Description: Environmental protection has long been indispensable in modern civilization, especially where scarcity or lack of natural resources might hamper the sustainable development of human life and society. While environmental protection is undoubtedly a common goal for the humanity, local contexts might add to the intricacy between humans and their environment, and thus create multiple perspectives for intellectual pursuits. Hong Kong and Shenzhen, for example, two neighbouring cities situated in the east of the Pearl River Delta, share and enjoy a lot of marine resources. However, both cities have been heavily impacted by pollutions arising from rapid economic transformations and industrial developments in the last few decades. For such a global issue, concerted efforts have been made in scientific studies, implementation of international policies and strengthening of local governance to bring restoration into light. Progress has been made but environmental issues remain a huge challenge to mankind.

This course aims to engage students in re-examining some current strategies for environmental protection at national, regional, local and even personal levels, by guiding them to study selected prevailing environmental problems, general practices of the society and some representative interregional collaborations in the Greater Bay Area. While general principles in environmental science will be outlined, this course will focus on water resources, management of pollution in the coastal area and regional collaborations upon the issues. To gain first-hand experience in the present situation of their own city and neighbouring regions, students from CUHK and CUHK(SZ) will participate in field trips and scientific investigations. Tutorial discussions and writing assignments are learning opportunities for students to reflect on and evaluate the implementation of current environmental policies and interregional collaborations in the Greater Bay Area, in terms of the possibilities those policies and collaborations have brought, their significance and issues arising from them. The course serves as a platform across human experience and knowledge for students to exchange ideas, propose new ideas and embark on the journey to a better world as local inhabitants and global citizens.

Language of Instruction: English

Term: 2022-23 Summer Session

Description: Lingnan is located in the south of the Five Ridges, the mountain areas running from east to west that serve as a clear geographical and cultural demarcation between South and Central China. Lingnan plays a significant role in the historical development of Modern China. This course aims to overview 500 years of interweaving between Lingnan region, state and the world from the perspective of business, migration, knowledge and culture in the long-term history to understand Lingnan and enhance cultural recognition. At the same time, this course combines archival studies and fieldtrips. Besides discovering history through archive material, we will also visit museums, villages, temples, communities, and enterprises. Through contact with cultural and historical sites, students can deepen their understanding and perception of the social and cultural history of Lingnan.

Students from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen (CUHKSZ) will jointly enroll in this course to promote cultural exchange and enhance mutual understanding. The course assessment methods will consist of individual assignments and group projects.

Language of Instruction: Chinese

Term: 2023-24 Summer Session

Description: The Earth is an intricate and fragile system. Slight differences in the terrain of neighbouring areas on the Earth can lead to variations in climate, geology, and marine resources. The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) is located in the southern coastal area of China and has a subtropical climate influenced by the East Asian Monsoon. Two cities of the GBA, Hong Kong and Shenzhen, are geographically neighbours on the eastern side of the Pearl River estuary. Still, the interaction of oceanic, geologic, and atmospheric systems has shaped their local weather patterns and influenced the availability and distribution of natural resources.

This course highlights the geophysics, macroclimate, and marine science of the GBA and the microclimate in Hong Kong’s and Shenzhen’s areas. It aims to engage students in exploring the interconnectedness of the Earth and the sky through interdisciplinary subjects, thereby reflecting on human responsibilities to the natural environment. The topics to be covered include the physics of meteorology, the principles of geology, astronomical relevance to climate, human influence on long-term climate, and natural disasters. Additionally, the course includes visiting meteorological institutions, geoparks, and high-tech marine companies.

Language of Instruction: English

Term: The course is anticipated to be offered during the 2024-25 Summer Session. Please refer to the relevant email for further details at that time.