(See also General Regulations, pp. 1 to 16)

Bachelor of Education (BEd)

Bachelor of Education in Language Education (BEd[LangEd])

Bachelor of Education in Primary Education (BEd[PrimaryEd])

Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences (BSc[Sp&HearSc])

Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics (MA[Applied Linguistics])

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Science in Audiology (MSc[Audiology])

Certificate in In-Service Education for Teachers (CertINSET)

Postgraduate
Certificate in
Education (PCEd)

Ed 55 To be eligible for admission to the degree of Bachelor of Education in Language Education, a candidate shall

Ed 56 The curriculum shall extend over four academic years of full-time study including such learning periods and vacations as may be prescribed.

Ed 57 In each year, a candidate shall follow instruction in the syllabuses prescribed and complete all the requirements in each year before progressing to the next year of study.

Ed 58 Candidates who are unable because of illness to be present for any written examinations, may be permitted to present themselves for re-examination, prior to the beginning of the following academic year. Any application for such permission shall be made within two weeks of the first day of absence from any written examination.

Ed 59 Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than 4 modules in any one year of study shall be permitted to present themselves for re-examination, prior to the beginning of the following academic year. Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners at a re-examination shall normally be required either to repeat the whole or part of the year of the curriculum or to discontinue their studies.

Ed 60 Candidates who have failed to satisfy the examiners in more than 4 modules in any one year of study at the first attempt shall not be permitted to present themselves for re-examination, and shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G 12. The performance of candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in a part of the curriculum which is the equivalent of more than four modules will be considered case by case by the Board of Examiners.

Ed 61 Candidates who are required to present themselves again for examination in any written and/or practical assignments, or any other prescribed examinations of the final year of the curriculum or in the dissertation shall not be eligible for an award higher than grade D in the re-examined paper(s) for the purpose of honours classification, but the actual grade(s) shall be recorded in the transcript.

Ed 62 The names of successful candidates shall be published alphabetically, in five divisions: First Class Honours; Second Class Honours Division One; Second Class Honours Division Two; Third Class Honours; Pass.

SYLLABUSES FOR THE DEGREE OF
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN
LANGUAGE EDUCATION

The following fields of study will be offered: Chinese Language and Literature; and English Language. Candidates are required to complete a total of 72 modules.

FIRST YEAR

Candidates shall take 18 modules.

Educational Studies I

81101. The Hong Kong education system (1 module)

This module describes the structure and operation of the system at all levels. It explains the processes of policy-making and resource allocation, and analyses the achievements and shortcomings of the last few decades. It includes reviews of the work of such bodies as the Education Commission, the Board of Education, and the UGC. To highlight certain features, the Hong Kong system is compared and constrasted with systems elsewhere.

81102. Social perspectives in education (1 module)

The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand better the demands placed upon teachers in a changing society. The roles of the teacher in the classroom, in the school and in society are examined. The module explores how social factors enter into the process of schooling in Hong Kong. The following issues are covered:

• the classroom as a social system
• the organization and environment of schooling
• schools within a changing society

81103. Language and learning (1 module)

The relationship between language and learning is introduced in this module whose specific topics include parent-child interaction, teacher-student interaction and their effects on learning.

School Experience I

81111. School experience (1 module)

This module consists of a series of visits made to schools throughout the year during which students will carry out a series of tasks involving observation and follow-up discussions with classroom teachers.

Main Subject Study I: Chinese Language and Literature

81141. Modern Chinese language (2 modules)

These modules are designed to enhance the ability to read modern Chinese texts through a study of the general characteristics and the development of modern Chinese (after the May Fourth Literary Movement) in both its spoken and written form.

81142. Classical Chinese language (2 modules)

These modules are designed to enhance the students' ability to read classical Chinese texts, and to investigate the relationship between modern and classical Chinese through an analysis of the general characteristics and the development of classical Chinese (before the May Fourth Literary Movement).

81143. History of Chinese literature (2 modules)

This is designed to extend students' understanding of the historical development of classical Chinese literature, and to introduce them to the in-depth analysis of different literary forms.

81144. Introduction to Chinese language and culture (1 module)

This module focuses on the study of the relationship between Chinese language and culture. It will cover the following topics: characteristics of Chinese society; Chinese etiquette and customs; Chinese calendar and cultural terminologies.

81145. Putonghua (2 modules)

These modules aim at developing the students proficiency in Putonghua and enable them to distinguish the linguistic difference between Cantonese and standard modern Chinese.

81146. Development of listening, oral, reading and writing skills (2 modules)

These modules aim at improving the students' abilities in listening, oral, reading and writing which in turn will enhance their ability in teaching Chinese language.

81147. Introduction to Chinese bibliography and references (1 module)

This module introduces the methods for studying Chinese bibliographies and references. It also introduces the basic references for teachers of Chinese subjects and demonstrates how these references should be utilized.

