Page 95 - HKSYU Prospectus 2023-24

History

world from ancient times to circa 1500. Under the chronological framework of world history, this
course examines the distinctive characteristics of individual societies among the major cultural
regions such as Southwest Asia, Africa, South Asia, Mediterranean, and East Asia. The overall
objective is to provide students with historical insights to assess the shaping of and interactions
in the ancient world.

HIST 130 Introduction to Historical Theories and Methods
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is an introduction course for first-year students to understand the basic
knowledge, research skills and methods of history, including history theories of traditional
Chinese and western historians and different history methods such as oral history,
psychohistory, and new cultural history. This course also focuses on mastering practical
knowledge of history, including quotation/citation of resources and bibliography of texts.
Through introducing history articles, styles of presentation and other practical details, practice
and understanding of history will be enhanced. Practical training will be an important part to
this course.

HIST 196 Knowing Hong Kong History through Heritages, Literature and Films
1 Term; 3 Credits
Through tracing the history of Hong Kong reflected by cultural heritage, literature, and
films up to the reunification, this course aims to develop a solid understanding among students
of the effects of historical changes and colonial culture on Hong Kong’s society. Besides
discussion on historical development in colonial Hong Kong, this course also investigates the
social transformations and historical changes in Hong Kong’s society as reflected in the
aspects of culture and artworks, and the effects of the unique political and cultural context in
which the colonial government was situated on the development of Hong Kong and China.
Throughout the course of study, students will see the process of the establishment of cultural
environments in Hong Kong and their relation to the development of contemporary Hong Kong.

HIST 198 A Brief History of the United States
1 Term; 3 Credits
This is a survey of the American past from its outset to the 21st century, starting from the
colonial period. It studies the American path towards independence, the westward movement,
the civil war and imperialism, the impact of industrialization and the growth and the outcomes
of urbanization in the Progressive Era, the decline of American liberalism and the reform
movements with a particular emphasis on the New Deal, the Civil Rights movements, and the
Great Society. It also traces America’s involvement in the two world wars and two wars in Asia
as well as its lasting internal issues. It aims to help students acquire a good knowledge of the
major themes and characteristics of the U.S. and its people in the past, as well as a better
understanding of the nation at present with a perspective derived from studying its past.

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