-2, 213
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course gives a theoretical and empirical analysis of the effects of market structure, business behaviour and government policy on economic performance and consumer welfare. It is divided into four parts.
(1) Structure, Conduct and Market Power.
The determinants of market structure; contestable market; the determinants of firm structure; the dominant firm; strategy and entry; oligopoly; the recognition of interdependence; collusion.
(2) Price Discrimination.
Typing; predation pricing; vertical restraints.
(3) Game Theory.
Nash equilibrium; product variety and patents; Cournot and Betrand duopoly; Bayesian equilibrium; limit pricing; subgame perfect equilibrium; durable goods and monopoly power.
(4) Other Related Topics.
Sale efforts; distribution channels; product differentiation; research and development; transaction costs and the theory of firm; technological progress.
Fin.444 Financial Institutions in Hong Kong
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
The objective of this course is to provide students with a better understanding of the history, development and current situation ofthe financial institutions in Hong Kong. Major topics include: Hong Kong as an international financial centre, theory of financial intermediation, and depository and non-depository financial institutions in Hong Kong. There will also be discussion of cases.
Econ. 320 International Trade
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
Major Areas of Content:
(1) Technical Concepts and the Gains from Trade:
supply and production possibilities; preferences, demand and welfare; general equilibrium in closed and open economies; gains from trade.
(2) Cause and Consequences of Trade:
the causes of international trade; differences in technology; the Heckscher-Ohlin model; the specific-factor model; government policies as determinants of trade; imperfect competition as a determinant of trade and the gains from trade; increasing returns to scale; tastes per capita income and technology change as determinants of trade; empirical studies of comparative advantage.
(3) Trade Policy:
tariffs; quotas and other nontariff barriers; imperfect competition, increasing returns, and strategic trade policy; preferential trade areas; the political economy of trade policy; administered protection.
(4) Factor Trade, Growth and the Theory of Direct Foreign Investment:
trade in factors of production; intertemporal trade; north-south trade issues.
Fin. 330 International Finan
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
The goal is to provide a thorough foundation of the key concepts in international finance, with some of the topics also touching upon international macroeconomics and trade, while others are more finance focused. A closely related intention of the course is to give the students a good idea of the current frontier of research in selected areas of international finance, and thus ultimately to prepare them to do original work. This course outlines basic principles essential for participation in international financial markets and for financing international operations. Major areas of content include, Balance-of Payments adjustment theories, the Markets for Foreign Exchange; determination of exchange rates; the fundamentals of international parity conditions; foreign exchange markets: spot, forward, futures, options, and swaps; and managing foreign exchange risks and exposures.
Econ. 333 International Monetary Economics
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
This course gives a general study on international monetary theory and practice. It is divided into four parts.
(1) Spot and Forward Exchange Rate:
The elasticities view of exchange rate; covered and uncovered interest rate parity; real interest rate parity; the efficient markets hypothesis and the forward market for foreign exchange; peso effect; technical analysis and chartism; the "news" approach to exchange rate modelling; foreign repercussions.
(2) Macroeconomics in an Open Economy:
J-curve effect; wealth effect; macroeconomic interdepend-ence; potential gains from policy co-ordinations; dynamic games and the sustainability and reputation credibility of international cooperation.
(3) Exchange Rate:
Purchasing power parity theory; the asset approach to the exchange rate; the flex price monetary approach to the exchange rate; rational speculative bubbles; the sticky-price monetary approach; currency substitution; the portfolio balance approach to the determination of the exchange rate.
(4) Monetary Systems:
Historical review of international monetary arrangement; the European Monetary Union; international money and capital flows; balance of payments adjustment; the IMF; international debt; international monetary reform; target zones.
Econ. 401 Economic Growth
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
The course is to give an explanation and evaluation of various models and aspects of economic growth.
The major topics are as follows: Harrod-Domar model; neoclassical one-sector/two-sector models; technical progress; foreign trade; dynamic monetary growth models; Ramsey infinite horizon optimizing model; perpetual youth model; endogenous growth theory.
