Page 100 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2023-24

HIST 318 Chinese Urban History
1 Term; 3 Credits
Scholars, such as Lewis Mumford, have pointed out that the development of cities reflects
the progress of human beings from primitive life to civilization. This course analyses the origins
of Chinese cities and their evolution from agricultural to industrial societies to delve deeply into
the study of the changes in social patterns and people’s lifestyles and the historical processes
they reflected. The development of cities in China was different from that of the West in that
political factors have always played an important role to a certain extent. With the aggressions
of the West, the cities in the coastal areas underwent profound changes, further revolutionizing
the urban society in China. This course examines the development, characteristics, and role of
cities in modern China, with an emphasis on the dynamics of urbanization and the changing
relationship between urban and rural areas.

HIST 320 The Contemporary World
1 Term; 3 Credits
In line with a concise overview of the historical development of the contemporary world,
this course examines critical historical contexts from 1900 and factors shaping the crucial
conflicts of dominant world powers. Particular emphasis is placed on the transition from
European to American global dominance and the emergence of disputes on the world scene.
This course provides historical insights into current issues with particular reference to their
historical roots and global implications.

HIST 330 History of Chinese and Western Historiographies
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is divided into two parts, “China” and “Western”. The “China” part describes:
1) The internal and external processes of the development of Chinese historiography itself, and
a more detailed explanation of the reasons for its development. 2) Some people, events, and
even years of great significance in the history of Chinese historiography, aiming to conduct a
more in-depth and specialized discussion. The “Western” part introduces: 1) The internal and
external processes of the development of Western historiography itself, and a more detailed
explanation of the reasons for its development. 2) Some people, events, and even years of
great significance in the history of Western historiography, aiming to conduct a more in-depth
and specialized discussion.

HIST 340 History of Urban Arts and Designs
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course introduces the main developments of urban arts and designs from the modern
time to the contemporary era across the world. It displays various forms of urban arts and
designs and analyses the relationship between them and urban society from the perspective
of arts and culture. Different types of art exhibitions and urban design will be demonstrated to
reveal their characteristics, concealed ideas and emotions, including visual and audial art,
sculptural art, literary art, performing art and architectural art. The relationship between

p. 96