Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Geography and Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Liberal Studies Teaching

This is a five-year full-time Double Degree programme. It will provide students with knowledge and skills in the academic discipline of Geography and a recognized teaching qualification for teaching of Liberal Studies 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 Social Sciences (Honours) in Geography are:

  1. To enable students to develop their knowledge of spatial order and their understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of geography;
  2. To enable students to apply geographical perspectives in the analysis of global-local problems;
  3. To facilitate students acquisition of the intellectual and practical skills needed to analyse, assess and interpret geographical information both independently and as part of a team;
  4. To provide students with transferable skills applicable to both geographical and non-geographical careers as well as the ability to pursue postgraduate studies;
  5. To enhance student communication and presentation skills;
  6. To promote a sense of life-long learning and a spirit of enquiry.

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 Geography programme, students should be able to:

  1. Describe and explain the spatial and temporal variability of
    geographic systems
  2. Explain the role of geography in understanding contemporary environmental,
    urban, economic, cultural, and political processes and issues
  3. Make use of a variety of methodologies for observation, analysis, interpretation
    and illustration of geographical data
  4. Plan, design and complete an original piece of individual research in the field of
    geography and produce a final project report
  5. Recognise and incorporate philosophical issues and ethical questions into
    geographical debate both orally and in writing, using either Chinese or English
    languages
  6. Work in either a team on co-operative projects, or carry out independent study

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 Geography 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:

Social Sciences Common Core4 units
Geography course54 units
Education courses51 units
Honours Project6 units
University Core Courses13 units
General Education Courses18 units
Free Electives21 units
Total:167 units

The 54 Education credits units are divided into three categories:

EDUC courses*UnitsExamples (course title)
Required
(15 courses)
33
  • Introduction to Educational Psychology
  • Instructional and Assessment Strategies for Liberal Studies
  • Teaching and Learning of Society and Culture
  • Classroom Communication and Management
  • Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs
Elective
(5 courses)
10
  • School Guidance
  • Teaching General Studies to Young Learners
Integrated Practicum
(3 periods)
11
  • School Experience
  • Supervised Teaching Practice I
  • Supervised Teaching Practice II

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

For details of the BSoSc in Geography (Hons), please refer to the web site of the Department of Geography at
http://geog.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 Geography.

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 Geography 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.