81148. Theory and practice of calligraphy (1 module)

This module is designed both to improve the students' own knowledge and skills in writing Chinese characters and to introduce them to ways of guiding children to write Chinese characters correctly.

81149. Computer assisted Chinese language teaching and learning (1 module)

This module introduces a range of Chinese language software packages with a special emphasis on their application to Chinese language teaching and learning.

OR

Main Subject Study I: English Language

81181. Introduction to English studies (7 modules)

These modules provide an introduction to English language, linguistics and literature.

81182. First and second language learning I (1 module)

This module introduces the processes and stages of L1 acquisition, and major issues and theories of L2 acquisition.

81183. English language proficiency (5 modules)

These modules provide the opportunity for students to develop their language proficiency skills for academic purposes. The following skills are taught: listening to lectures and note-taking; reference skills; academic writing; reading and note-making; seminar and presentation skills.

81184. Computer literacy (1 module)

This module enables students to acquire a basic awareness of the uses of the computer and the skills required for word processing.

SECOND YEAR

Candidates shall take 19 modules.

Educational Studies II

81201. Psychology of learning (1 module)

An introduction to theory, concepts and research in the field of institutional learning is provided in this module which examines abilities, motivation, and different approaches to learning, relationships between teachers and their pupils and the outcomes that result from them.

81202. Childhood and adolescence (1 module)

This module reviews major theories, concepts and research on the development and behaviour of children and adolescents. Its topics include physical, cognitive, personality, and language development as well as social relationships.

School Experience II

81211. School experience (2 modules)

Students spend three weeks of supervised practical teaching in a school.

Professional Studies I: Chinese Language and Literature

81221. Issues in Chinese language teaching (1 module)

This module analyses the basic concepts and issues of Chinese language teaching.

81222. Teaching of reading (1 module)

This module focuses on introducing the basic skills for developing reading skills in primary and secondary schools.

81223/81231. Field experience

External experience (5 modules)

Students travel outside Hong Kong to a country where Putonghua is the mother tongue, for a mixture of courses, cultural orientation and experience.

or

Local experience (5 modules)

Students pursue a range of studies within the local context.

OR

Professional Studies I: English Language

81261. Major methods I (1 module)

This module provides a basic introduction to the methodology of English language teaching and should be seen as a preparation for the school experience.

81262. Major methods II (1 module)

This module allows for a consideration of methodological issues arising from the school experience.

81263/81271. Field experience

External experience (5 modules)

Students travel to an overseas country, where English is the mother tongue, for a mixture of courses, cultural orientation and experience.

or

Local experience (5 modules)

Students pursue a range of studies within the local context.

Main Subject Study II: Chinese Language and Literature

81241/81242/81243/81244/81245. Chinese linguistics (4 modules)

These modules enable students to further their knowledge of selected topics in linguistics. Students will choose 4 modules from the following:

(a) Phonetics (1 module)

This module focuses on the study of the phonemic systems of Chinese (standard modern Chinese) and Cantonese and their development.

(b) Semantics (1 module)

This module focuses on the study of the theoretical issues in Chinese semantics, the significant research and associated studies, and its application in analysing the Chinese language. Emphasis will be placed on the structure of semantics in modern Chinese.

(c) Rhetoric (1 module)

This module focuses on the study of the theories and methodology of Chinese rhetoric, its development and application.

(d) Communication in Chinese (1 module)

This module introduces the principles underlying effective communication in Chinese. Students will have to learn to master the basic skills by participating in related activities and workshops.

(e) Discourse analysis (1 module)

This is an introduction to the creation and organization of written and spoken discourse. Students are introduced to the analytical tools used to investigate the ways in which writers and speakers create discourse. The relevance of these analyses for language teaching is examined.

81246. Etymology (1 module)

This is a study of the evolution of Chinese characters and the essential features and principles underlying their construction.

81247. Pedagogic grammar (1 module)

This is a study of the structure, scope, general characteristics and the development of pedagogic grammar. Methods of teaching pedagogic grammar will also be covered.

81248/81249/81250/81251. Chinese literature I Pre-Qing and Han literature (2 modules)

This is an in-depth study of Pre-Qing and Han classical works. Students will have to choose to study two of the following:

• The Book of Songs (Shijing) and Chu Prose (Chuci)
• Pre-Qing essays
• The Book of History (Shiji) and History of the Han Dynasty (Hanshu)

A critical study of the thoughts and styles of the respective writers and their influences is included.

OR

Main Subject Study II: English Language

81281. Phonetics, phonology and the teaching of pronunciation I (1 module)

This module provides an introduction to the articulatory and auditory aspects of the sounds of language and also examines the sound system of English with reference to the following topics: segmental and suprasegmental phonology; phonemic transcription.

