Page 197 - SYU Prospectus

Sociology

developed. This course examines what romantic love is and how the meaning of love has
changed over time. It addresses how passion, intimacy, and commitment have become
important components in romantic love and marriage. The challenges implicated in modern
love and marriage are also explored. The course provides students with different theoretical
perspectives in analysing love, family, kinship structures, and related practices. Students are
encouraged to critically evaluate these ideas and apply them to their own lives and
experiences.

SOC 339 Sociology of Religion
1 Term; 3 Credits
Religious resurgence around the world in recent decades has prompted reconsideration
of the proposition that religion declines as modernization progresses. What are the
controversies over secularization? What are the implications and consequences of the shift
towards rational scientific paradigm for the sociology of religion? This course explores the
distinctive features of religion and examines the different ways in which religion continues to
impact society. The first part of the course will introduce key classic theoretical perspectives
that help us understand the role of religion in society and the different religious traditions we
are familiar with in the contexts of Hong Kong and Asia. The second part of the course will
examine the structure of religious organizations, practices and movements, and the social and
political implications of religion.

SOC 341 Sociology of Development
1 Term; 3 Credits
The course introduces students to the key sociological concepts and theories concerning
social transformation and development processes with a special focus on developing countries.
It aims to assist students in developing specific knowledge and analytic skills necessary to
explore various substantive development problems and issues faced by Third World countries.
Topics covered include decolonization, neo-colonialism, industrialization, democratization,
debt crisis and globalization.

SOC 356 Gender Relations
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to enable students to develop a gender-sensitive perspective towards
the society they live in and inherited from. It introduces a series of gender issues through
feminist critiques, historical perspective, cultural studies and sociological analysis. It starts with
conceptualizing sex and gender by various scholars and the implications of their theories. It
then explores the process of becoming a man and a woman via the social construction of
masculinity, femininity, sexuality and the body, and the ways in which cultural heritage
transmits and disseminates gender-related values and norms. A larger part of the course
examines gender roles and gender relations in the private and public domains of life including
the family, labour market, political participation and policy integration.

p. 193