Postgraduate Courses
MGCS
Global China Studies
Courses marked with a [C] in the course description are not taught in Chinese but may require students to read materials in Chinese. Students who have difficulty reading materials in Chinese should consult the instructor concerned prior to enrolling in these courses.
- MGCS 5001Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data-Analytic Approach[3-0-0:3]Reading Material[C] Require Chinese readingMode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionThis seminar summarizes a new scholarship on China derived from empirical analyses of Chinese inequality over the last three centuries, broadly defined, using a variety of big archival Chinese historical datasets, and organize this knowledge in a framework that encourages learning about China and inequality in China in comparative perspective.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Articulate and develop thinking.
- 2.Identify the muddiest point, misconception/preconception, and constructive criticism.
- 3.Culminate with a longer writing exercise on persuasive writing.
- MGCS 5006China and the World[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000HMode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionThis course tracks the opening of China up from 1978 until President Xi Jinping's "one belt, one road" policy, focusing on how China's opening to the world affected China's internal development and how China's "going out" policy has affected the world. The focus on the "going out strategy" includes China's search for energy, talent, markets, technology, as well as its relations with the United States and the states within the Indo-Pacific region.
- MGCS 5008The Economic and Political Development of Modern Japan[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000NDescriptionThis course examines the political and socio-economic development in Japan from 1858 to 1937. Instead of interpreting Japan’s modernization as copying western experience, it pays attention to the domestic sources of Japan’s development. Issues, such as democratization, are discussed in the course.
- MGCS 5010Introduction to Social Statistics[2-1-0:3]Co-list withMASS 5020Exclusion(s)SOSC 4610, SOSC 5090, MASS 5020Backgroundelementary statisticsDescriptionThis course teaches basic concepts and skills required to conduct quantitative research in social science. Students will learn to design and conduct statistical analyses to test hypotheses. They will acquire experience in the use of statistical software to carry out analysis of social data.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the fundamental concepts and practices in statistics for social science.
- 2.Analyze graphic and numerical summary of data with respect to distribution of variables and association between them; data-generating processes and study design; probability theory; probability distributions of continuous variables with a special emphasis on the normal distribution; sampling distributions; principles of statistical inference, including confidence intervals and hypothesis testing; inference for population means and proportions; statistical tests of relationship between two categorical variables; and finally, simple linear regression (OLS).
- 3.Operate Stata, a powerful general-purpose statistical package, for data management and statistical analysis.
- 4.Conduct more advanced statistical analysis which is useful in the academic career, financial industries, marketing and consulting.
- MGCS 5012Quantitative Analysis of Social Data[2-1-0:3]Prerequisite(s)MGCS 5010 OR SOSC 5090 OR MASS 5020DescriptionThis course covers diverse types of social data and a wide variety of analytical strategies. It begins by reviewing a broad array of sources and types of data commonly used by social scientists, including social "big data" from surveys and administrative sources. It then introduces basic techniques for data management, including the use of relational databases, and alternative strategies for analyzing such data. Afterwards, it explores "unconventional" types of social data such as social networks and non-structured texts, and relevant analytical strategies. Finally, the course provides a brief introduction to data visualization.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Implement alternative approaches to data analysis from a social scientific perspective
- 2.Identify the major types of data sources and the differences between them with ensuing implications for analytical strategy.
- 3.Operate the data management involving various data types and techniques.
- 4.Classify the analytical strategies targeting different data types.
- MGCS 5013Applied Regression Analysis of Social Data[2-1-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000TPrerequisite(s)MGCS 5010DescriptionThis course introduces an arsenal of regression models for analyzing social survey data. The course first reviews the fundamentals and implementation of multiple linear regression (MLR), the mainstay of modern statistical analysis. It is followed by a discussion of extensions of and alternatives to MLR, such as robust regression, Heckman model, and quantile regression. The remaining part mainly covers a wide variety of models under the umbrella of Generalized Linear Model (GLM) of which MLR is also a member. The course concludes with a discussion of causal inference and popular approaches to it as well as a brief introduction to panel data analysis.
