Elective Modules

General Education Elective Modules

Module Information for GE Elective Modules to be offered in Semester One, AY 2023/24

GEE5101 Effective Branding & Consumer Behaviour

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

This module aims to introduce the forces that shape the value systems of the society and individuals leading to different consumer behaviours in the socio-cultural context of a globalised world. It also aims to develop students’ awareness of effective branding in the marketplace. On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to apply the concept of consumer decision making process for the contemporary issues in global markets; perform research on consumer consumption and brand implication; and analyse and propose appropriate solutions for branding by identifying the specific issues relating to lifestyle segmentation of target.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Introduction to Consumer Behaviour
Research Methodology
Individual Determinants of Consumer Behaviour
Environmental Influences on Consumer Behaviour
Lifestyle Segmentation
Situations and Decision Making
Branding

Assessment Methods:

Component	Critique	Project and Presentation
No. of assessment	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	40%	60%

GEE5103 Living with Sustainable Materials

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

Living with Sustainable Materials is designed to develop students’ intellectual ability and aesthetic sense through the appreciation of contemporary materials used in designs for our daily life. Through an exposure to the innovative trends of the use of materials in the global market, students will develop social sensibility and an awareness of advance notions of sustainability from a socio-cultural perspective. Their creative thinking will also be fostered during the process of exploring and re-engineering various conventional and non-conventional materials.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Materials in Society
Material Thoughts and Design Thinking
Performance, Properties and Processes of Design Materials
Selection, Experimentation and Exploration of Materials
Transforming and Application of Materials

Assessment Methods:

Component

Research Log

(Individual Assignment)

Group Project

No. of assessment

Weighting as a % of module mark

30%

70%

The Research Log comprising students’ collections and evaluations of environmental issues. The Group Project will be used to assess students’ creative thinking, problem solving skill as well as their aesthetic quality, while requiring them to demonstrate their social sensibility in addressing a sustainability issue.

GEE5104 Landscape Appreciation

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

This module aims to introduce the basic principles and theories of landscape appreciation, through discussions on world-wide famous landscape sites and projects. This will broaden students’ perspective by presenting a general image of landscape architectural design practice, and demonstrates the environmental and social contributions of landscapes. This module will also raise students’ awareness of cultural and technological aspects of landscape architecture.

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to critique on landscape design based on comprehensive awareness of aesthetic, functional, cultural or technological issues. Students would be aware of the contributions of landscape architecture in environmental and social aspects as well as having knowledge and basic design theories on landscape architecture.

The following topics/areas will be covered (not in sequential order):

Concepts of landscape and landscape appreciation
Basic landscape theories and principles
Physical and cultural landscapes
History and future trends of landscape design
Case studies (used to facilitate understanding on above mentioned theories and principles concurrently, both natural and artificial cases will be included):

The percentage contributions to the overall module assessment are:

Component

Individual Assignment

Group Project:

In-class exercise

Group Project:

Oral Presentation

No. of assessment

Weighting as a % of

module mark

35%

15%

50%

Note: This module includes a 6-hour out-of-class site visit.

GEE5105 Urban Greenery & Ecology

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

Green spaces in the cities have become one of the essential infrastructures for the well-being of urban population. This module introduces the ecosystem functions and multiple benefits of urban greenery, discusses the challenges and limitations which it faces, and how to sustain ecological balance and diversity through a greenery network. Emerging trends in urban greenery, like native ornamental plants, green roof, vertical green wall, rain garden; eco-landscaping as management strategies, will be investigated.

Field trips are especially designed to enhance the interactive learning experience for students to explore and analyze the environmental, socio-cultural, technological issues intertwined with urban greenery. Students need to bring a pair of 8 x 42 binoculars for the field trips.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Definitions and structures of urban greenery
Benefits provided and costs incurred by urban green spaces
Local urban green spaces
Ecology of Hong Kong
Challenges of ecological conservation in Hong Kong
Conservation of biodiversity in urban areas
Emerging trends

Assessment Methods:

Component	Individual assignment	Group assignment
No. of assessment	2	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	85%	15%

Field trips arrangement (Tentative):

