English Studies is the scholarly investigation of the English language and its many uses in social and historical contexts. It prominently includes the study of literature(s) written in English, as well as creative writing. Both the language and the literatures are studied from multiple perspectives, linguistic ones and literary ones, including critical and cultural theory. Our English Studies programme has a strong cross-cultural orientation, recognizing English as a language of global communication and world literature, a language which people make their own, creatively and habitually, all over the world. It offers students both a solid foundation and a wide range of choices in various concentrations. Introductory courses emphasize the practice of critical reading, analysis and writing, as well as the development of historical and theoretical knowledge. Advanced courses focus on English language and literature as representations of culture and society in diverse historical contexts, on the production of meaning in different discursive contexts, genres and media, and on the place of English in relation to histories of colonization and globalization with special reference to Hong Kong and the region. A range of capstone courses, including research seminars, internships and senior colloquia, offer students opportunities to integrate and deploy their learning in the major while considering their options upon graduation.

The courses of the English Studies programme incorporate a variety of teaching and learning methods, including formal lectures, discussion-based seminars, small group tutorials, workshops, and online learning. They are mostly assessed by coursework, including oral presentations, in-class tests and quizzes, essays and research projects and portfolios. They are designed to provide students with skills of accurate and historically sensitive analysis, critical reading and thinking, and forming clear and coherent arguments in both writing and speaking.

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On successful completion of the major or minor in English Studies, students should be able to: 

• identify and analyze issues and topics in the study of English literature and linguistics through various approaches;
• formulate critical questions and investigate topics through research, analysis and writing;
• identify and express their own perspectives regarding disciplinary issues and compare them to those of others;
• demonstrate an appreciation of the global dimensions and cultural diversity within English language and literature;
• recognize and make use of various rhetorical and discursive features in the presentation, organization and discussion of ideas, observations, and arguments; and
• understand and articulate the relevance of English Studies in providing insight into the role of language and literature in culture and society. 

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Below is a summary of the full syllabuses. For the full syllabuses with course descriptions, please check at the table below.

*New courses added to the relevant course list shall also be counted towards the major/minor for students admitted in the earlier cohort(s).

Students intending to declare a major or minor in English Studies in the second year must pass at least one introductory ENGL course from List A “Historical and Theoretical Foundations” (6 credits) in the first year.

Admission to all introductory courses is on the basis of academic record including a minimum Level 5 in English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) examination, or an equivalent score in another recognized English proficiency test.

To complete the requirements of the major, students must take:

1. 30 credits of introductory courses (including the first-year prerequisite), normally taken in the first two years of study, which consist of:

1. 12 credits from List A “Historical and Theoretical Foundations” (including the first-year prerequisite);
2. 12 credits from List B “Critical Reading, Analysis and Writing”;
3. 6 credits from either List A or List B; and

2. 48 credits of advanced courses, which must include a capstone course to be taken preferably in the final year.

To complete the requirements of the minor, students must take:

1. 18 credits of introductory courses, which consist of:

1. 6 credits of the first-year prerequisite from List A “Historical and Theoretical Foundations”;
2. 6 credits from List B “Critical Reading, Analysis and Writing”;
3. 6 credits from either List A or List B; and

2. 18 credits of advanced courses.

List A: Historical and Theoretical Foundations
The courses in this list will introduce students to the history and organization of diverse areas of literary and linguistic scholarship. Students will acquire a general overview of selected areas and issues, culminating in their application by the students to texts or linguistic data, including major theoretical distinctions or classifications and their historical development over time.

*Note: Students admitted in 2020-21 or before may choose either the ENGL/ LCOM course codes according to their study plans. Students admitted in 2021-22 and thereafter may only choose the ENGL course codes.

List B: Critical Reading, Analysis and Writing
The courses in this list will introduce students to the practice and methods of critical reading, analysis and writing, focusing on different areas of literary and linguistic study. Students will acquire a basic grasp of analytical distinctions and terminology, and learn to ask questions and construct critical arguments.

In order to enroll in any advanced course in English Studies, students must normally have completed 18 credits of introductory courses, with at least 6 credits from both List A and List B.

*Note: Students admitted in 2020-21 or before may choose either the ENGL/LCOM course codes according to their study plans. Students admitted in 2021-22 and thereafter may only choose the ENGL course codes.

Capstone Courses

Major students who have successfully passed at least seven courses (three introductory courses and four advanced courses) with a literature OR language and communication focus, respectively, will be given a School of English certification, upon request. Certificates attest to a specialization in the “Literature Stream” or “Language and Communication Stream.” If applicable, a dual recognition in both the “Literature Stream” and “Language and Communication Stream” is possible.

Please note that the declaration and certification of specialization stream(s) is optional and students can graduate with a major in English Studies without declaring any specialization stream(s).

Notes:

1. Courses affiliated to specialization streams are listed on the School’s website.
2. Neither the transcript nor the graduation certificate will show the specialization stream(s). If applicable, students may approach the School for certification of their specialization stream(s).

Students are encouraged to discuss their study plans and course selections with the UG Coordinator, their Academic Advisers, or any teachers in the English Studies programme.

In the Literature Stream the School allows for flexibility and choice, therefore it is recommended that you discuss your literature pathways with your Academic Adviser or any teachers of our School.