- MGCS 5020Chinese Social Stratification in Comparative Perspective[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5710 (prior to 2017-18), MASS 5030DescriptionThis is a graduate seminar for reading and discussing scholarly works on inequality and stratification in China, with a focus on changes in the post-Mao era. The general materials on social stratification and mobility, when relevant, will also be discussed to stimulate ideas and finally lead to empirical research papers on China.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Critically assess the scholarly work on social stratification and mobility in China from a comparative perspective.
- 2.Explain long term trajectory of research, and most recent themes and findings in the study of Chinese stratification.
- 3.Stimulate ideas through discussion and write an empirical research paper analyzing issues related to socioeconomic inequalities in contemporary China.
- MGCS 5021Reform and Social Conflicts in Contemporary China[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5480, MASS 5060DescriptionThis course discusses political participation and political changes in contemporary China by focusing on popular contention. It addresses the rise, development, and consequences of social protests in China by referring to existing theories on contentious politics and collective action.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Evaluate the difficulties and possibilities of reform in Chinese political system.
- 2.Explain theories on social movements and contentious politics.
- 3.Explain and analyze the political logic behind regime resilience in China.
- 4.Develop communication skills in writing and oral presentations through class presentations, discussions, and term papers.
- MGCS 5022Political Economy of China[3-0-0:3]BackgroundOnly students who have already taken relevant course work (e.g., MGCS 5520 Comparative Politics, MGCS 5006 China and the World, or an undergraduate course in comparative politics or political economy) will be allowed to enroll.DescriptionThis course provides an overview of Western social science literature on China's political economy, and is organized around a series of empirical and analytic puzzles posed by China's experience since the late 1970s. In exploring these puzzles, we will cover debates concerning the origins of reform; explanations for reform-era growth; the dynamics of state-sector restructuring and private sector development; the political and social consequences of growth; and how to characterize China's political economy in global context. These topics will be analyzed with a comparative lens in order to understand the extent to which various phenomena in China's political economy has parallels in other countries.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Distinguish between the empirical and analytic contributions of research on China's political economy.
- 2.Diagram the (intended) casual arguments in political science scholarship.
- 3.Identify competing explanations for a particular phenomenon in China's political economy.
- 4.Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of studies concerning China's political economy.
- 5.Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
- 6.Write critical memos that go beyond mere summary of assigned readings.
- 7.Develop, research, and write a research paper informed by questions that have both analytic and empirical relevance.
- MGCS 5024China in Comparative Perspective[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 6030EReading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis course explores the empirical and analytic value of studying China in comparative perspective. General comparative method and approaches that have been used to explain politics in modern China will be reviewed. The course also considers how the study of China can contribute to concept formation and broader debates in social science.
- MGCS 5025China and Africa[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000GMode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionAfrica's relationship with China has created a global discourse. The course will discuss the controversial topics that arise from the political economy of China-Africa links and relations between Africans and Chinese.
- MGCS 5026International Law and China[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000RDescriptionPublic international law (IL) is based on rules for relations among states (countries), as well as the human rights of people. It covers almost every aspect of human activity and is mainly studied by analyzing legal cases and international agreements (treaties). The topics in an introductory IL course are the same everywhere in the world. The cases used are mostly the “classics” that established the principles of IL. Students in this course will discuss, in a seminar format, how China interacts with IL and will present group research papers on one discrete issue of their choice.
- MGCS 5032Ethnicity in Chinese Context[3-0-0:3]Reading Material[C] Require Chinese readingDescriptionThis course explores the issue of ethnicity in China in the context of a nation-state. Issues of nationalism, ethnic identities, and ethnic diversity will be examined from anthropological perspectives. Ethnicity has become an important socio-cultural institution in China. This course explores issues of identity construction, ethnic classification system and local reactions in Chinese society. Historical changes and contemporary development of the phenomenon of ethnicity will be examined in anthropological perspectives.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the major ethnic issues such as identity formation, ethnic classification system, ethnic relations, assimilation, social conflicts, nation-building, and ethnic hierarchy.