	Date	No. of hours	Theme	Location (tentative)	Fees incurred
1	End of Sep (during class time)	4	Pest threatening urban trees under climate change	Location to be confirmed	Transportation fee
2	Early Oct (during class time)	4	Greenery in urban core	Kowloon Park & Jordan	Transportation fee
3	Mid Oct (either am or pm)	3	Native vs Exotic ornamental plants - Visit to nursery	Tsuen Wan Tso Kung Tam Nursery	Transportation fee
4	Early Nov (during class time)	3.5	Residential green spaces	Old and new greenery in Kwun Tong: Wo Lok Estate & Yue Man Square	Transportation fee
5	End of Nov (during class time)	3.5	Vertical greening	Tseung Kwan O	Transportation fee

GEE5109 Design for Fun

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

Students will acquire knowledge of the development needs of children and the role of objects in play. They will apply knowledge of child development to a simple design process and explore the creation a plaything. Experimental problem-solving and creative thinking will be encouraged as part of making toy design solutions. Besides this, students’ self-confidence, and learning will be developed along with students’ ability to work within a prescribed framework and communicate toy ideas.

On completion of this module, students are expected to be able to:

Analyse and evaluate a range of toys and games on the market to place them into related categorisations;
Judge appropriateness of a toy’s target user based on knowledge of child development and play needs;
Generate toy design concepts through analysis of relationship between child development and toy design;
Use creative problem-solving skills to generate play value in toy design concepts.

The following topics/areas are covered:

Develop design communication skills including sketching thumbnails, making basic 3-dimensional artefacts, graphic and verbal presentation;
Child development stages and necessity of play;
Toy design methods, toy appreciation and consideration of function related to creating toy ideas;
Problem-solving skills using divergent thinking and creative methods;
Classification of toy and game categories; and
Group work involving creating and testing of original toy ideas.

The percentage contributions to the overall module assessment

Component	Research Report	Design Project
No. of assessment	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	40%	60%

GEE5305 The Art & Science of Film

(Offered by Faculty of Design and Environment)

How does Spiderman stop a train using his bare hands in the movie? How does Batman jump off from IFC unharmed? How does Optimus Prime transform himself into a truck? How does Pixar create the movie Toy Story created entirely with computers? As George Lucas once said “The secret to film is that it is an illusion.” In the first part of the course, we are going to examine the technologies behind those magical illusions and relate them to film development.

Did you feel happy when seeing Katniss Everdeen winning yet another game in the movie “Hunger Game”? Did you feel happy when you see Dr. Ryan Stone finally returning to Earth in the movie “Gravity”? Did you cry when you see Cooper bidding farewell to his daughter Murph leaving Earth in the movie “Interstella”? Did you feel excited when seeing Bruce Wayne beating up Penguin and restoring law and order in the Gotham City? In the second part of this course, we are going to critically evaluate how films communicate with the audiences using different theoretical frameworks.

Note: This module is taught in English, but Chinese may be occasionally used to supplement teaching when necessary.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

How We See Images and Hear sound?
Film in the Pre-digital Era
Digital Revolution in Film Production
The Future of Film
Basic Cinematography and Techniques
Film Analysis
Film as Art Forms
Hollywood Film Genres
Hong Kong Film

Assessment Methods:

Component	Individual Assignment	Group Project
No. of assessment	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	50%	50%

(Latest update will be announced during class)

GEE5202 Wellness & Lifestyle Management

(Offered by Faculty of Management and Hospitality)

This module aims to provide an overview of how individuals could increase control over health through lifestyle and behavioural modification. This module will employ laboratory sessions, exercise sessions and experiential learning activities to equip students with the skills to pursue healthy lifestyle. The tutorial venues will be at Human Performance Laboratory & Fitness Room at CW campus. By completion of the module, students will be able to design, implement and review a personalized total wellness programme for themselves.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Introduction to Wellness and Lifestyle Management
Wellness
Healthy Nutrition
Weight Management
Self Image and Self Esteem
Lifetime Fitness and Wellness

The following topics will be delivered in tutorials and practical classes:

Change of Behaviour
Fitness Activities
Prevention of Cancer
Addictive Behaviour
Emotional Well-being

Assessment Methods:

Component	Reflective Journal	Written Test	Projects
No. of assessment	1	1	2
Weighting as a % of module mark	30%	30%	40%

GEE5204 Personal Financial Management

(Offered by Faculty of Management and Hospitality)

The primary purpose of this module is to help students to learn the most updated, practical and down to earth personal finance practices / knowledge. After completing the module, students will be able to apply the knowledge in personal financial management in their future life.

