Page 117 - HKSYU Prospectus 2018-19

History

reports. Undertakings in the subject are expected to refresh students’ previous knowledge on
selected study targets, to broaden, deepen and update their knowledge and expose them to
contending interpretations and narratives. The subject is also recommended for History
Honours degree students not writing the thesis.

HIST 467 Issues and Controversies in Modern Chinese History
1 Term; 3 Credits

This subject is one of two specially designed courses for senior students to pursue
in-depth re-examination of selected crucial and/or controversial issues/themes or main actors
in modern and contemporary Chinese history under the guidance of a senior scholar. It seeks
to provide an opportunity not usually afforded in traditional dynastic or periodized Chinese
history courses for senior level students to re-acquaint with crucial and/or controversial issues
in modern and contemporary China, exposing them to updated academic findings, conflicting
or contending interpretations so they may refresh and apply their historical knowledge to
develop a more mature, balanced and open-minded approach to historical studies. The
subject provides a forum in which students will read intensively both under guidance and
independently, prepare and engage in informed oral presentation, discussion and/or debates,
and produce written project reports. The subject is also recommended for History Honours
degree students not writing the graduation thesis, and, with adequate revision and strength-
ening, also for future postgraduate programmes.

HIST 468-9 Thesis
2 Terms; 6 Credits

With a view to developing student’s ability to integrate what they have learnt in separate
subjects over the past 3 academic years, students on this course are required to submit a
thesis based on the findings of a research topic in history approved by the Department.
Students will, with advice from teachers, select a worthy research topic, conduct historical
research, produce outline, bibliography and write a thesis conforming to all requirements
regarding style and format – including its drafts, revision and the final version.

HIST 470 Sino-US Relations
1 Term; 3 Credits

The subject alerts students to important imprints Sino-American relations has left on the
making of contemporary China, and acquaints them with major controversial and contentious
issues between the two nations which could seriously affect their respective development
paths now and in the foreseeable future. A brief review on the history of their interactions is
followed by discussion on selected themes/issues, including conflicting assumptions, goals,
actions/interventions and responses of the two, particularly those highly controversial,
contentious and recurrent in nature to assess their national, regional or wider ramifications. In
sum, the subject urges our future leaders to study the most important external factor affecting
China, provides them with background information and introduces them to main issues/arguments
they need to learn to tackle.

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