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 |
1 |
4 |
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 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
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 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
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 |
2 |
1 |
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
|
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 % |