Studying the module GEE5204 Personal Financial management, will help students in two aspects:

Develop a plan to achieve financial security,
Improve their quality of life,

The contents of the module may include the following:

Career Planning
Money / Cash flow management
Consumer credit
Taxes
Housing decision
Legal protection and insurance
Investment
Retirement planning
Estate planning

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Understanding Personal Financial Management
Measuring Personal Financial Health
Cash or Liquid Asset Management
Using Credit Cards and Consumer Loans
Housing Decision
Personal Insurance
Investment Basics
Retirement planning

Assessment Methods:

Component	Classwork	Individual Assignment	Group Assignment	Term Test
No. of assessment	6	1	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	15%	20%	40%	25%

GEE5205 Self-marketing & Personal Branding

(Offered by the Faculty of Management and Hospitality)

The primary purpose of this module is to provide students with an introduction to the principles of self-marketing and personal branding while also drawing on marketing and branding practices of leading brands. It also provides conceptual, practical and ethical considerations on how to market and brand an individual effectively.

Studying the module will allow students to:

synthesize the theories of marketing and branding to conduct a self-audit;
apply marketing and public relations strategies to personal development and future career development with ethical considerations; and
critically select and manage information, develop and present arguments on marketing and branding issues

The key contents of the module may include the following:

Introduction to personal marketing;
Personal Ethics and Morals;
Personal Branding and visibility;
Personal marketing plan and self-evaluation;
Public speaking;
Reputation management; and
Challenges of the Online environment

Assessment Methods:

Assignments : 30%

Written Test : 30%

Group Project : 40%

GEE5209 Business Management in Hong Kong
(Offered by Faculty of Management and Hospitality)

This module aims to prepare students, with little or no prior business education with a foundation knowledge in business management. It covers introductory topics in the areas of management, accounting and financial management, human resources management, and marketing. It also provides an introduction to the business environment in Hong Kong. Through the study of this module, students will be able to develop their analytical, evaluation and problem-solving skills in dealing with and responding to management issues.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

Fundamentals of Management
Accounting and Financial Management
Human Resources Management
Marketing Management
Business Environment

Assessment Methods:

Component	Individual Essay	Group Project
No. of assessment	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	40%	60%

GEE5210 Essentials in People Management

(Offered by Faculty of Management and Hospitality)

This module aims to equip students with comprehensive knowledge about different principles and concepts of human resource management functions and processes in relevant industries and provide a conceptual and practical understanding of a line manager and human resources manager’s role in organising, controlling, motivating and developing human resources so that they are committed to the maintenance of a high service standard ethic, and the satisfaction of customers’ and clients’ needs.

In addition, it facilitates students to build up professional, interpersonal, managerial and intellectual skills and knowledge in effective human resources management; and develop personal ability to contribute to the success of company goals and gain sustainable competitive advantage through competence in operational decision-making, problem-solving and change management in human resources aspects.

Assessment Methods:

In-class Activities: 20%

Test: 30%

Group Project: 50%

GEE5301 Environment, Development & Sustainability

(Offered by Faculty of Science and Technology)

This module aims to provide a broad range of topics on global contemporary environmental problems and sustainable development related issues. Essential principles required for the understanding of environmental problems in affecting our air, water, land and other natural resources will be addressed. The role of technological, economic and sustainable development in the protection of the natural and urban environment will also be discussed. On completion, students are expected to be able to identify the human role in the natural environment and the impacts of human activities and technology development on environmental quality; evaluate global environmental problems, identify pollution sources, and evaluate available technology in pollution controls and environmental protections; apply the concepts of environmental risk, conservative thinking and sustainability in the devise of practical solutions to enhance sustainable development for the society; and evaluate current environmental, development and sustainability issues and analyze problems based on scientific, social- economics, technological, and political factors in an open and objective manner.

Assessment Methods:

Component	Individual Assignment	Group Project Written Report	Oral Presentation
No. of assessment	1	1	1
Weighting as a % of module mark	30%	40%	30%

GEE5313 Buildings & Infrastructures Appreciation

(Offered by Faculty of Science and Technology)

This module aims to provide an overview of buildings and infrastructures. The module introduces general engineering concepts and aesthetics of various buildings and infrastructures, as well as their relevant uses and social status, to build up the students’ own perspective in building and infrastructures. Students will learn the infrastructure developments in Hong Kong since 1960’s started from the new town development, water reservoirs and Lion’s Rock Tunnel to the 10 major infrastructure projects in 2010’s. Furthermore, students will learn different forms of infrastructures, and how to appreciate the buildings and infrastructures in the aspects of functions and aesthetics. The module also intends to cultivate the students’ awareness of the social status of the infrastructures.