Econ. 402 Economic Development
Prere: Econ. 101-2 1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is to give students an understanding of development problems faced by non-industrial countries. It also gives an evaluation of various development programmes.
The major topics are as follows: poverty and income distribu-tion; population and economic development; urbanization and rural-urban migration; agricultural transformation and economic de-velopment; education and development; environment and development; industrialization; international debt crisis; foreign investment and aid; development planning; fiscal and monetary policies in developing countries; and theories of economic development.
Econ. 411-2 Mathematical Economics I & II
Prere: Econ. 111-2 2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course is designed to provide an introduction to mathematical analysis in economics. The course concentrates on some specific mathematical techniques, followed by illustrations of how these techniques are useful in enhancing understanding of different areas of economics.
Topics in mathematical techniques covered are convex sets, concave functions, constrained optimization (including concave programming and Kuhn-Tucker theory), differential and difference equations.
Specific areas in economics to be studied include the nature, comparative static and dynamics of various elementary models of consumer equilibrium, equilibrium of the firm and macroeconomic equilibrium.
Econ. 431-2 Econometrics
Prere: Econ. 206 or Bus. 221-2 or Soc. 103/104
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course is a quantitative approach to economic analysis with the aim of providing a clear understanding of the problems involved in the empirical measurement of economic relationships and the techniques that can solve those problems. Students will be able to get practical experience of using econometric methods on a microcomputer. This course will also include the discussion of problems that arise in the use of such methods and providing practical solutions.
Major topics are as follows: generalized least squares, autoregressive and distributed lag models, casualty in economics and simultaneous-equation models.
Econ. 441-2 Comparative Economic Systems
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course aims to provide a comparative approach to the study of several main contemporary economic systems. It includes the causes and conditions for the emergence and development of an economic system. Upon completion of the course, students are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the working of an economic system and be able to understand contemporary economic issues and policies. Students are expected to have a good understanding of introductory macroeconomics, the ability to interpret statistics, as well as the basic skill of economic analysis.
Major topics are as follows:
(1) Introduction: basic institutions of a society; the basic issues for the survival of a society; culture, economic thoughts and systems.
(2) The salient features of an ideal economic system.
(3) The four great economists' approaches to economic systems, including Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Austrian School and John M Keynes; the impact of these economic thoughts on the contemporary economic systems.
(4) An introduction to selected models of economies.
(5) An investigation to some new economic issues of post-capitalism/ free market economy.
Econ. 451-2 History of Western Economic Thought
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course is designed to give a systematic and detailed treatment of the history of western economic thought. The emphasis is placed on how the theory and methods of the past have influenced contemporary economics. Discussions will chronicle the progress of economics from ancient to modern times. Major events in economic history and the contributions of past economic thinkers will be evaluated and assessed. Topics include ancient and Medieval economic thought, mercantilism, physiocracy, classical economic analysis, socialists, historicists, Karl Marx, Austrian School Neo-Classics, institutionism, Keynesianism, and anti-Keynesianism.
FIN 205 Foundations of finance
Prere: Econ. 100, 101-2, or 103-4 I Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to offer a solid foundation of financial theory essential for making financing and investment decisions by a business. It involves three broad aspects including theory of corporate finance; operations of financial institutions and markets; and investment management. Moreover, practical applications for real-world financing and investment decisions will be covered.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: explain the relationship among consumption, investment and the capital markets; apply the tools of financial mathematics to security valuation; illustrate and apply project evaluation methods; explain portfolio theory, asset pricing models and implications of market efficiency; explore the operations of financial institutions; have some understanding of strategic financing decisions about optimal capital structure and distribution policy; identify different contracts of financial derivatives and understand the valuation of various financial derivative contracts; account for the operations of multi-national business finance; and to explain principles of mergers and acquisitions interpret accounting data from financial statements for security valuation.
