Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Cultural Studies (BACS)
Programme Overview
With a focus on critical writing, media literacy and cultural innovation, our interdisciplinary programme cultivates caring changemakers for the digital age.
“Culture” refers to the ideas we hold and the common ways of life we share. With this programme, you will be trained to examine a broad range of sociocultural topics in local and cross-cultural contexts. You will become more knowledgeable and aware of the diverse values and lived experiences that shape our everyday life in the contemporary world.
Our flexible programme structure is industry-focused and skill-based. With the support of academic experts from cultural studies, sociology, education, media studies, literature studies, environmental studies, and history, you will learn how to:
- critically analyse and reflect on the complex interplay between individuals and society
- apply current theories to real-life practices through media production workshops, studio-based learning, capstone projects and internships
This programme is ideal if you want to:
- enhance your competency in research creation, cultural production, and digital storytelling
- advocate and contribute to a more open, sustainable and inclusive community
- pursue a career in non-profit, media, education, cultural or creative sectors
New Concentrations and Courses from 2023-24
From 2023-24, students will be able to declare a concentration in “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” and “Digital Culture and Media Practices”. Meanwhile, 11 new Programme Electives will be added for all BA Cultural Studies students, 7 of which are co-listed under the new Concentration “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity”.
These two concentrations will enhance student experience and prepare student for community engagement and career development.
- “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” Concentration
- “Digital Culture and Media Practices” Concentration
Students* will be able to declare this concentration after completing any 4 courses (12 credits) from those listed below. The concentration will be shown on their transcript.
CUS3001 Curating Digital Practice CUS3003 Media and Creative Industries CUS3004 Media, Gender, and Sexuality CUS3005 Media Networks and Everyday Life CUS3007 Social Media Literacy CUS3009 Special Topics in Digital Culture & Media Practices CUS3013 Techno-culture CUS3310 Media, Culture and Society CUS3411 Media Creativity *Applicable to 2021-22 Year 1 intake, 2022-23 Year 1 and Year 2 intake, 2023-24 and later intake. For details, please refer to the programme structures here.
- 11 New Programme Electives
11 new courses will be added for all students,7 of which are co-listed under the new Concentration “Cultural Commons, Social Innovation and Creativity” (denoted by ^ in the list below).
- CUS2406 Becoming a Social Media Influencer
- CUS2407 Creating Urban Commons: A Global Perspective ^
- CUS2408 Cyber Fandom and Everyday Culture
- CUS2409 Digital Marketing for Social Causes
- CUS2410 Digital Technology and Creative Commons ^
- CUS2411 Food, Technology and Environments ^
- CUS2412 Platform Future and Open Co-operativism ^
- CUS2413 Reflexive Approach to Social Innovation ^
- CUS2414 Social Value and Social Impact Assessment: A Critical Introduction ^
- CUS2415 Theories of Cultural Innovations ^
- CUS3316 Modern Chinese Thought #
# The course was deleted from 2019-20, will be reactivated and listed as a programme elective from 2023-24.
Ready for Diverse Career Pathways
With its dynamic structure and liberal arts background, the programme prepares students for a wide range of careers in the following industries:
- cultural events planning and management
- creative art and curation
- cultural ecology and governance
- media
- cultural and social innovation
- education
- environment and sustainability
- cultural exchange
- government
- business
Graduate / Student Sharing
Stephanie Fung (Class of 2015)
Co-founder and curator, Common Sense HSK and UpCycling Plus
“Cultural studies narrows your focus for a broader vision.”
Daisy Chu (Class of 2005)
Founder, foreforehead
“Never conform to stereotypes, blur the lines, search for new possibilities – this is what Cultural Studies has taught me.”
Fredie Chan
Florence Lo
Lo Chun Yip, Siuyea
Chan Ho Sun
Radio Programme at RTHK Radio 2: 文化研宇宙
What is Cultural Studies? Why do we study Cultural Studies? In the new public radio programme ‘文化研宇宙’ (Cultural Studies x Technology), our faculty members will explore the impact of digital technology on our cultural lives. Listen to their engaging discussions on the RTHK programme Website.
- Episode 1
Our faculty members discuss the captivating field of cultural studies and its intersection with technology. They explore the question of “What is cultural studies?” and highlight its interdisciplinary approach to studying cultural phenomena in our daily lives, covering food technology, AI, Asian pop culture, KOL, Cantonese opera, Chinese medicine, and more.
- Episode 2
The episode delves into the environmental impact of industrial farming and global warming, explaining the development of lab-grown meat as a sustainable alternative to traditional meat production. Prof. Daren Leung examines the intersection of meat consumption, environmental concerns, and cultural studies, providing valuable insights into the cultural implications of lab-grown meat.
- Episode 3
Prof. Daren Leung further explores the cultural implications of lab-grown meat and evaluate its potential as a solution in the food industry by navigating the challenges on both the production and sales sides of lab-grown meat, including economic, moral, and safety considerations.
- Episode 4
Prof. Victor Shin and Cantonese opera artist Christie To explore the world of Cantonese opera in this episode. They navigate how Cantonese opera has been studied by scholars, its rich history, and the diverse approaches to appreciating this art form. They also discuss the transformative impact of technology on performance styles and the audience’s comprehension of this unique art form.
- Episode 5
Prof. Victor Shin and Cantonese opera artist Christie To delve into the topic of sustainable development in Cantonese opera. They explore the incorporation of digital technology in traditional performances, specifically focusing on Christie’s revolutionary show, Magic Tea House, which introduces an AI actor. The discussion underlines the significance of retaining existing audiences while captivating new ones, emphasising the essential role of creativity and innovation in preserving traditional preforming arts.
- Episode 6
Prof. Yvonne Yau explores the rise of K-pop and its unique marketing and management approaches, distinguishing it from J-pop. The discussion highlights the reasons behind K-pop’s success, including active government promotion, an international-oriented strategy, and most significantly, the crucial role of new media platforms such as YouTube and social media, which have revolutionised the way K-pop is shared and consumed.
- Episode 7
Prof. Yvonne Yau offers valuable insights into the cultural significance of the “Girl Crush” concept derived from K-pop culture, focusing on some of the popular Korean girl groups. She explores its impact on the representation of women in popular culture and its empowering role in encouraging women to embrace confidence and independence.
- Episode 8
Prof. Daren Leung starts the discussion by exploring how city dwellers and cultural studies perceive “garbage” and then delves into the journey of food waste, tracing its origins and evolution. He also highlights the severity of Hong Kong’s waste problem and the importance of proper food waste management.
- Episode 9
Prof. Daren Leung explores community-based waste reduction initiatives with Timmy, co-founder of Lab0ver, a community enterprise aiming to create a culture of waste reduction at the community level through setting up street stations for food waste recycling. They also highlight their collaboration in Daren’s Service-Learning course, where students actively collect and compost food waste, promoting greener practices within local communities.