Building upon the Foundation, the Four Areas of University GE further broaden students' exposure by inviting them to examine four fundamental realms of human concerns, namely, one's relation with one's cultural heritage, with the physical world, with fellow human beings and with oneself. Emphasis is also put on critical appreciation of the various disciplinary approaches to these concerns, particularly in their relevance to contemporary issues.

Characteristics of the UGE courses | Objectives of the Four Areas

Characteristics of the UGE courses

University General Education courses possess the following characteristics:

• emphasize breadth and connectivity rather than depth alone;
• emphasize intellectual ideals rather than skills;
• give an overall perspective of the basic academic framework, concept and methodology of the subject concerned;
• relate the subject matters to human experience and/or modern life;
• require neither prerequisite nor specialized technical knowledge beyond the basic aptitudes of a university student;
• preferably adopt an interdisciplinary approach, and be conducted from the standpoint of multiple cross-discipline learning;
• preferably encourage both self-discovery and self-expression; and
• provide the content and the intellectual depth expected of credit-bearing university courses at the same level.

Objectives of the Four Areas

Each area has its specific area objectives:

Area A Chinese Cultural Heritage

This area introduces students to the essential characteristics of Chinese culture. By way of an integrated approach, students will learn to appreciate and evaluate the Chinese cultural heritage and its relevance in modern life from a broad intellectual perspective.

After studying in this area, a student will be able to:

1. identify the essential characteristics of Chinese culture;
2. recognize that Chinese culture involves different aspects and components;
3. develop a critical appreciation of Chinese culture;
4. recognize the relevance of Chinese cultures in modern life.

Area B Nature, Science and Technology

This area broadens students' perspectives on nature, science and technology. It introduces students to various principles, discoveries and methods of science. Students will learn to appraise with a scientific attitude and to evaluate human's role in being part of nature and the impact of science and technology on modern life.

After studying in this area, a student will be able to:

1. describe major principles, discoveries and methods of the course's field of study;
2. apply basic scientific methods and principles to analyze issues related to nature, science and technology;
3. explore on their own: issues related to nature, science and technology that are of interest to them;
4. appraise and evaluate human's role in being part of nature;
5. appraise and evaluate the impact of science and technology on human life.

Area C Society and Culture

This area enhances students' understanding of the ways in which human societies are constituted and human cultures are represented, in their generality as well as diversity. Students are introduced to the theories and/or methodologies through which social, political, economic or cultural issues are studied.

After studying in this area, a student will be able to:

1. understand better the ways in which human society and culture are formed;
2. appreciate the diversity of different cultures, values and belief;
3. apply methods studied to analyze related issues;
4. apply theories studied to explain related issues.

Area D Self and Humanity

This area enables students to explore the diversity of human values, reflect on the meaning of human endeavors, and gain a better understanding of themselves.

After studying in this area, a student will be able to:

1. examine one's self with a broadened perspective;
2. appreciate the diversity of values and beliefs;
3. make informed decision about moral issues;
4. articulate his/her own moral judgment;
5. appreciate creative works with a broad perspective;
6. perform critical reasoning.