Page 221 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

Counselling & Psychology

PSY 360 Psychology of Relationships: Love, Intimacy, and Self-Regulation
1 Term; 3 Credits
Human beings develop various close relationships throughout their lifespan. These close
relationships are also critical antecedents and consequences of self-regulation. For instance,
romantic partners often have instrumental value in personal goal pursuit while self-regulatory
failures often cause relationship failures. The quality of close relationships is also the most
important source of psychological well-being. Many of the human sufferings are rooted in
problematic (or lack of) close relationships. This course aims to provide scientific analyses of
various aspects of close relationship (romantic relationship in particular) with a specific focus
on their interaction with self-regulation. The course will introduce classic theories and updated
findings on a number of controversial topics such as the role of self-control in relationship
outcomes, the instrumental value of romantic partners in personal goal pursuit and the effect
of romantic break-up on self-concept. The course will first provide an overview of relationship
science, its current status and significance. Then it will be dedicated to in-depth discussion of
specific topics by guiding students to critically review selected journal articles and book
chapters. Topics will be connected to their implications for building optimal relationships and
self-regulation. Students will also have opportunity to conduct mini-research projects under the
guidance of the instructor. Hopefully, this course can enable students to make sense of their
experiences in intimate relationships from a scientific perspective.

PSY 371-2 Research Project
2 Terms; 6 Credits
The objective of this course is to provide an opportunity for students to put into practice
all the elements of psychological research including: problem identification, generation of
hypotheses, conducting literature survey, designing the research, collecting data, testing the
hypotheses and writing up the research report in accordance with APA stipulation.

PSY 373-4 Capstone Project
2 Terms; 6 Credits
The main aims of the course are to integrate and synthesize counselling and psychology
knowledge and skills; and to prepare students for analysing issues in the professional world.
Students will plan, conduct and write up an independent project. Although research-supported,
the project does not aim to put into practice all the elements of psychological research; instead,
emphasis is on an in-depth analysis of a professional issue, and applying ideas and practices
encountered during the degree programme. Students are encouraged to pursue an area of
psychology in which they have a professional interest. Capstone project is a creative
endeavour that produces and reports new knowledge or professional methods. Project will
have both theoretical/academic and applied components.

PSY 401-3 Research Thesis I, II & III
3 Terms; 9 Credits
Research Thesis aims to provide an opportunity for students to conduct their research

p. 217