Liberal Studies is a multidisciplinary study upon the social issues which are closely associated with our daily lives. By adopting and comparing various perspectives and viewpoints, students can have a more discerning understanding of the interrelationship between individual growth, social institutions and cultures, and environment.
Empathy and openness to diversity are the essential values that Liberal Studies aim at nurturing among the students. Teachers and students are learning partners through different means of learning such as discussion, debate, role play, collaboration, experiential tasks and field trips in the community. Diverse views of agreement and disagreement can be freely expressed and then dialogue is facilitated substantially and respectfully. We hope, through this endeavour, that our students can be groomed as sincere, empathetic and informed leaders for the globalized age.
The study of Liberal Studies in HKUGA College aims to nurture students to be independent thinkers, which is not only limited to the subject of study, but to equip students with the ability to make decisions objectively that will enable them to be informed and responsible citizens of the society, the country and the world. The training of Liberal Studies education also emphasises enhancing an understanding of one’s surroundings by allowing students to look at the world through a lense of multiple perspectives. By encouraging students to put themselves in others’ shoes, the subject subtly plants the seed of social empathy and care in students’ lives.
Liberal Studies provides diverse learning opportunities, both outside and inside the classroom, for students to develop life skills that will enable them to swiftly adapt to the constantly changing world and to face the upcoming challenges at different stages of their lives.
During their study at the College, learners are trained to be analytical when investigating an issue, and to carefully dissect all the relevant information before making an informed decision. To further foster learners’ creativity and problem-solving skills, students are continuously encouraged to “think outside the box” to come up with innovative ideas. Through the collaborative learning mode, students also master communication and collaboration skills.
In a world of growing complexity, the training in Liberal Studies is essential in laying a strong foundation to allow the world’s future leaders to acquire life skills with a prolonged impact on their lives.
The Liberal Studies curriculum will be delivered in 6 modules and is designed to enhance students’ understanding of themselves, their society, their nation, the human world and the physical environment.
Below are the summary tables of the key learning areas, and the related values and attitudes of the 6 modules:
Module 1: Personal Development and Interpersonal Relationships
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- Factors influencing the self-esteem of adolescents
- Current salient trends that pose particular challenges and opportunities to adolescents in Hong Kong
- Messages and values from the media influence
- Life skills that are important for adolescents
| - Adaptability to change
- Responsibility
- Self-esteem
- Self-reflection
- Rationality
- Self-discipline
- Independence
|
- Development of teenagers’ identity and roles within different relationships
- Interpersonal conflicts and development of relationships
- Factors that motivate HK adolescents to participate in community affairs
| - Cooperation
- Gender equity
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Self-reflection
- Self-determination
- Respect for self
- Respect for others
- Social harmony
- Sense of responsibility
- Interdependence
|
Module 2: Hong Kong Today
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- Different interpretations of quality of life
- Different priorities on quality of life
- Ways to improve the quality of life and their obstacles
| - Respect for quality and excellence
- Sustainability
- Rationality
- Sensitivity
- Care and concern
|
- Factors affecting the level of socio-political participation
- Rule of law and the responsibilities of HK residents
- Government’s responses to the demands of different stakeholders
| - Respect for the rule of law
- Participation
- Human rights and responsibilities
- Democracy
- Justice
|
- Sense of identity of Hong Kong residents
- Interrelationship of the multiple identities in the local, national and global context
| - Sense of belonging
- Plurality
- Open-mindedness
- Individuality
- Interdependence
|
Module 3: Modern China
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- Changes in living standards since the reform and opening-up in China
- Sustainable development and cultural conservation; challenges and opportunities
- China’s participation in international affairs
- Response of the Chinese government on the effects of the reform and opening-up
- The impact of reform and opening-up on the overall national strength of China
| - Solidarity
- Patriotism
- Sustainability
- Human rights and responsibilities
- Care and concern
- Justice
|
- Continuities and changes of traditional concepts of family in modern life
- Continuities and changes of traditional customs in modern life
| - Culture and civilization heritage
- Respect for different ways of life, beliefs and opinions
- Plurality
- Sensitivity
- Appreciation
|
Module 4: Globalization
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- Characteristics and trends in the development of globalization
- The impact of globalization on developed and developing countries
- Homogeneity and diversity in culture and values
- The impact of globalization within and between countries
- The diverse perceptions towards globalization
- The opportunities and challenges of globalization (of Hong Kong and China)
- Hong Kong and China’s responses under the challenges of globalization
| - Interdependence
- Justice
- Cooperation
- Culture and civilization heritage
- Plurality
- Adapting to changes
- Open-mindedness
|
Module 5: Public Health
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- People’s understanding on the causes of diseases in the past
- Factors (economic, social and other factors) affecting people’s understanding of health (social expectations, personal values and beliefs in different cultures)
- Understanding of public health affected by the development of science and technology
| - Valuing the suggestions of others
- Respect for evidence
- Respect for different ways of life
- Beliefs and opinions
- Cultural heritage
|
- The prevention and control of diseases under the development of science and technology
- Challenges in maintaining and promoting public health (in the local, national and global contexts)
| - Betterment of humankind
- Human rights and responsibilities
- Cooperation
- Moral considerations
|
Module 6: Energy Technology and the Environment
| Areas of study | Related values and attitudes |
|---|
- The exploitation of and energy use under the development of energy technology
- The impact of energy technology on environmental problems
- The impact of energy problems on development
| - Betterment of humankind
- Respect for evidence
- Interdependence
|
- The impact of the development of science and technology on sustainable development
- The impact of living styles and development on the environment and energy use
- The responses of different stakeholders on sustainable development
| - Responsibility
- Caring for the living and non-living environments
- Betterment of humankind
- Sustainability
- Simplicity
|
