Page 194 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2023-24

SOC 336 Love, Family and Kinship
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course adopts a comparative approach to examine how love is invented as an
important element of marriage, and how various kinds of family and kinship systems are
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 337 Criminology
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course aims to introduce the study of crime, criminal behaviour, and criminalization.
It will offer a general overview of the history and development of criminology and identify the
multi-disciplinary perspectives on crime and criminal behaviour. It will also examine various
research methods that are used to collect crime data, as well as their strengths and limitations.
Towards the end of this course, we will assess the criminal justice system in Hong Kong, as
compared to other countries, and will discuss effective methods for the prevention of crime.

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.

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