University General Education (University GE) courses listed in 2022-23

Notes:
1. The offering of the following University GE courses may vary by academic term, please check with the teaching timetable in CUSIS for the exact courses on offer and the pertinent class details.

2. The corresponding enrolment restriction of each University GE course is available in the Student Handbook.

UGEA | UGEB | UGEC | UGED | UGF

Role of University GE

University GE aims at broadening students' knowledge base by providing a structured exposure to different aspects of fundamental human concerns, and to various approaches to such concerns. It consists of two components:

• The General Education Foundation (GEF) Programme  
• The Four Areas of University GE Requirement 

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 placed 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 the role of humans as 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.

General education has played an important role in CUHK's undergraduate curriculum since the founding of the University. From 2012 onwards, a 4-year university curriculum has been in place, a reform that CUHK staff members and students have long hoped for. The more sufficient time for learning has fostered students' development in general education.

With the 2012 new curriculum, general education at CUHK is further enhanced with the introduction of the 6-unit General Education Foundation (GEF) Programme, a common core programme added to the existing design of university general education and college general education. The programme consists of two courses, "In Dialogue with Humanity" and "In Dialogue with Nature", in which students, through the study of classics, engage in dialogues with Nature and Humanity to explore the world of science and knowledge, and reflect on ideal society and good life.

To better prepare, CUHK started planning GEF in 2006 and piloted it from 2009. Since 2010, all secondary six entrants have benefited from the programme.

The GEF programme aims to provide for students a common intellectual and cultural ground, on which sensitivity to the concerns of human existence may develop, and intellectual dialogues on these concerns may emerge. The GEF will be reading and writing intensive and taught in seminar style. It is designed to help students acquire and develop knowledge, attitudes and skills that are essential for independent learning, namely:

1. a knowledge of major ideas that shape the world today
2. an intellectual inquisitiveness when addressing issues related to their life and society 
3. the willingness and capacity to examine new and different ideas
4. the ability to engage in intensive and close reading
5. the readiness to articulate their own ideas clearly and systematically in writing and in oral communication.

Visit GEF's website