- 2.Use appropriate approaches to study the multiethnic history of Chinese society, the Communist and Western theories on nationality and ethnicity, and the formation of distinctive minority cultures in the context of the Chinese nation-state.
- 3.Appreciate ethnic diversity in Chinese society.
- MGCS 5033Literary and Cultural Studies Humanities Seminar[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course will delve into a range of themes and methodologies with regard to literary, visual and cultural studies. Situated in the broad geographical scope of China and the world, the course offers students contemporary theoretical discussions and historical knowledge of literary and visual analyses, complex cultural exchanges between China and its "others" through critical reading of literature and viewing of films and other media. The thematic focus will be varied in different terms. The course covers aspects of China's literary, visual, and cultural transformation in process of modernization and globalization through comparative perspectives. Students will be trained to conduct good analysis of literary and visual texts as well as be guided to engage in theoretically-informed critical thinking on a variety of literary and cultural issues in the present age of globalization and cultural hybridity.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the concept of cultural translation and critically analyze significant cultural communications between China and the West
- 2.Explain literary text and cultural events in modern and contemporary China from both global and local perspectives
- 3.Effectively and appropriately apply the insights to practical analysis of contemporary situations and communicate them in written papers and reports in English to both non-expert and expert readers
- 4.Persuasively and appropriately communicate when presenting and discussing sources and ideas with both non-expert and expert audiences and discussants
- MGCS 5036Western Opera and Asia[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000EDescriptionFor almost four hundred years opera was the dominant form of public entertainment as well as the pinnacle of musical and theatrical arts in the West. This course aims to make opera more enjoyable and understandable and to look at depictions and representations of Asian cultures in traditional Western opera across various cultures and time periods. This course will briefly examine the development of Western opera and their related literary texts and then closely discuss selected operas that depict Asian exoticism. By watching and analyzing opera, the students will learn to understand the relationship between music, literature, drama, and culture and also come to understand how these works promoted either a common cultural understanding or a reductionist or even prejudiced viewpoint with regard to Asia. Prior knowledge or experience of Western opera or classical music is not required.
- MGCS 5037Western Classical Music and the World[3-0-0:3]DescriptionIn this course students will learn to love everything that is special about Western classical music, from the full impressive power of a concert orchestra to the intimate and mysterious solo piano. This course is designed to introduce students to the wide variety of styles and sounds of Western classical music and to connect that music to history, exoticism, meaning, and representation. The listening and analytical skills demonstrated will bring about a deeper understanding of music as an art form. Prior musical training is NOT required.
- MGCS 5038Music, Science, and the Sublime[3-0-0:3]DescriptionIn this class, we inspect the overlapping domains of music, mysticism, and the pursuit of knowledge in Western cultural history. What do the beliefs and theories of the past tell us about our relationship to music? What does music tell us about being human and of the world we inhabit? In an effort to answer these questions, we will be discussing topics ranging from psychoacoustics and fractals to celestial harmonies and birdsong, as well as listening to repertoire spanning from ancient Greek compositions to tracks by contemporary computational artists.
- MGCS 5101A Comparative Perspective of Religion in Ancient Civilizations[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000QDescriptionThis course offers a comparative understanding of the belief systems of ancient China, Egypt, and Mesopotamia. Basic to the course is to read and discuss the essential religious documents (in translation) as well as modern studies concerning the nature and content of the religious systems of the three ancient cultures. In order to have a better historical perspective, we shall also deal with the growth and development of each of these cultures, concentrating on their social structures.
- MGCS 5102Daily Life in Ancient Civilizations: China, Egypt, Greece and Rome[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course is designed to introduce the students the major themes of daily life in different civilizations. Examples will be gathered from China, Egypt, Greece and Rome, to show the commonality and differences of these early civilizations. The students are expected to acquire a basic understanding of what made a society develop, grow, flourish, blossom, decline, and how people in these societies spent their daily life.