81282. Lexis, semantics and vocabulary teaching I (1 module)

This module provides an introduction to lexis and semantics. Topics include: denotation; connotation; collocation; sense relations; sense and reference; introduction to formal semantics; semantic pre -suppositions.

81283/81284. Morphology, syntax and pedagogic grammar I and II (2 modules)

These two modules provide an introduction to the morphology and syntax of English.

81285. An introduction to spoken and written discourse I (1 module)

This module introduces basic concepts associated with spoken and written discourse.

81286. Pragmatics I (1 module)

This module introduces the concept of pragmatics. It discusses the boundary between semantics and pragmatics.

81287. Language and society I (1 module)

This module presents some theoretical and methodological notions in the study of linguistic norms and variation. It considers the relationships between language use in society and in the school. It includes the following topics: language, socialization and subcultures; language and social structures; language, social change and social conflict; language planning and bilingual education.

81288. First and second language learning II (1 module)

This module deals with the cognitive processes involved in the comprehension and production of language, including models of lexical, syntactic and discourse processing.

THIRD YEAR

Candidates shall take 19 modules.

Educational Studies III

81301. Children with learning difficulties (1 module)

This module discusses concepts of special educational needs, impairment, disability and handicap. It examines the idea of a continuum of need, the social nature of handicap and psychological and sociological perspectives on handicap. Against that background, relevant provision in Hong Kong is considered and a review of teaching and assessment methods and the involvement of parents in pupils' education is undertaken.

81302. Curriculum concepts and issues (1 module)

This module examines the key elements or components of school curricula and the critical questions which need to be asked about those components. The influence of social, political and economic factors on the design and implementation of the curriculum are also analysed.

81303. Personal and social education (1 module) (English language only)

This module introduces students to the concept of personal and social education. It examines a range of methods of teaching attitudes to study and behaviours appropriate to a worthwhile life-style. Topics include facts, beliefs and attitudes; study skills; time management; personal relationships; physical and mental change; habitual behaviour; and societal pressure. The module is mainly concerned with the life -skills of younger school children.

School Experience III

81311. School experience (4 modules)

Students spend 8 weeks in a Hong Kong secondary school carrying out supervised teaching duties.

Professional Studies II: Chinese Language and Literature

81321. Microteaching (1 module)

This module focuses on developing and improving the basic teaching skills of the students.

81322. Teaching of writing (1 module)

This module covers theories of teaching writing, the psychology of writing and diagnosing writing problems. Students learn to master basic approaches in teaching writing.

81323. Classroom language (1 module)

This module offers students the opportunity to investigate and analyse the language used by teachers and students in classrooms.

OR

Professional Studies II: English Language

81361/81362. Major methods III and IV (2 modules)

These modules cover the following methodological areas: the teaching of listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar with particular reference to Hong Kong secondary schools.

81363. Classroom language (1 module)

This module offers students the opportunity to investigate and analyse the language used by teachers and students in classrooms.

Main Subject Study III: Chinese Language and Literature

81341. Sociolinguistics (1 module)

This module reviews and extends students' understanding of varieties of language; accent and dialect, domains of use and register; language shift and language change, bilingualism and diglossia; code mixing and code switching; language and education.

81342. Psycholinguistics (1 module)

This module includes topics such as: introduction to the psycholinguistic studies related to the Chinese language, recognizing Chinese characters and words, sentence comprehension in Chinese, understanding text in Chinese and language production.

81343/81344/81345/81346/81347/81348. Chinese literature II electives (4 modules)

These modules enable students to pursue further knowledge of selected topics of Chinese literature. Students will choose four of the following:

(a) Poetry Shi (1 module)

This is a detailed study of the poetry (Shi) of selected authors of the Tang period.

(b) Poetry Ci (1 module)

This is a detailed study of the poetry (Ci) of selected authors of the Sung Dynasty.

(c) Drama (1 module)

This is a detailed study of the drama (Xi and Qu) of selected authors of the Yuan Dynasty.

(d) Fiction (1 module)

This is a detailed study of selected classical novels of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

(e) Prose Poetry (Fu) (1 module)

This is a detailed study of selected authors of Fu of the Han period and Paiwen of the Six-Dynasties period.

(f) Prose (1 module)

This is a detailed study of selected essayists of the Tang and Song period.

81349. Chinese literature III modern Chinese literature (1917­1949) (2 modules)

This is an in-depth study of two or more of the following genres in modern Chinese literature (1917 ­1949): poetry, drama, essay, novel and short story.

81350. Chinese literature IV contemporary Chinese literature since 1949 (2 modules)

This is a detailed study of two or more of the following genres in contemporary Chinese literature since 1949: poetry, drama, essay, novel and short story.

