This is a five-year full-time Double Degree programme. It will provide students with knowledge and skills in the academic discipline of History and a recognized teaching qualification for teaching of the Personal, Social and Humanities Education (PSHE) Key Learning Area in schools. Graduates from the programme will be well prepared for teaching but will also be able to enter other careers such as business, personnel management and the civil service.

AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME

The aims of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History are:

1. To equip students with a historical perspective of the development of human society;
2. To develop students’ power of critical thinking and analytical ability in understanding historical events;
3. To focus on China and the rest of the world from a historical vantage point;
4. To provide students with a firm basis for graduate studies in history or a related discipline; and
5. To prepare students for entering teaching fields in Chinese History, History and Liberal Studies.

The aims of the Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Personal,Social and Humanities Education 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 PSHE 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 History programme, students should be able to:

1. acquire a sound understanding of major historical factors and movements that shape the growth of the human community
2. demonstrate an in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of at least one of the following areas: (1) Chinese History, (2) Western and Non-China Asian History, or (3) East-West Studies
3. apply advanced historical methods and innovative explanation models to conduct independent research for the pursuit of original and creative inquiries
4. trace the historical roots of contemporary issues and analyze the worldwide impact of individual historical events
5. communicate effectively historical knowledge in competent language and IT skills
6. appreciate the nature, values, uses and limitations of history as an academic discipline and the significance of historical knowledge
7. develop a critical and broadminded attitude toward traditions and heritage of different civilizations to facilitate students’ search for the value and meanings of citizenship with an international outlook and a sense of civility
   
   

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 PSHE teaching
3. Develop an essential knowledge for effective functioning within the teaching profession
4. Acquire effective strategies for planning, conducting and evaluating PSHE 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 History courses, Education courses, 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 credit 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 BA in History (Hon), please refer to the web site of the Department of History at http://histweb.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 History.

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 Arts (Honours) in History and Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Personal, Social and Humanities Education 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.