Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in ENGLISH (BA-ENG) 英國語文(榮譽)學士 HEAD’S MESSAGE Welcome to BA in English at HSUHK! BA-ENG is a fully accredited 4-year degree programme which provides professional training in the fields of English language and literature. Unlike some programmes in Hong Kong which focus on workplace English, our programme emphasises the study of linguistics and literature. The two subjects are different but interrelated. In linguistics, students study languages from a scientific perspective. They explore critical issues such as the differences between spoken and written languages, the brain’s language acquisition process, and the evolution of English as a global language. Literature complements these topics by examining a wide range of artistic expressions in dramas, novels, poems and films. It involves intensive reading and writing, which refines one’s sensitivity to feelings and the ability to express them effectively in written forms. The programme is taught by a team of enthusiastic, professional and supportive teachers who come from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds. Adopting a student-centred teaching philosophy, teachers provide timely feedback to students’ assignments, encourage interactions in class and take genuine interest in students’ well-being. They also conduct impactful research in the areas of language and literature. Students can work with them on specific research topics by enrolling the capstone project in their final year. The projects are wonderful syntheses of what students have learnt during their four years of study. Our graduates have attained substantial positions in various industries. Many of them have become professional teachers in both primary and secondary schools. Others have become civil servants, event organisers and marketing managers. Working aside, many have successfully completed their postgraduate studies at prestigious local and international universities. I am honoured to be the Director of the programme and proud to see our students excelling in different fields. To me, BA-ENG represents a team of energetic, capable and forward-looking teachers and students. No matter who you are, I welcome you to learn more about the programme by reading this pamphlet or visiting our department’s website. Enjoy! Paul Fung Associate Professor Head and Programme Director PROGRAMME INFORMATION The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English is designed to help students build a sound knowledge base in English literature and linguistics as well as develop strong language and cultural awareness essential for an increasingly globalised world and economy. The Programme covers a rich and diverse range of topics aiming to broaden students’ horizons intellectually and personally. The integration of Business Studies modules in the curriculum also makes it unique with both academic and practical relevance. This is a four-year degree programme and there are two semesters of 15 weeks per year. Each module consists of three credits, with every credit comprising a minimum of 15 contact hours. There are four Study Areas – English Studies, Business Studies, Free Electives and Common Core Modules. The table below illustrates the number of core and elective modules in each Study Area. Study Areas No. of Core Modules (Credits) No. of Elective Modules (Credits) Total No. of Modules Studied (Credits) Percentage English Studies 10 (30) 10 (30) 20 (60) 50% Business Studies 2 (6) 1 (3) 3 (9) 7.5% Free Electives 0 (0) 2 (6) 2 (6) 5% Common Core Curriculum 13 (39) 2 (6) 15 (45) 37.5% i. General Education 5 (15) 2 (6) ii. Languages • English 3 (9) • Chinese 3 (9) iii. IT Skills and 2 (6) Quantitative Methods Total 25 (75) 15 (45) 40 (120) 100% STUDY PLAN Year One English Studies • ENG1100 Introduction to Literature • ENG1200 Introduction to Linguistics • ENG1205 English Lexical Studies • ENG2100 Exploring the Genre of Poetry Common Core Curriculum • ENG1005 English Communications I • ENG1006 English Communications II • CHN1000 Freshman Chinese • CHN1002 Chinese Literature Appreciation • GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education • Quantitative Methods Module Business Studies • MGT1001 Introduction to Business • MGT1002 Principles of Management Year Two English Studies • ENG1300 From English to Englishes and Beyond • ENG2101 Exploring English Novels • ENG2102 Drama and Theatre • ENG2205 The Sound Systems of English Common Core Curriculum • ENG2200 The Grammar and Structure of English • CHN2001 Applied Putonghua • GE Elective • GE Elective • GE Elective • IT Module Year Three English Studies • ENG3110 Shakespeare and his Universal Themes • ENG3200 Meaning and Language • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective Common Core Curriculum • GE Elective • GE Elective Business Studies • Business Elective Free Electives • Free Elective Year Four English Studies • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective • English Elective Common Core Curriculum • GE Elective Free Electives • Free Elective EXAMPLES OF ELECTIVE MODULES • Realism: from Reason to Sentiment in 17th and 18th Century Literature • Romanticism • Victorian Literature: The Rise of Science in the Nineteenth Century • Modernism • Children's Literature • Women in Literature • Bilingualism • Corpus Linguistics • Language and the Mind • Teaching English as a Second Language • World Englishes • Language and Society • Digital Literacies in English • Postcolonialism: the Step-Mother Tongue • Ethics, Popular Cultures and American Literature • English-Chinese Contrastive Analysis • Stylistics • Story of Success: Autobiography • Literary Theory and Criticism • Learning English as a Global Language • Conversation Analysis • The Nature of Linguistic Research • Structure and Meaning • Film and Literature • From Literary Studies to Cultural Studies • Exploring Economic Canons in Literary Contexts • Literature and Environment • The Economics of Language • Senior Project (Literature) • Senior Project (Linguistics) ACADEMIC STAFF Professor TAM Kwok-Kan Chair Professor and Dean School of Humanities and Social Science PhD (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) AM (Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) BA (Hons) (CUHK) Research Areas: Ibsen Studies; Gao Xingjian Studies; Gender Studies; Psychoanalysis; Modern Drama; Postcolonial Studies; World Englishes Dr FUNG Kai Yeung, Paul Associate Professor and Head of Department of English PhD (Manchester) MA (Manchester) BA (HKU) Research Areas: Dostoevsky Studies; City and Literature; Critical Theory; Deconstructive Criticism; World Cinema Dr BUI Hiu Yuet, Gavin Associate Professor and Associate Head of Department of English PhD (CUHK) BA (Guangdong University of Foreign Studies) Research Areas: Task-based Language Teaching and Learning; Third Language Learning Motivation Dr Jay Thomas PARKER Associate Professor PhD (Leeds) MA (Leeds) MA (Cantab) Research Areas: Conrad Studies; Modernist Literature; The Political Novel; Liberalism; Law and Literature; Postcolonial Ecocriticism Dr TSO Wing Bo, Anna Associate Professor PhD (Birmingham) MALCS (HKU); MAES (HKU) BA (HKU) Research Areas: Children’s Literature; English for Academic Purposes; Gender Studies; Folklore and Fairytales Dr MA Jing Jing, Maggie Assistant Professor PhD (HKU) MA (Fudan) BA (Fudan) Research Areas: Second Language Writing; Assessment for Learning; Assessment Literacy; Teacher Education; Individual Differences Dr WONG Yuen Wing, Catherine Assistant Professor PhD (Liverpool) MPhil (CUHK) BA (CUHK) Research Areas: Postcolonialism; Stylistics; Digital Humanities Career Prospects Many of our graduates pursued further studies in renowned universities, including University College London, The University of Warwick, The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Some became qualified English teachers. The graduate surveys in 2017-2021 show a wide range of employment and further study options of BA in Englis graduates. Top Five Career Pathways (2017-2021) Further Studies 25.2% Education 24.3% Business and Financial Services 12.2% Transport and Logistics 6.1% Communication, Marketing and Media 5.2% Example of employers:HSBC, Morgan, Stanley, HKSAR Government, 9GAG, Jardine Aviation Services, Oxford University Press, Foxx Networks Group ROFESSIONAL RECOGNITIONS The BA in English Programme obtained professional recognition from the Education Bureau (EDB) in the following areas: 1. Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR) list of recognised English language major degree programmes; 2. The list of “Programmes Accepted for Grants under the Professional Development Incentive Grant Scheme for Language Teachers”; 3. Accepted as an English language major degree for meeting the Language Proficiency Requirement (LPR) Graduates will be granted full exemption from LPR and deemed to have reached Level 3 proficiency in all papers in the LPR if they possess both a relevant degree and relevant teacher training (upon the completion of Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)). Graduates could apply for exemption from Language Proficiency Assessment for Teachers (LPAT) accordingly. INTERNSHIP The University is committed to providing effective internships for students. Students take up different positions in well-known local companies through our internship programme, which helps them to gain career experience and bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world. “[The student] has helped us prepare and proofread teaching materials in August. He is a serious worker and is careful in completing tasks assigned to him” The Commercial Press (H.K.) “[The student] is an efcient person and is willing to communicate with colleague. He also shows care towards the students joining the musical production” Hong Kong Repertory Theatre STUDENT ACTIVITIES EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE The University offers exchange opportunities to students to increase their exposure in diverse cultures and cultivate their identity as global citizens. The Department also offers short-term summer exchange programmes and cultural tours around the world. Summer breeze hits BA in English students in Singapore Students visit the UK to explore the historic city of London ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRE The English Language Centre (ELC) aims to help students enhance their English language skills. We provide tutoring services, English-language workshops, and cultural literacy activities, as well as a computer laboratory, a consultation/study room, and a variety of multimedia self-access materials. The workshops cover topics ranging from practical use of English to cultural lessons about various English-speaking societies. Additional activities include singing contests, reading groups, dramatic duologue competitions, movie nights, and seminars by guest speakers. Each of these opportunities allows students to brush up on their language proficiency and to broaden their cultural horizons. TESTIMONIALS UNIMAGINABLE POSSIBILITIES My time at HSUHK allows me to grow tremendously by opening up to different life-changing opportunities. From joining tertiary rugby competitions, to presenting my very own research in academic conferences, I had challenged myself with so many unimaginable possibilities. Wendy Shek, Class of 2021 PRICELESS FRIENDSHIPS The BA-ENG programme has provided us a solid foundation in both Literature and Linguistics. In addition to what was taught in class, I have gained priceless friendships, as well as experience through the internship programme provided by the Department. Nicole Ho, Class of 2017 ENQUIRIES ON APPLICATION AND ADMISSION Applicants can submit their applications through the HSUHK Undergraduate Application System. For further enquiries, please contact the Registry. Tel : 3963 5710 Fax : 3963 5553 Website : www.hsu.edu.hk Programme Email : eng@hsu.edu.hk Admission Email : ugadmission@hsu.edu.hk Address : Hang Shin Link, Siu Lek Yuen, Shatin, NT The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong is incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability by guarantee. Information updated as of October 2022. QF Level: 5 QR Registration No.: 18/000835/L5 Registration Validity Period: 08/11/2018 to 14/03/2024