- MGCS 5103Gender and Sexuality in Modern China[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000ODescriptionGender and sexuality are of core concern to contemporary society and scholarship. The case of modern China represents an important and unique case. This course is designed to explain how gender and sexuality evolved in modern China during the 19th and 20th centuries. The course aims at providing a global background on how gender and sexual relations used to serve socio-economic as well as other purposes before modern values carried these institutions for personal gratifications.
- MGCS 5105Science and Technology Studies in a Qualitative Perspective[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000PDescriptionThis course provides an introduction to the field of science and technology studies (STS) and provides students with examples of STS methodology from the fields of History, Anthropology, Policy and Sociology. The course will explore topics such as the nature of scientific facts, the making of expertise and the rise of international technopolitics.
- MGCS 5520Comparative Politics[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000JExclusion(s)MASS 5200Mode of Delivery[BLD] Blended learningDescriptionThis course is designed to expose students with a broad survey of the important issues in the study of comparative politics. It will provide students with a set of commonly used concepts in understanding politics around the world and teach students the techniques to compare different political systems. The course is organized around major problems and concepts in comparative politics rather than around particular countries. The topics include comparative methodology, public policy, political economy, political communication, democracy and authoritarianism, ideology and political culture, nationalism and nation-state, revolution and social movement, political participation and representation, and political institutions. These concepts and themes will help students master more advanced topics in future courses.
- MGCS 5880Growing Up the Chinese Way[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces major challenges of adjustment that individuals face in their personal growth within a Chinese context. Topics include personality, the self, emotion, romantic love, thriving in adversity, and gender.
- MGCS 5881Psychology and Education in Chinese Society[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)MGCS 6000SDescriptionEducational Psychology relates the fields of psychology and education with one another, examining the theories, research methods, and research findings on human development, learning, and instruction. Topics covered include cognitive, language, and literacy development; social, moral, and emotional development; effective teaching and learning strategies; individual differences in learning; assessment of learning; and educational issues currently relevant in the greater Chinese society.
- MGCS 6000Special Topics[3-0-0:3]DescriptionCoherent collection of topics selected from Global China Studies. The course may be repeated for credit if the topics studied are different. (Some of the Special Topic courses may require students to read materials in Chinese. Students who have difficulty reading materials in Chinese should consult the instructor concerned prior to enrolling in these courses.)Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop a global or/and local perspectives on China's past and present.
- MGCS 6100Research Foundations for Global China Studies[3 credits]DescriptionThis course is designed primarily for MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration. The course combines research techniques and methodologies adopted by the latest humanistic or social science studies, where its content will be tailored to the needs for students' research, and therefore may vary across years by drawing on different expertise of SHSS faculty.
- MGCS 6200Independent Study[3 credits]DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. Students are required to conduct an independent study in a designated subject under the supervision of a faculty member. It may require readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of research paper(s).
- MGCS 6980Research Project in Global China Studies I[6 credits]DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. This course provides a skill-based training in an independent research project on chosen topic conducted under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. The student is required to complete a research prospectus and an oral research prospectus examination. The prospectus should be a research plan that (a) clearly articulates a problem in a way that (b) displays the student's knowledge of the problem's place in the corresponding research area and of the attempts to resolve the problem and (c) gives as clear an indication as the student can give of how he/she intends to organize the research paper, and of what he/she expects his/her contribution to be, that is, of what he/she can add to the existing literature.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop research and academic-writing skill for further study.
- MGCS 6981Research Experience in Global China Studies[1 credit]DescriptionThis course enables students to experience conducting research on a chosen topic under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. Approval from faculty supervisor(s) is required. The student is required to submit a written report upon completion of this course.
- MGCS 6982Research Project in Global China Studies II[6 credits]Prerequisite(s)MGCS 6980DescriptionFor MSc(GCS) students opting for the Academic Research concentration only. This course provides a skill-based training in an independent research project on chosen topic conducted under the supervision of a faculty of the School of Humanities and Social Science. The student is required to complete a concrete and coherent research paper with oral defense as part of the research project.
