Page 64 - SYU Prospectus

Shue Yan University Prospectus 2018-19

GEB 203 Intercultural Communication
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course will introduce basic concepts and approaches in the study of intercultural
communication, and encourage students to explore practical dimensions of intercultural
interactions and experiences that permeate our everyday life. Through critically examining the
interrelationships that exist between language (including both verbal and nonverbal commu-
nication), culture, identity, and cultural spaces, students will develop knowledge, skills and
awareness to enable them to communicate effectively in intercultural situations. Such
intercultural competence is increasingly a prerequisite for personal and professional success
in today’s globalised world, where international encounters and multicultural interactions have
become commonplace.

Area 3: Global Citizenship

GEC 101 Environment and Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
This course is designed to raise students’ awareness to local and global environmental
issues and nurture their sense of social responsibility towards the environment. In order to
present a broad view of environment, this general education course will examine the social,
economic, and the political aspects of environmental issues, and survey different perspectives
in studying the dynamics between environment and society. By reviewing major empirical
studies, it also aims at fostering students’ understanding as to how institutions can alter the
trajectories of environmental degradation and protection. It will evaluate a variety of activities
initiated by consumers, industry, state, and civil society which can collectively contribute to the
sustainable development of our society.

GEC 102 The Struggling Self in the Global Society
1 Term; 3 Credits
What is “self”? How is the “self” related to the larger society? How is an individual’s life
course shaped by various social institutions, culture, and norms; and how does an individual
respond to these institutional forces? In other words, how does a person struggle to develop
an authentic self on one hand, and to cope with the influences of different social agencies on
the other? This general education course explores the answers to the above questions.
Borrowing the conceptual orientation from social psychology, this course begins with
introducing how the self is developed. But the larger part of the course will examine in detail
how major social institutions – gender, family, education, occupation, class and race and
ethnicity – influence our lives. We also explore how individuals face changes in our globalized
society where diversity is embraced as the emerging social value. Major topics will include
socialization, self and identity, social inequalities, cultural diversity and the impacts of social
institutions.

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