ECON. 345 Economics of Innovation
Prere: Econ. 100, 101-2, or 103-4 I Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide students an opportunity to examine in depth the origins of innovations and consequences of their adoption. To develop students’ theoretical knowledge and analytical skills, the course also provides stimulation and insight in reconsidering the basic assumptions of standard economic analysis. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: identify the relationship between scientific research, technical innovation and market; evaluate classical and modern innovation theory; measure technical change; and to perform innovation analysis.
ECON. 433 Seminar on Global Economic Environment
Prere: Econ. 334, Econ 320, or FIN. 345 I Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to familiarize students with the theoretical and institutional bases of global economic integration, to encourage students to develop and consolidate critical and evaluative skills including conceptualization and analysis. This is a seminar (participation-oriented) course. The course is divided into two parts. The focus of the first part is a comprehensive review of the current global economic environment from the perspective of international economic institutions. The second part concentrates on the current economic issues in the world which have an impact upon Hong Kong and China from the perspective of practitioners in global economic affairs. At the final class meeting of the second part, students in groups are expected to make short presentations of the case studies they have completed. The topic of the case study is the choice of the students but is subject to the course coordinator’s approval. Except for the 15th class meeting which is allocated to class presentations, all other class meetings consist of a one-hour formal lecture and a two-hour discussion session. A team-teaching approach is used to deliver this course. With a view to strike a balance between theoretical and practical perspectives of global economic environment, in addition to the Economics staff, we will invite people who have professional expertise or working experiences relevant to a current topic in the course as guest speakers to facilitate the seminars.
ECON. 446 Honours Project
Prere: Completed Years 1, 2 and 3 departmental requirements I Term; 3 Credits
The course enables students to crystallize what they have learnt in the programme. It permits students the choice of doing a practical project or conducting a piece of research. It also assists students to develop a range of transferable skills (including communication, problem solving, learning, self-management, working with others, computing and statistics) as an integral part of the study of economics that relevant to a wide range of careers and further study. Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to: identify research problems and design a research project independently; understand the techniques of collecting, organizing and analyzing data and information; acquire the ability to apply economic principles and quantitative techniques to a range of practical economic issues; and to communicate the research findings in a report concisely and effectively.
Complementary Courses
Chi. 101-2 First Year Chinese I & II
2 Terms; 8 Credits
This course is composed of 2 components: 1) the study of selected Chinese readings and 2) the training on students' Chinese writing skills.
The first component of the course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of Chinese culture through the study of various styles of Chinese writing in different dynasties from ancient to modern times, such as essay, biography, prose, narrative, poetry and well-known readings of the Chinese sages.
The second component aims to foster students' enthusiasm for and understanding of the essential elements of creative writing through practice in various themes and styles of language usage and practical Chinese writing so as to enhance students' power of expression and writing skills.
Chi. 131-2 Elementary Putonghua I & II
2 Terms; 2 Credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the phonetics of Putonghua and enable them to master Hanyu Pinyin. Students will learn around 2,000 commonly used Putonghua words and expressions. The requirements and outlines of the Putonghua Proficiency Test will also be introduced.
Chi. 251-2 Intermediate Putonghua I & II
2 Terms; 2 Credits
This course trains students to express their ideas in Putonghua. They will learn a range of Putonghua expressions and phrases which are commonly used in daily conversation based on the required reading materials of the Putonghua Proficiency Test. There will be extensive exercises in reading short texts and dealing with the pronunciation of difficult words in Putonghua.
Eng. 111-2 English Usage I & II
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course is designed to improve students' language skills and upgrade their overall language proficiency in the four basic language areas, i.e. reading, listening, speaking and writing. It covers a wide range of language activities/ tasks in an integrated format, including: (1) reading and listening comprehension lessons based on authentic material covering stories of human interest, argumentative and expository essays, interviews or forums on current and socially relevant issues; (2) varied expression in vocabulary improvement, with emphasis on idiomatic expressions, phrasal verbs and other nuances; (3) grammar revision and extension covering sentence analysis, close structural transformation, subordination, modification and correction of errors; (4) oral-aural practice through enjoyable and stimulating exercises to be done individually, in pairs or in groups.
