 Characteristics of General Education Courses and Activities 1. Whole-person education 2. Non-credit bearing programmes for ALL students 3. Arousing students' intellectual curiosity 4. Culturally rich 5. Emphasis on experiential learning 6. Wide variety of topics 7. Focusing on students' interests 8. Close link to the issues of concern in the community 9. Interactive and lively learning activities MISSION STATEMENT The General Education Team is committed to providing whole-person education and cultivating among students the breadth of knowledge, competencies, and qualities equipping students for the new challenges ahead. It organises programmes for all students with an aim to enhance their general knowledge and understanding of the global, regional, and local issues; encourage self-reflection and service learning; enrich the appreciation of cultural diversity, creativity and arts; and develop qualities for future compassionate leaders. GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAMMES Non-Credit Bearing Learning The University believes that general education has to be based on awakening students' intrinsic motivation or inner drive to learn and to learn how to learn. Since 1995, GE has offered a number of non-credit bearing courses and programmes. These learning activities form a substantial part of the co-curriculum for students. Prominent scholars and professionals from both within and outside the University are invited to run courses. Community leaders and individuals with outstanding achievement in various sectors also come to the University to share their experiences and insights with students through forums and talks. GE also works closely with the academic faculties and departments of the University to organise various outside classroom learning activities. In each academic year, GE curates around 100 courses, talks, seminars, forums, field trips, performances, and public events on international politics and economy; cultural, historical, and social development of Hong Kong and China; business and economics, management and entrepreneurship; personal growth, philosophy, thinking skills and emotional intelligence; arts and culture (drama, music, dance, visual arts, creative writing etc.); innovation, science and technology; sustainability and LOHAS etc. We use a variety of dynamic and interactive pedagogical methods and many programmes are intensive workshops that are experiential in nature. During each summer, GE organises a few intensive programmes which emphasise experiential learning and inter-cultural interactions. We also organise summer general education programme(s) for secondary school students. These programmes are non-discipline specific and aim at promoting liberal arts and character education, as well as developing intellectual capabilities and core competencies. GE also support students’ creative projects by offering the F:A:C:E: Subsidy (Fascinating Arts and Culture Experiences) and venue spaces. The newly refurbished Gatherland at the GE office is a cozy place for student activities. Besides, green lovers can join the Rooftop Farming Project, co-organised with the Sustainability Office, and learn to grow organic vegetables on campus as well as the holistic perspectives of organic farming. GE’s Student Team (GEST) recruits students year-round as co-curators, moderators, designers, interpreters, video-makers etc. Students’ response to the general education courses and summer programmes has always been very enthusiastic. In the last academic year, for instance, the total attendance of GE activities was over 15,000. A brochure on general education programmes will be distributed to students in September and January. Please visit us at MB240, 2/F, Main Building and our homepage at http://cedars.hku.hk/ge) to know more about our programmes. Or you can visit our Facebook page at (http://facebook.com/hkucedars.ge). For enquiries, please call 3917 5044 or send email to gened@hku.hk. |