SSC107       Research Methods in Social Science (3 credits)

This course surveys, on an introductory level, the process and structure of research in social science. It deals with the general logic of scientific inquiry, research design, sampling, measurement and data collection. Various theoretical and methodological principles, modes of research (e.g. qualitative and quantitative research), strategies and techniques employed in the research process will be examined. Elementary statistics and data analysis that are commonly used in social science will also be briefly introduced.

SSC111       Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)     

                    (Restriction(s): Students who have obtained Grade E or above in AL Pure Mathematics or AL Applied Mathematics, or Grade D or above in AS Mathematics and Statistics, are not allowed to take this course.)

This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge in mathematical and statistical methods that are necessary for studying social sciences. It will cover areas such as equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, differentiation, probability and simple statistical tools (i.e. descriptive statistics, sampling methods, and simple inferential statistics). Emphasis will be on the understanding of concepts and applications more than on computations.

SSC112       Hong Kong Today (3 credits) - will not be offered from 2007-2008

Through surveying current social, political and economic issues in Hong Kong today, this inter-disciplinary course provides students with a basic understanding of our society. Using a thematic approach, this course gives students a taste of how social science can be studied through careful observation and analysis.

SSC113       Linear Algebra (3 credits)

This course focuses on basic Linear Algebra used in econometrics and in social research. It will cover some basic techniques of matrix arithmetic and algebra, and in particular matrix multiplication and solution of linear equations.

SSC114       Calculus (3 credits)

The course covers both differential calculus and integral calculus.  It will cover basic derivatives and integration techniques with one variable as well as that with more than one variable functions. Applications to physics, social sciences, managerial sciences, etc. will be covered.

¡@

SSC115    Understanding Social and Economic Indicators (3 credits)
The course starts with providing students with the knowledge about the nature, meanings, measurement, and limitations as well of major social and economic indicators which have widely been used internationally for measuring and comparing the socioeconomic development of societies.  It is followed by applying these indicators in assessing the social and economic development in Hong Kong.

SSC201       Trade and International Relations of Asia Pacific (3 credits)

This course introduces students to basic concepts in trade policy and international relations theory, primarily by relating them to the study of the Asia Pacific region.  Under trade policy, students will be equipped with a basic knowledge of the principles and tools of trade theory and policy. Under international relations, the major schools and current controversies will be introduced.

SSC202       Politics and Economics of Contemporary China (3 credits)

This course provides an introduction to Chinese politics and economy. The focus is on the political and economic institutions, political movements and economic developments, and the external political and economic relations.  The course will cover developments under the regimes of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and the new leadership of Hu and Wen. Basic theories, interpretations and data related to the development of contemporary China will be discussed.

SSC217       Statistics for Social Science (3 credits)

(Prerequisite(s): (a) SSC107 Research Methods in Social Science, or (b) SSC111 Introduction to Quantitative Methods in Social Sciences, or (c) Grade E or above in AL Pure Mathematics/Applied Mathematics or (d) Grade D or above in AS Mathematics and Statistics)

This course is designed to assist students in achieving an overview of statistics and an understanding of its relevance in social research and in everyday life. It will cover inferences based on a single sample and two samples, bivariate and multivariate statistics (simple linear regressions and multiple regressions).

SSC218       Environment and Society in Hong Kong (3 credits)

(GEC318)

This course examines societal and official attitudes and behaviours toward the environment in Hong Kong, as well as the ways in which environmentally sustainable development has been implemented through policy.

SSC219       Methods and Practice of Social Survey (3 credits)

This course is a practical course which starts with the conceptual knowledge about the nature, logic and process of social survey. It is followed by the learning of the procedure of survey design, including such areas as setting research questions and hypothesis, conducting literature review, constructing theoretical or analytical framework, measuring variables, defining population and choosing sampling methods, conducting pretest and validity and reliability tests, and processing data and analysing data. Finally, students will be taught the guidelines and format of writing a research report.   

SSC301       Understanding Sport (from 2007-08)/

(GEC321)   Sport, Local Cultures and Global Processes (in 2006-07 or before) (3 credits)

Sport has become a global phenomenon, but it is also an integral part of society and history at a national and even local level. This course introduces students to different disciplinary approaches to the development and dynamics of this particular aspect of globalisation. It will also demonstrate that despite evidence of emerging sports monocultures across the globe, the diffusion of sports has also stimulated or reinforced cosmopolitan and ethnic consciousness. Case studies of some well-known sporting personalities and of particular sports will be used to illustrate the debates.  The development of sports in China and Hong Kong will also be discussed.

SSC316       Social Change and Politics in Japan (3 credits)

(Recoded from POL316)

The course examines some of the more significant features and characteristics of Japanese socio-economic structure, a number of important social issues, and the structure and dynamics of the Japanese political system.

SSC319       Senior Thesis (3 credits)

(Prerequisite(s): SSC217 Statistics for Social Science or SSC107 Research Methods in Social Science or ECO203 Fundamental Econometric Methods. Exemption may be granted by the Programme Director in consultation with supervisors concerned.)

This course allows students to conduct an independent social sciences research singly. Students will be given the opportunity to apply concepts, research tools and techniques in conducting an independent research.