Course Descriptions - Hong Kong Baptist University - Academic ...

GEOG 1005 Geography and the Contemporary (3,3,0) (E)WorldThe course deals with the complex physical and cultural realitiesof the world. It adopts a topical approach, encompassing majorissues in the contemporary world and studies these issues froma geographical perspective. It is designed in a manner that helpsstudents to understand the varied and complex environmentalinteractions of the Earth. The course also assists students inrecognizing the diverse ways in which geography can open newhorizons and contribute to the building of an environmentally andculturally sustainable world.GEOG 1130 Introduction to Quantitative (3,2,1) (E)Methods in GeographyThis course provides an introduction to statistical analysis ofgeographic data. Through real-world examples from various topicareas of geography, students learn sampling methods, descriptiveand inferential statistical techniques for analysing geographicdata. Topics include hypothesis testing, spatial statistics, statisticalrelationships between variables, and how to generate, summarizeand present geographic data, etc. The course will facilitatestudents a knowledge basis for understanding more advancedmethods of geographic analysis.GEOG 1150 Cartography (3,2,2) (E)Cartography is the art, science and technology of making maps.The process of map-making often involves five steps, that is,selection of a number of features in the real world, classificationof selected features into groups, simplification of jagged lines likecoastlines, exaggeration of features that are too small to show atthe scale of the map, and symbolization to present the differentclasses of features chosen. Understanding of this process andpursuit of the skills will greatly enhance the presentation ofgeographic information in graphic format. Moreover, this formatcan be an effective tool for data analysis such as examining therelationship between two distributions using simple transparentoverlays. Students of geography can apply such a mapping abilityto their natural or social science courses or in their professionalfields. The course also aims to introduce basic concepts andapplication skills of using geographical information system (GIS)to input, manage, retrieve and display geographical information.GEOG 1160 Cultures, Peoples and Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)This course examines the nature and development of culturalgeography and landscape studies as major fields of studies inhuman geography. It explores the interactive relationship betweenculture, social organization, human action, landscape featuresand the variation of place characteristics over space. It focusesespecially on (1) what by “culture” is meant, (2) how cultureevolves, develops, diffuses and changes, and (3) how we shallexplain and understand the interactive relationship betweenculture, society and place characteristics, especially within thedynamic and rapidly changing contexts of urban societies.GEOG 1190 Earth Systems: Shaping Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)This course introduces geomorphology and demonstrates themain facets contributing to the scientific study of landforms.Emphases are placed on plate tectonic theory, that is used asa framework to explain the Earth’s major relief features, theirdevelopment and structure, and the associated landforms; and theprocesses of weathering, erosion and deposition with regard tolandform development especially in Hong Kong.GEOG 1200 Earth Systems: Atmosphere and (3,2,1) (E)BiosphereThe first part introduces climatology. Emphases are placed onatmospheric motion and climate change. The second part is acomprehensive analysis of the development and characteristics ofsoil and vegetation on the Earth’s surface. Emphasis is placed ontheir distribution, soil-plant interactions and their significance inhuman’s use of land.GEOG 1210 Globalization of Economic (3,2,1) (E)ActivitiesThis course introduces students to the world phenomenon ofglobalization of economic activities. It is imperative for studentsin Geography to be aware of the basic features and the processesof economic globalization: What is it? Who are the main actorsbehind it? How did it happen? What are the implications for thespatial organization of economic production and the patterns ofurban agglomerations at various geographic scales: the world, thenation, and the region? This course aims at providing a systematicintroduction to these basic features.GEOG 1610 People and the Physical (3,3,0) (E)EnvironmentStudents are introduced to the processes and problems associatedwith the physical environment in which people live, and examineshow humans, in turn, influence and control their surroundings.Contemporary problems such as global warming, ozone depletionand desertification are examined. Special emphasis is given toexamples from Hong Kong and China. This course is not open toGeography majors.GEOG 1620 Hong Kong and the Pearl River (3,2,1) (E)Delta: A SurveyThis course provides a comprehensive and lively guide to thehistory, culture, geography and economic development of SouthChina. This objective is to be achieved by a series of wellorganizedlectures and tutorials. Field trips, both in Hong Kongand to the Pearl River Delta, which will provide an invaluable onsiteexperience to elaborate the types and magnitude of changein South China discussed in lectures, may be organized. It ishoped that this course will constitute an essential gateway to thosewishing to acquire a deeper understanding of this dynamic cornerof Asia.GEOG 1630 Geography, Information (3,3,0)Technology and Modern LifeThis is an introduction course to the application of geo-spatialinformation technology. It is designed as a complementarycourse for non-geography major students for the awarenessand understanding of applications of modern technology togeographical issues. The course will emphasize the use of GIS,GPS and remote sensing to solve some common problems andissues in today’s industry and the modern life of the society.The currently available resources of geographical data and dataprocessing tools for various typical applications will also beintroduced.GEOG 1640 Energy, Environment and (3,3,0)SustainabilityClimate change and the depletion of energy resources are issuesof major international concern in the contemporary world. Thefocus of this course is on the multiple and intricate relationshipsbetween energy, environment and sustainability issues. Itallows students to fully understand the subject matter from boththe natural science and social science perspectives. Throughappropriate real-life examples, the course aims to guide students,in an exploration of viable alternative energy sources and toenable them to embark on a way of life that promotes a clean andsustainable use of energy resources. In addition to classroomlearning, the teaching will be supplemented by field visits,demonstrations, group projects and debates.GEOG 2005 Cultures, Peoples and Landscapes (3,2,1) (E)The course examines how geographic location and people’scultural identities shape landscapes from both a physical settingand a symbolic construction point of view. Places or locationscan be linked physically through processes of migration, tourism,trade, and investment, and represented (or “imagined”) throughmedia such as newspapers, film, music, art and literature. Theseprocesses are influenced by, and impact on, the natural andcultural landscapes.375Course Descriptions