OR

Main Subject Study III: English Language

81381. Phonetics, phonology and the teaching of pronunciation II (1 module)

This module deals with the implications of the study of phonetics and phonology for the teaching of pronunciation.

81382. Lexis, semantics and vocabulary teaching II (1 module)

This module deals with the implications of the study of lexis and semantics for the teaching and learning of vocabulary.

81383/81384. Morphology, syntax and pedagogic grammar III and IV (2 modules)

These two modules deal with approaches to the description of English syntax, techniques of linguistic analysis and the teaching of grammar.

81385/81386/81387. An introduction to spoken and written discourse II, III, and IV (3 modules)

These three modules deal with a range of topics in spoken and written discourse. In written discourse topics include the organization, processing, production and comprehension of written discourse; cohesion and coherence; textuality; intertextuality; writer intention and reader interpretation. In spoken discourse topics include the structure of spoken discourse, speaker pre-suppositions, hearer interpretation, and approaches to the analysis of spoken discourse.

81388. Pragmatics II (1 module)

This module discusses speech act theory, conversational maxims, pragmatic pre-suppositions and the interpretation of utterance meaning.

81389. Elective (1 module)

Students will select one module from a range of electives to include the following: phonetics; text linguistics; corpus linguistics; syntax; spoken discourse; psycholinguistics; literature; natural language processing; composition theory; stylistics. Not all electives will be available each year.

FOURTH YEAR

Candidates shall take 16 modules.

Educational Studies IV

81401. Understanding educational enquiry (1 module)

This module aims to develop skills in reading research reports, appraising methods of collecting and evaluating information, understanding data tables and data pictures, recognizing the bases of valid measurement, appreciating the logic of empirical enquiry, and distinguishing correlational, causal and other models and how they characterize different types of empirical enquiry.

81402. Concepts and values in education (1 module)

The purpose of this module is to introduce students to conceptual understanding of the nature and process of education as well as its values in society. Topics concerning the nature of education include definitions of education, and aims of education. Topics concerning the values of education in society include the justification of education, educational values, and human nature and potential. Topics concerning the process of education include education and personal relationships, teaching and learning, freedom and authority, and punishment and discipline. Students are asked to discuss these issues in the context of Hong Kong education.

81403. Nature of teaching and learning (1 module)

The topics to be covered in this module are student-teacher interaction, classroom climate, novice-expert teaching, instructional processes and styles, and areas of experiemental enquiry in teaching.

81404. Assessment and evaluation (1 module)

This module analyses the purposes and forms of educational assessment and its influence on teaching and learning.

81405. Guidance and counselling (1 module)

This module provides an introduction to guidance and counselling. It examines the rationale underlying the provision of guidance and counselling services in schools. It is also offered as an introduction to the knowledge and skills that are basic to counselling and guidance.

School Experience IV

81411. School experience (4 modules)

Students spend 8 weeks in secondary schools carrying out supervised practical teaching.

Professional Studies III: Chinese Language and Literature

81421. Educational technology practical (1 module)

This module focuses on developing students' skills in the preparation of teaching aids and making use of them effectively in the classroom.

81422. Teaching of oral, listening and thinking skills (1/2 module)

This is an in-depth study of the theories and methods of teaching oral, listening and thinking skills in the secondary school classroom.

81423. Teaching of basic linguistic knowledge (1/2 module)

This is an introduction to the philosophies, theories and methods of teaching basic linguistic knowledge to secondary school students.

81424. Minor method study (1 module)

This module is a basic introduction to the syllabus and the basic techniques in the teaching of one of the following subjects at secondary school level: Putonghua, Chinese History, Chinese Literature and Culture, English.

OR

Professional Studies III: English Language

81461/81462. Major methods V and VI (2 modules)

In addition to further coverage of the teaching of speaking, reading, listening, writing, and grammar, topics from the following list are covered: language testing; integrated language learning; materials adaptation and development; teaching mixed ability groups; using ETV; using CALL; extensive reading programmes; language enrichment programmes.

81463. Minor methods I (1 module)

This module introduces students to the teaching of English literature in the secondary school.

Main Subject Study IV: Chinese Language and Literature

81441. Literary criticism (1 module)

This module aims at familiarizing students with the traditional, modern and contemporary approaches to literary criticism.

81442. Special topics in Chinese culture (1 module)

This module is a continuation of Introduction to Chinese language and culture in Year One. One or more of the following topics are covered: Chinese religion; Chinese civilization; Chinese philosophy and Chinese ethics.

OR

Main Subject Study IV: English Language

81481. English literature (1 module)

This module allows for an in-depth study of one of the genres of English literature.

81482. Elective (1 module)

This module allows students to select one of a range of electives (see above for examples listed for year 3).

Dissertation

81499. Dissertation (2 modules)

Students are required to complete a supervised dissertation on an approved topic.