Page 193 - SYU Prospectus

Sociology

strategies as well as computer skills to use the software NVivo 12 for conducting qualitative
research. Students are given opportunities to conduct qualitative research in real settings.

SOC 231 Social Problems
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course introduces students to the sociological approach to understanding social
problems. It consists of two components: theoretical perspectives and field work. The
theoretical component is a lecture presentation of a variety of sociological perspectives on
social problems, the purpose of which is to show that social problems are complex and multi-
causal in nature. For the field work component, students will gain first-hand experience of
certain aspects of social problems and apply one or more perspectives to the local context by
conducting field observation in the community.

SOC 257 Art and Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to draw a general picture of the relationship between art and society. We
will find, on the one hand, ways in which social conditions shape our understanding of art as
well as the self-understanding of artists. On the other hand, we will see how artists strive to
engage the society with a view to changing it through their works.

SOC 259 Race and Ethnicity
1 Term; 3 Credits
With colonization, globalization and migration, societies have become much more
heterogeneous than before. Even countries that are not migrant societies now have to deal
with ethnic minorities and the challenge of multiculturalism. This course examines social
differentiation based on notions of race and ethnicity. Such notions will be explored in both
colonial and postcolonial contexts, as well as societies that claim to be relatively homogeneous.
The course will introduce major theories, issues, controversies and policy implications related
to the governance of multi-ethnic societies. It will also examine the relationship between
ethnicity, culture, heritage and identity. At the same time, students will be encouraged to reflect
on the existence of ethnic minorities in the contexts of China and Hong Kong, and the
challenges this poses for both state and society.

SOC 260 Food and Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to explore food issues and foodways in various societies from the
perspectives of sociology and anthropology. The course will empower students to look at food
beyond food science and human nutrition and to locate food and eating in meaningful social
and cultural processes. Also, this course will showcase how to apply various theoretical and
conceptual approaches, such as cultural interpretations, symbolism, identity, gender analysis,
social exchange, religious taboo and ritual, and globalization, to the analysis of food and eating.

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