Assessment Methods:

Component

Individual

Reflective

Journals

Group Report

Group Presentation

No. of assessment

Weighting as a % of module mark

55%

30%

15%

# The percentage contributions of the different assessment items to the overall module assessments.

GEE5321 Basics of Building Information Modelling

(Offered by Faculty of Science and Technology)

This module aims to introduce the basic concepts and essential background of building information modelling (BIM) to students of construction-related engineering, and other related professional disciplines. It extends the knowledge in engineering drawing and computer-aided design (CAD) in construction projects, and develop skills necessary for understanding virtual design and construction (VDC).

In this module, students will learn the conceptual background of BIM and apply the principles for the various aspects of BIM.

The following types of topics/areas should be covered:

Introduction to BIM
Computer modelling and visualisation
External and internal collaborations
Construction coordination and calculations
Sustainable design and energy analysis
Documentation and latest BIM trends

Assessment Methods:

Component

Individual Assignment

Project

No. of assessment

Weighting as a % of module mark

25% + 25%

50%

(BIM Modelling)

GEE 5328 Primary Health Care & Health Promotion

(Offered by Faculty of Science and Technology)

Module Aim(s)

This module aims at strengthening students’ commitment to improve general health and well-being of individuals and community by providing a depth of understanding concerning Primary Health Care concepts and the relative effectiveness of health promoting interventions. The knowledge and skills acquired will enable students to assume professional responsibility in evaluating and planning community-based primary healthcare programmes.

Assessment Methods:

Component	Individual Assignment	Group Project
No. of assessment	2	1
Contribution	50%	50%

GEE5405 The Modern World: History & Culture

(Offered by School of General Education and Languages)

The Modern World: History & Culture is taught as a three-hour combined lecture, reading and discussion seminar and introduces students to history as a form of storytelling and culture as a form of analysis. Through the tool of historical narrative, we will take a ‘big picture’ survey of modern world history and culture from the maritime revolution to the rise of popular and consumer culture in the late twentieth century.

The module will examine select topics in world history around three units of inquiry, which integrate history and culture into a historical chronology. These units of inquiry include the following topics/areas:

The Origins of Global Interdependence, 1500-1800
The Age of Industrialisation and Revolution, 1800-1914
Contemporary Global Realignments, 1914 to the Present

Assessment Methods:

Component	No. of assessment	Weighting as a % of module mark
Active Class Participation	1	15%
Role Play	1	15%
Group Presentation	1	30%
Research Essay	1	40%

GEE5409 Plants & Human Civilisations

(Offered by School of General Education and Languages)

Plants and Human Civilisations aims to provide students with a critical analysis on the role of plants as the single most influential factor that dominate human survival, rise and fall of civilisations and continuity of human societies. A selection of plants that played pivotal roles in mankind will be introduced and their impacts on human civilisations will be investigated with a combination of scientific, cultural and societal perspectives. Students are expected to articulate the impacts of plants on human civilisations and societies in the past, critically evaluate the contemporary issues both brought by and solved by plants at present, and project the advancement of mankind with breakthrough in plant sciences and agricultural biotechnology.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

The module is organized around the exploration and understanding of the intimate relationship between plants and humans. Fundamental concepts of life sciences, including the plant and human biological systems, will be introduced at the beginning and throughout the topics of the module, which support students in analysing the impacts brought by the uses and abuses of plants:

Plants as our green friends

Seed of change – plants that changed the course of human history

Seed of culture – plants that shaped the cultures of civilizations

Seed of future – How plants continue to boost mankind transformation

Assessment Methods:

Component	No. of assessment	Weighting as a % of module mark
In-class activity and participation	Continuous assessments	10%
Debate	1	10%
Experiments	5	20%
Reflective Essay	1	30%
Group assignment and project	1	30%

GEE5413 Service Leadership in a New Era

(Offered by School of General Education and Languages)

The concept of “service leadership” is highlighted in this course as service industry plays a dominate position around the world nowadays. This module aims at providing insights on becoming a service leader in a new era through cultivating appropriate knowledge skills, characters and compassion towards self, others and society. An effective service leader is expected to show commendable sensitivity in negotiating with the service provider and the recipient. Integrating the concepts of management, political sciences, psychology and sociology, the module will stimulate students’ reflections on how they can manage their personal and professional lives efficiently and develop sensitivity to oneself and to others.