Eng. 211-2 English Writing
2 Terms; 6 Credits
This course focuses on academic writing in English and provides some experience of practical writing, academic writing, and writing resumes and employment application letters. Through participation in classroom activities and the completion of writing tasks and assignments, students are provided with an opportunity to enhance skills in listening, discussing, note-taking, summarising, researching, analysing questions and assignments, reading for specific information, synthesising a precise and relevant response for a given purpose, presenting thoughts and ideas in a logical sequence, providing citations and preparing bibliographies, and recognising/correcting grammar and syntax errors.
Acct 100
1 terms; 3 Credits
This is an introductory accounting course to the Economics students. The students are expected to make use the financial accounting information for performance evaluation and management of assets, liabilities and earnings. To achieve these purposes, the student will learn the basic accounting concepts and bookkeeping skills, prepare financial statements and carry out financial analysis, distinguish between historical value, net book value, net realizable value and fair value. The student is trained up to think comprehensively and will consider the financial arrangement and effects on earnings, tax and liabilities before making business decisions.
Acct. 340D Financial Management
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the basic skills and concepts required for the study of finance and for their application to financial management; explore the analysis of financial management decision making within firms with an emphasis on the application of theory to practice; and understand the relevance of modern financial theory to financial management.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a) describe the main forms of long-term and short-term finance for companies;
b) appreciate the nature and scope of working capital management;
c) identify the factors which determine the capital structure of companies;
d) explain the impact of dividend policy on corporate valuation;
e) describe the main methods for raising equity finance and for issuing bonds;
f) explain the effects of diversification in risk analysis;
g) describe the features of the Capital Asset Pricing Model; and
h) appreciate the importance of making long-term financial planning and forecasting.
Bus. 100 Introduction to Business
1 Term; 3 Credits
This is an introductory course in business studies. Its aim is to make students aware of the various functions in a firm, e.g., management, production, marketing, and finance. The business environment, as well as the relationship between business, government and society will be discussed. Current cases will be used to illustrate concepts and theories. On completing this course, students will be able to understand the nature and the characteristics of modern business organizations, as well as their management and various operational functions. In addition, they will have developed techniques of analyzing and interpreting the causes of complex business problems.
Bus. 211-2 Business Organization and Management
2 Term; 6 Credits
This course aims to develop understanding and competence as a manager or aspiring manager, by increasing awareness that management is a process and not a series of unique events. Thus, students need to know the fundamental principles and theories that explain what managers do, and the ways in which managers have pursued their objectives. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a) explain how management thought has developed during the 20th century;
b) distinguish between different theories of management, and understand the limitations of these for practical purposes;
c) examine the roles played by managers in achieving the goals of their organizations, illustrating these with examples;
d) discuss the importance of environmental and cultural influences on management;
e) explain why the decision-making process is an important facet of every manager's job.
Bus. 233 Principles of Marketing
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is designed to help students to learn about marketing in the fundamental way, leading towards an understanding of the full scope of marketing principles and practice in the modern world. A broad range of marketing skills are integrated like defining the market segments, identification of target markets and manipulating the marketing 4P's. Emphasis is also placed on the environmental influences and problem solving skills which have a significant impact on marketing decision-making. The goal is to prepare students to make better marketing decisions in the contemporary business world.
Bus. 310 Electronic Commerce
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course is designed to:
1) provide an essential understanding of e-commerce (EC) to senior business students, future practitioners in E-corporations;
2) provide a framework for students to use in analysis and formulation of EC business solutions and strategies;
3) equip students with knowledge in pursuing opportunities in New Economy.
Upon completion of this course, the students should be able to:
a) acquire basic knowledge in EC and discuss some major managerial and technical issues regarding EC;
b) understand the decision-making process of developing an EC strategy;
c) understand and apply techniques to pursuing opportunities in a web-based market;
d) analyze different business models employed by Internet companies;
e) describe dotcoms building relationships with customers.
