1. To illuminate the complex patterns of relationships among I individuals, groups, and larger social structures in a cross-cultural perspective;
2. To enhance the understanding of continuities and changes at the local, regional and global levels;
3. To provide a comprehensive and integrated understanding of Chinese cultures and societies;
4. To enable students to appreciate the complexities of Hong Kong society in all its manifestations;
5. To cultivate abilities and creativity in independent research and theoretical investigation;
6. To develop critical thinking skills adequate for academic inquiry and everyday problem-solving;
7. To enable students to acquire and apply such transferable practical skills as problem identification, argument formulation, evidence gathering, analytical logic, teamwork, information technology and communication ability suitable for a wide variety of professional careers in civil service, social service, education and business sectors.
8. To encourage an enthusiasm for life-long learning which in some instances will lead to postgraduate studies;
9. To train students to appreciate and respect human diversity, and recognize the significance of cultural and social differences;
10. To enable students to conduct and complete a research project independently.
    
    

The aims of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Liberal Studies Teaching are:

1. To develop in students personal qualities that support teachers’ daily work and professional development. These personal qualities include interpersonal effectiveness, creativity, self-understanding, as well as the motivation and the readiness for self-reflection and self-improvement;
2. To develop in students a functional knowledge of disciplines which informs educational practices. A functional knowledge of discipline means a basic knowledge of psychology, sociology and philosophy that is essential for understanding the aims and the processes of education;
3. To develop in students a subject specialisation in schools. This expertise consists of effective strategies for planning, conducting and evaluating Liberal Studies teaching; and
4. To develop in students knowledge essential for effective functioning within the teaching profession and the wider education context. This knowledge encompasses issues on teacher professionalism, educational organisation and management, as well as policy practices.
   
   

PROGRAMME INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (PILOs)

Upon completion of the Sociology programme, students should be able to:

1. Recognize and explain the complexities of human cultures and societies
2. Describe and explain the patterns of relationships among individuals, groups and larger social structures, in a cross-cultural perspective
3. Analyze the dynamic interactions of various institutions of society as they affect and are affected by social change
4. Formulate sociologically informed questions and construct reasoned arguments
   to solve problems based on valid and reliable evidence collected with appropriate methodologies
5. Work effectively as part of a team, or independently, to make well-organized presentations and produce quality research papers in sociology
6. Recognize and respect the ethics of social research
7. Be active in pursuing knowledge and acquire skills to pursue life-long learning
   
   

Upon completion of the EDUC programme, students should be able to:

1. Develop a functional knowledge of psychology, sociology and philosophy that are essential for understanding of the aims and processes of education
2. Develop a foundation for pedagogical content knowledge for effective Liberal Studies teaching
3. Develop an essential knowledge for effective functioning within the teaching profession
4. Acquire effective strategies for planning, conducting and evaluating Liberal Studies teaching
5. Enhance generic skills to support daily work and professional development
6. Demonstrate a reflective and sensitive mind in educational practices and social issues to uphold professional integrity and engage in life-long learning
   
   

STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMME

The programme is comprised of Sociology courses, Education course, an Honours Project, General Education courses, and Elective courses. The total credit unit is 167-unit.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

The 54 Education credits units are divided into three categories:

* 3 units of the Integrated Practicum will be counted towards the Social Sciences Common Core.

For details of the BSoSc in Sociology (Hon), please refer to the web site of the Department of Sociology at
http://socweb.hkbu.edu.hk/

PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Most courses are taught by a combination of lecture-discussion and seminars. On-site supervision and peer observation are included in different aspects of the Field Practice. During the fifth year of study, students complete their honours projects under the guidance of the Department of Sociology.

Students may be required to attend late afternoon classes and Saturday morning classes.

Normally students should complete the programme in five calendar years.

FIELD PRACTICE

Field Practice is an essential element of the Programme. It consists of two components: School Experience (SE) and Supervised Teaching Practice (STP). School Experience lasts for 3 to 4 weeks, with the aim to introduce student-teachers to teaching in a school context and the roles of a teacher in schools. Students learn through observation, reflection, participation in school activities and classroom teaching. Supervised Teaching Practice takes places in two semesters during the last two years of study. Each STP lasts for 6-8 weeks and provides opportunity for student-teachers to integrate theories of education and teaching methodology with practice. To encourage constructive collegial exchange of pedagogic ideas, the host school will appoint a School Mentor to advise the student-teacher during Field Practice.

During SE and STP, students will be visited by supervisors from the Department of Education Studies. Requirements for SE and STP and details of assessment are to be provided in separate handbooks, which will be given to students before SE and STP commence.

Satisfactory completion of School Experience and Supervised Teaching Practice I & II is required for graduation from the Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Sociology and Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Liberal Studies Teaching programme.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The Programme will provide high quality preparation for teaching and teaching-related careers. Graduates will be equipped with a range of skills that will enable them to contribute effectively and flexibly to the changing needs of Hong Kong in the 21st century.