Page 111 - HKSYU Prospectus 2018-19

History

HIST 320 The Contemporary World
1 Term; 3 Credits

This third-year required world history survey course attempts a concise overview of
changes shaping the contemporary world from 1900 to the present, including the transition
from European to American global dominance, opposition and challenges to their supremacy,
and the recent emergence of regional blocs. In addition to key historical events, the course
focuses on factors and forces, particularly perceived interests and advantages as well as
concepts or arguments put forth by opposing camps and blocs, including “new” versus “old”
themes and the assumed continued validity of the latter. The actions of dominant players on
the world stage and the impact and control they levied on world resources will be examined.
The ways in which those on the receiving end were affected by such controls, their reactions
and the consequences will also be studied to reveal the causes of some of the major conflicts
in the world. The course will conclude with an open forum on selected current issues which
have a significant impact on the current world scene, with particular reference to their
historical roots and global implications.

HIST 330 Study of Western and Chinese Historiography
1 Term; 3 Credits

This third year required course on the study of History as a discipline surveys the de-
velopment of historiography, defined as the tradition of history writing, in both the West and
China. It aims at introducing to students the various stages of development with their
respective historical legacies up to the 20th century. At the same time, distinguished historians
and their works are examined in the light of their contributions to historical scholarship.

This course introduces the developments of Chinese and Western historiography from
ancient times to the last century, the establishment of official and unofficial historians, the
characteristics and commentary of historical works and the syllabi of traditional historiography.
Prominent historians, ancient and contemporary, as well as their works will be discussed.
Attention will also be paid to the new orientation of historiography in connection with social,
economic and cultural studies, the archaeological discoveries, and the verifications of
historical events.

HIST 340 Economic History of Hong Kong since 1949
1 Term; 3 Credits

This course analyses the stages of transformation of the economy of Hong Kong, from
an entrepot to an industrialized economy, and then to a service-based economy. It focuses on
examining the various policy factors such as free market competition and positive
non-intervention, as well as the agents of change like foreign investors and local entrepre-
neurs in helping shape such an economic success story of the city. It also examines the extent
of Hong Kong’s economic integration with that of mainland China before and after the city has
been turned into a Special Administration Region of China in July of 1997.

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