Bus. 409 Practice of China Investment
1 Term; 3 Credits
This Course will help students gain a basic understanding of the China investment environment and how to conduct business in China. Students will be trained to strengthen their business sense in relation to the China investment climate as well as to the general business environment. Hence, the course can be regarded as a supplement to a comprehensive business education programme.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a) exhibit basic understanding of the China investment environment;
b) prepare an investment proposal;
c) demonstrate good analytical skills;
d) correctly assess investment environments;
e) understand and apply business terms pertaining to China business.
Bus. 420 Seminar in Finance
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course aims to provide students with the knowledge of major topics in global money and finance, with emphasis on three key areas, including international financial markets and monetary systems, open-economy macroeconomics, and multinational financial instruments. It is also designed to connect theory to practical and topical applications in the form of research projects.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
a) acquire an overview of international monetary systems and their recent developments;
b) understand the theoretical and the policy implications of international parity conditions;
c) explain the implications for foreign exchange market efficiency;
d) review various economic models of exchange rate determination and forecasting.
Law 100 Introduction to Law
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is designed to assist students to understand legal concepts and principles of law in the commercial and business contexts. It also aims to provide students with an elementary knowledge of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region legal system. After completing the course, students will have an understanding of the Rule of Law, HKSAR legal system and those areas of the law concerned with law and commerce. Furthermore, students will acquire the necessary legal knowledge and techniques to pursue legal studies later in the programme.
LA 110 Introduction to Political Science
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at providing students with a basic foundation for the study of political science. Utilizing a comparative and systems approach, the instructor will examine the subject on political culture and socialization, governmental institutions and public policies, as well as constitutions and laws. International politics and organizations will also be investigated. Students are expected to gain a better understanding of how politics and governments actually work in our contemporary society.
PE 101-102 Physical Education 體育
1 Term; 2 Credits
通過體育教學，傳授學生體育知識，技術和科學鍛鍊身體的方法，增強體質高健康水平，激發進取心和競爭意識，使學生身心得到全面發展，以適應未來職業，和生活需要。
Phil. 113
1 Terms; 3 Credits
This course aims at providing an introduction to both classical and modern logic. Major topics in classical logic including the nature of terms and propositions, immediate inference by categorical syllogisms, the figures and moods of the categorical syllogism, the hypothetical syllogism, and the expression of reasoning by Euler’s diagrams. In modern logic, the main area will be that of the propositional calculus, with attention to the basic operations and the construction of truth tables.
Phil. 103 Introduction to Philosophy
1 terms; 3 Credits
This subject provides students with an introduction to the study of the fundamental problems in philosophy and the various responses that have been made to them. Different views on the relevant issues will be critically examined. Throughout the critical examination of the relevant issues, students will be encouraged to develop a reasoned view of man, society and universe. They are then challenged to think for themselves and make explicit the grounds for their judgments.
Psy. 100 Introductory Psychology
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims at introducing the scientific study of a broad spectrum of mental and behavioral aspects of human beings. Subjects covered include: the theoretical foundations of psycho-logy, schools of psychology, approaches used by the different schools, as well as the basic biological, developmental, psycho-logical and social processes which affect an individual's development throughout his/her life span.
Comp. 101
1 terms; 3 Credits
This course aims at introducing students to the basic concepts of computer systems and the Internet, and to acquaint them with a Chinese input method. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to acquire hands-on experience in using Windows, Internet and Word Processing softwares.
Comp. 204 Web Page Development
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to enable students to become familiar with the basic tools and technology underpinning the Internet and WWW. The course also aims to develop students’ knowledge and skills in simple website design. The theoretical and practical aspects of designing a website are introduced in the course.
Jour. 120 Introduction to the Study of the PRC
1 Term; 3 Credits
With the introduction of various aspects in the political system, economy, culture, education and society of the People's Republic of China over the past 54 years since its establishment, students will have a general and comprehensive understanding of the status-quo of the motherland after this course, which will lay a solid foundation for their future careers as journalists and in pursuing their studies in China.