Assessment Methods:

Component	No. of assessment	Weighting as % of module mark
Class Participation and engagement	N/A	10%
In-class Mini Presentations	1	20%
Mid-term Individual Reflective Note	1	40%
Group Project Presentation	1	30%

GEE5420 Introduction to French Language & Culture

(Offered by the School of General Education and Languages)

Bonjour! Are you interested in French and French culture? This module is the right choice for you if the answer is yes. In this module, students will learn basic French and understand France and Francophone countries in multifarious perspectives.

In this module, you will learn two aspects:

For language, beginner’s French will be taught. You will learn how to introduce or talk more in depth about yourself, produce simple sentences using most-commonly used verbs, nouns and adjectives, and describe people.
For culture, topics in French culture will be explored and discussed in English.

The following areas/topics on French culture* will be covered:

Key facts and figures about the Francophone world
Paris, the Eiffel Tower and more
The French national flag and its history and symbolism
The French revolution
Music appreciation in French
French film appreciation
Food and wine culture in France
France and Quebec and their cultural and linguistic contrasts
French influence on English, its history and mechanism
Verlan (talking backwards in French)
French fashion brands and their influence in fashion
French art appreciation

At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to use French at a survival level, analyse issues related to French culture and be engaged in self-language learning.

Assessment Methods:

Component	No. of assessment	Weighting as a % of module mark
Independent Learning and Participation (participation in class and self-learning for French)	N/A	10%
Tests on French language Written Test 1 (10%) Written Test 2 (15%) Oral Test (15%)	3	40%
Individual Essay (on culture written in English)	1	25%
Group Presentation (on a cultural topic orally presented in English)	1	25%

*subject to change at the discretion of the teacher.

GEE5426 Entrepreneurship in Action

(Offered by the School of General Education and Languages)

The module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of business concepts based on PBL (Project-based learning). Students will learn the fundamental and core ideas, concepts, and theories related to business operations that allow them to perform self-reflection and establish real-world connections. Students will be required to work in teams to develop a student-driven business operation (a service or a product) with interdisciplinary elements.

The following topics/areas will be covered:

The PBL (Project-based learning) will be employed, and students are required to apply it in their business projects.
The basic idea of design thinking will be incorporated in the course to help students develop their “empathy” to design their business ideas.
Basic ideas and concepts of the business principles, including retail management, marketing, business plan, e-commerce and forecast, warehouse, logistics, and human resources management.
Basic communication skills for solving organisational conflicts at different levels and contexts via case study of real examples.
Students are required to carry out a group project for a business operation using the knowledge they have learnt in this module.

Assessment Methods:

Component	Weighting as a % of module mark
Class Participation and Engagement	10 %
Business Plan Proposal	30 %
Poster Presentation	50 %
Peer Evaluation	10 %

GEE5427 Technology & the Future of Work

(Offered by the School of General Education and Languages)

This module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the impacts of technology on the future of organisation and work. Students will be exposed to basic ideas, concepts, and principles in technology and that allow both self-exploration and application to contemporary issues and professional life, with an emphasis on proposing technological solutions to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The following topics/areas will be covered:

A basic understanding of the historical development and social evolution of technology and framework for technological impact assessment.
Impacts of breakthrough technologies, e.g. artificial intelligence, big data analytics, internet of things, automation, genome editing, etc. will be analysed from the perspectives of work, health, safety, in/equality and sustainability.
Blockchain simulation tools, e.g. Immunodex and StackEd, will be used to teach concepts and principles of blockchain, and its applications at business world.
Advanced topics in blockchain, e.g. tokenization, smart contract, solution architecture and programming will be taught. Students will extend their learning by applying decentralised solution in resolving contemporary problems at their respective industries.
Students are required to carry out a group project using the knowledge that they have learnt in this module.

Assessment Methods:

Component	Weighting as a % of module mark
Class Participation and Engagement	10 %
Debate	20 %
Group Project	30 %
Individual Reflective Report	40 %