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, and also 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, 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 clear and coherent argument in both writing and speaking.

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.

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.

Below is a summary of the full syllabuses. For the full syllabuses with course descriptions, please click here.

*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, including major theoretical distinctions or classifications and their historical development over time.

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.

Capstone Courses

Please check here for course offerings and time-table of 2020-21.

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