Bulletin No. 1, 2011

CUHK All Set for New Curriculum   29  T h e c o r e r e q u i r e m e n t f o r a l l undergraduates will increase from 23 units to 39, accounting for about one-third of the overall required units. The core programme includes Chinese language, English language, general education, information technology and physical education. For example, the credit requirement of the new University Chinese programme will be increased from three credits to six. Prof. Ho Che-wah, chairman of the Department of Chinese Language and Literature, said, ‘In addition to providing language skills training, the new programme is designed to help students establish a solid foundation in Chinese language through studying ancient and contemporar y classics and adopting a faculty-based learning approach. After completing the programme, students will be able to meet the needs of further study and career development. It also aims to equip students with a sound knowledge of Chinese literature and cultural traditions, sharpening their intellectual faculty with both breadth and depth of knowledge.’ The new programme will also provide training in oral communication and practical writing that ties in with the changing social environment. The English language requirement will be increased from the present three credits to nine credits, progressing from English for Academic Purposes (EAP), through English for Specific Purposes (ESP), to English for Professional Purposes (EPP). Prof. Andy Curtis, director of the English Language Teaching Unit, explains that EAP provides a full-range of productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (reading and listening) language skills training through in-class coaching and online resources respectively; while the more advanced ESP and EPP are developed in close collaboration with different faculties on a content-based approach to elevate students’ competitiveness in both their professional discipline and workplace. The General Education programme, applicable to students in all programmes, will comprise three components: nine units under University General Education, six units under College General Education, and two new General Education Foundation Courses, totaling six units. They are ‘In Dialogue with Humanity’ and ‘In Dialogue With Nature’, and they seek to explore enduring issues, through exposing students to wisdom and writings throughout the ages, bridging the ancient and the modern, East and West, and the cultures of the humanities and of the sciences. Some courses for the core requirement and in the faculty packages have been piloted and have received very positive response and acclaim from students. With the exception of programmes taking more than four years, the overall curriculum structure is as follows: Component Unit Range Major Faculty Package 51–72* Major Required Major Elective Minor (optional) 18–30 Languages Chinese 6 English 9 General Education 21 Information Technology 1 Physical Education 2 Free Electives Remaining Units Total At least 123 * For some professional programmes and programmes of more than 4 years’ normative period of study, the maximum exceeds 72. A website ( www.cuhk. edu.hk/334/english/ ) has been launched containing information related to the new curriculum.