Here is a possible pathway for English Studies students who aspire to pursue research postgraduate (RPG) studies in literary studies. In addition to fulfilling the basic requirements of the major, you may wish:

1. To take courses dedicated to the study of literary theory at the advanced level, such as, but not limited to, the following: ENGL2012 Advanced literary theory

2. To take a research-based capstone course such as:

ENGL3041 Senior colloquium in English studies (capstone experience)

ENGL3042 Extended essay in English studies (capstone experience)

3. To prepare for your RPG application: meet with your advisor; explore different programs and RPG options; attend any workshops or presentations on RPG studies offered by the School; request letters of recommendation well in advance of the application deadline; prepare multiple drafts of your thesis proposal/application materials.

In the Language and Communication Stream the School allows for flexibility and choice, therefore it is recommended that you discuss your Language and Communication pathways with your Academic Adviser or any teachers of our School.

Below are two possible pathways of suggestive nature only. Students may choose courses without following the pathways.

Theorizing Language Pathway

List A

• ENGL1011.     An introduction to the study of meaning (6 credits)
• ENGL1015.      Introduction to English linguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL1031.      English grammar(s) (6 credits)
• ENGL1042.      World Englishes (6 credits)
• ENGL1047.      The English lexicon (6 credits)
• ENGL1051.      English sounds (6 credits)
• ENGL1058.      Theorizing communication (6 credits)

List B

• ENGL1035.      Language crimes (6 credits)
• ENGL1036.      Meaning and metaphor (6 credits)
• ENGL1055.      Language myths and realities (6 credits)
• ENGL1061.     Introduction to psycholinguistics (6 credits)

Advanced

• ENGL2004.      English syntax (6 credits)
• ENGL2112.      History of English (6 credits)
• ENGL2115.      Theories of language acquisition (6 credits)
• ENGL2117.      English phonology and morphology (6 credits)
• ENGL2125.      English construction grammar (6 credits)
• ENGL2126.      Law, meaning, and interpretation (6 credits)
• ENGL2130.      Signs, language and meaning: Integrational reflections (6 credits)
• ENGL2143.      Religion and the flourishing of English (6 credits)
• ENGL2146.      Cognitive semantics (6 credits)
• ENGL2158.      Language processing and learning (6 credits)
• ENGL2160.      Sovereignty in law, theory and culture (6 credits)
• ENGL2166.      English phonetics (6 credits)
• ENGL2168.      The law of signs: Interpretative controversies in legal semiotics (6 credits)
• ENGL2179.      Theories of language and communication (6 credits)

Language Use in Society Pathway

List A

• ENGL1011.      An introduction to the study of meaning (6 credits)
• ENGL1015.      Introduction to English linguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL1017.      Introduction to sociolinguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL1042.      World Englishes (6 credits)
• ENGL1056.      Introduction to language and communication (6 credits)
• ENGL1057.      Language, communication, society, field (6 credits)
• ENGL1059.      Introduction to pragmatics (6 credits)

List B

• ENGL1018.      Language and gender (6 credits)
• ENGL1027.      Analyzing discourse (6 credits)
• ENGL1033.      Intercultural communication (6 credits)
• ENGL1034.      Language and prejudice (6 credits)
• ENGL1035.      Language crimes (6 credits)
• ENGL1036.      Meaning and metaphor (6 credits)
• ENGL1045.      “Community” in sociolinguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL1050.      An introduction to research methods in sociolinguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL1055.      Language myths and realities (6 credits)

Advanced

• ENGL2002.      Language in society (6 credits)
• ENGL2007.      Literary linguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL2030.      New Englishes (6 credits)
• ENGL2039.      Gender, sexuality and discourse (6 credits)
• ENGL2047.      English discourse structures and strategies (6 credits)
• ENGL2048.      Language and jargon (6 credits)
• ENGL2050.      English corpus linguistics (6 credits)
• ENGL2103.      Language and digital media (6 credits)
• ENGL2104.      Language in the USA (6 credits)
• ENGL2112.      History of English (6 credits)
• ENGL2119.      English in Hong Kong: Making it your own (6 credits)
• ENGL2123.      Language and identity in Hong Kong (6 credits)
• ENGL2126.      Law, meaning, and interpretation (6 credits)
• ENGL2127.      Language and the law (6 credits)
• ENGL2129.      English as a language of science (6 credits)
• ENGL2136.      Cross-cultural discourses (6 credits)
• ENGL2138.      Language and globalization (6 credits)
• ENGL2140.      Ideologies of language past and present (6 credits)
• ENGL2141.      Doing discourse analysis (6 credits)
• ENGL2161.      Language rights and linguistic justice (6 credits)
• ENGL2175.      Bad identities (6 credits)
• ENGL2178.      Language and art (6 credits)
• ENGL2180.      Language in the workplace (6 credits)
• ENGL2181.     Language and politeness (6 credits)
• ENGL2182.      Language, communication and the media (6 credits)
• ENGL2183.      Language, communication and globalization (6 credits)
• ENGL2184.      Visual communication (6 credits)
• ENGL2185.      Health communication, ‘healthy’ communication (6 credits)
• ENGL2186.      Language and religion (6 credits)
• ENGL2187.      The language of news media (6 credits)

• ENGL2188.      Language and food (6 credits)

• ENGL2164/ LALS3010/ LLAW3251 Beginnings of English law and literature
• ENGL2184/ LCOM2007 Visual communication

For more information, please refer to https://cics.hku.hk/the-list-of-badged-courses/

Please check here for course offerings and time-table of 2023-24.

Dr Elizabeth Ho
School of English
The University of Hong Kong
Tel.: (852) 3917 2766
Fax: (852) 2559 7139
E-mail: lizho@hku.hk