Hist. 110 General Western History
1 Term; 3 Credits
After completing this course, students will be able to understand the conceptual foundations of western history from ancient times down to the eve of the French Revolution.
Content of course:
1. Towards Civilization
2. The Fertile Crescent and the Civilization along Banks of Rivers
3. The Greek Achievement
4. The Establishment of the Roman Empire
5. The Rise of Christianity and Islam
6. Medieval Political History
7. The Feudal Age
8. Nations in the Making
9. The Renaissance
10. The Reformation and the Counter-Reformation
11. The Enlightenment
12. The Voyages of Discoveries
13. Europe before the French Revolution
Soc. 107 Understanding Sociology
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to provide a concise introduction to sociology for non-major students and enables them to obtain a pertinent conception of human society. This course concentrates upon the key paradigms in sociology, the importance of culture and socialization, the dynamics of social interaction in everyday life, and essential institutions of modern society. Special attention is paid to family, marriage, education, economy, work, religion, power and politics, deviance and social control, social stratification and inequality, race and ethnicity, population, urbanization and modernization process. Upon the completion of this course,
students should be able: 1) to grasp the essential perspectives, theories and concepts in Sociology, 2) to comprehend the relationships between individual and society, 3) to examine the key issues and major changes in contemporary society, and 4) to undertake basic sociological research and analysis on their own.
Soc. 300 Law and Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course provides students with a critical examination at the relationship between law and society, and draws from several disciplines including sociology, criminology, anthropology, and history. It considers general theories and issues associated with the study of law in society, and attempt to answer such questions as: How do laws come into place? Does the law represent society’s interest or the interests of particular groups? Why are some behaviours and actions legal in some cultures and at certain points
in time but illegal in other cultures and at other points of time?
SOC. 306 Collective Memory and Social Change
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course considers collective memory not as a static entity, but rather as an ongoing process of forgetting, remembering, encoding and reworking of the past. Several questions will be raised: How societies collectively remember their past in order to create a sense of imagined community and shared values in the present? What is the relationship between history and memory? How does the state make use of history to create public memory? How do people contest the official history endorsed by the nation state through making collective memories? This course will also investigate how collective memories are conceptualized through a variety of means. Oral histories, narrative, public rituals, customs, museums, heritage, monuments, and public space
will be analyzed to understand their role in shaping, reshaping, and maintaining memories within a community. Students are encouraged to take the case of Hong Kong to examine how people who had lived through the period of colonization and decolonization remember their collective past and how has this collective memory of the past changed over time.
SOC. 307 State and Society: Culture in Everyday Life
1 Term; 3 Credits
Notions of 'Culture" and "Society" are very often taken-for-granted, whether in official or sociological discourse, or in everyday conversation. Despite our familiarity with these concepts, in the disciplines of anthropology and sociology they have become highly contentious terms. We read about the globalization of culture and how telecommunications, tourism and migration are radically changing our ideas about the world and our own identities. But what does going "global" actually mean? This course seeks to provide a more inclusive analysis of what these terms mean and their usefulness in understanding social relations and cultural practices. A pervasive theme in the course is the interplay between "culture", society" and the individual and this is examined through the study of language, communication and gendered body, particularly the symbolic structures embedded in understanding cultures. We will also examine the role of the state in shaping cultures and societies. This course will investigate
the rise of nationalism, and the political uses of history, ritual and space in modern nation-states. The course probes our commonsensical understandings of our lives, to make strange the familiar in order to reexamine the assumptions underlying cultural globalization and to interrogate prevailing critiques of such processes.
Soc. 360 Chinese Culture and Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course provides an overview of Chinese culture and society. It aims at widening the horizon of our students and enhancing their cultural competence. It provides students with a good knowledge of the social life and the history of thought in traditional China. Discussions concentrate on the major social changes and the classical thoughts of China which have been influencing people's life in both traditional and contemporary times, such as Confucianism, Taoism, religions, value orientation, etc. A good understanding of China's cultural heritage is also in line with the total person education as advocated by the University.
