Other Courses

Free Electives

• LANG 1101

  Pinyin for Non-Chinese Language Background Students

  Course Description

  The course aims to enhance students’ ability to pronounce Chinese words correctly and increase their awareness of Pinyin spelling rules, tone sandhi, neutral tone, and as well as to help them identify the differences between easily confused tones, initials and finals. After completing this course, students will be able to use Pinyin as a tool to pronounce commonly used Chinese words and sentences in daily life. 

  Highlights

  • Learn basic Putonghua phonetic system through practical, daily-life contexts  

  • Enhance your competence in Pinyin usage with interactive Canvas tasks  

  • Provide feedback tailored to diverse learning backgrounds  

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz: Produce an accurate Pinyin script for self-introduction and identify different tones, and commonly used words and sentences written in Pinyin. 

  • Written assignments and learning tasks:  Recognize Putonghua syllables and spelling rules and distinguish between easily confused finals and initials for effective daily communication.  

  • Grade Type (Pass/ Fail) 

  Target Students

  Attributes  

  • Non-Chinese language background students who have previously learnt Mandarin Chinese for less than 50 tuition hours.  

  Exclusions  

  • LANG 1113, LANG 1117-1118, LANG 1122-1127 (prior to 2022-23)   

  • LANG 1412-1416, LANG 1421–1426, LANG 1513-1515  

  Learning Experience

  Course outcomes  

  • Improved ability to engage in basic communication using Pinyin as a tool for learning words and sentences in daily life contexts.  

  • Stronger skills in independent learning and teamwork.  

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1102

  Chinese Characters for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I

  Course Description

  The course is designed for non-Chinese language background students who have learned Chinese for less than 50 tuition hours. It aims to equip them with basic Chinese Characters knowledge for daily and social purposes through a range of familiar topics. After successfully completing the course, students will have acquired a basic knowledge of Chinese Reading and Writing skills, be able to identify information from simple passages, and write basic sentences to describe their daily lives. 

  Highlights

  • Learn basic characters through practical, daily-life contexts 

  • Build recognition confidence with interactive Canvas tasks 

  • personalized feedback tailored to diverse learning backgrounds 

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz: A quiz that incorporates reading comprehension, Chinese character recognition, and topic-based writing. 

  • Other tasks: Online learning tasks, in-class quizzes and end of course reflection. 

  • Grade Type (Pass/ Fail)

  Target Students

  Attributes 

  The course is designed for Non-Chinese language background students as beginners or with a proficiency level below HSK 1.  

  Exclusions 

  • LANG 1103, LANG 1113, LANG 1117-1118, LANG 1121-1127 (prior to 2022-23)  

  • LANG 1412-1416, LANG 1421-1426, LANG 1513-1515 

  Learning Experience

  Course outcomes  

  • Acquire functional literacy in recognizing and writing basic Chinese characters. 

  • Develop practical skills to read everyday texts and write simple, correct sentences. 

  • Build confidence in written self-expression and awareness of cultural context. 

  Student testimonials  

  “Being able to recognize and write them myself just feels so cool.” 

  “I really wanted to learn some Chinese characters, since you see them everywhere in Hong Kong. “ 

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1103

  Chinese Characters for Non-Chinese Language Background Students II

  Course Description

  This course will equip students with Chinese reading and writing skills for daily and social purposes through a range of familiar topics at the proficiency level of HSK 1 or equivalent. Topics include talking about contact numbers and address, time, date and daily activities, making appointments, clothes, colors, and prices. This course is a continuation of LANG1102 Chinese Characters for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I. 

  Highlights

  • Active learning environment – Interactive, hands-on sessions with real-time feedback. 

  • Balanced task design – Discussions, simulations, character writing, and peer learning. 

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz: Recognize and write commonly used characters and understand specific information from introductory and narrative texts related to daily and social contexts. 

  • Written assignments and learning tasks: Produce accurate Chinese characters for each topic and grammatically correct sentences for daily communication. 

  • Grade Type (Pass/ Fail) 

   

  Target Students

  Attributes 

  • Non-Chinese language background students who have previously learnt Mandarin Chinese for less than 50 tuition hours. 

  Exclusions 

  • LANG 1113, LANG 1117-1118, LANG 1122-1127 (prior to 2022-23)  

  • LANG 1412-1416, LANG 1421–1426, LANG 1513-1515 

  Learning Experience

  Course outcomes 

  • Improved ability to engage in basic communication in reading and writing Chinese on everyday topics. 

  • Stronger skills in independent learning and teamwork. 

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1130

  Cantonese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I

  Course Description

  This course is designed for complete beginners with a non-Chinese language background, building practical Cantonese skills step by step for everyday life in Hong Kong, enabling confident communication and smooth integration into the local community.

  Highlights

  • Interactive, real-life learning through role-plays, dialogues, and practical communication tasks
  • Strong cultural focus, helping students understand and engage with everyday life in Hong Kong
  • Supportive, engaging classroom environment with active collaboration between students and instructors

  Assessments

  • Listening Assessment: paper test in class
  • Speaking Assessment 1: self-introduction in class
  • Speaking Assessment 2: monologue and dialogue with the instructor

  Target Students

  • Restricted to students from non-Chinese language backgrounds
  • No prior knowledge of Cantonese

  Learning Experience

  Student Testimonials

  • "I found that the topics that the course covered were tailored to common everyday conversations."
  • "LANG1130 is not just a course that provides basic knowledge in Cantonese, it was a very fun course where we also learned about the local culture."
  • "This course allowed me to navigate myself in Hong Kong much more easily with the common phrases learnt. It is an extremely valuable course for students who are planning to live their lives in Hong Kong."

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1133

  Cantonese for Chinese Language Background Students I

  Course Description

  LANG1133 is designed for Chinese-background students with no prior Cantonese experience and builds on their existing knowledge of Chinese to support efficient learning. Through systematic comparison with Putonghua, students develop practical skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure for everyday situations such as ordering food, making phone calls, exploring Hong Kong, and discussing university life. The course also supports more confident interaction with local students and a deeper understanding of Hong Kong’s festivals, slang, customs, and culture.

  Highlights

  Contrastive Approach

  Learn Cantonese through systematic comparison with Putonghua, focusing on key differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and sentence structure.

  Practical Speaking Focus

  Build confidence and fluency through guided practice in everyday communication and real-life situations.

  Microlearning and AI-Supported Practice

  Use short, focused learning tasks and appropriate AI tools to support regular practice, pronunciation, and independent learning.

  Assessments

  • Listening Assessment: paper test in class
  • Speaking Assessment 1: self-introduction in class
  • Speaking Assessment 2: monologue and dialogue with the instructor

  Target Students

  • Restricted to students from Chinese language backgrounds
  • No prior knowledge of Cantonese

  Learning Experience

  Student Testimonials

  • “I have enhanced my Cantonese a lot through this course!!”

  • "An absolutely engaging and fun learning experience!"

  • "This course has been one of my favorites—highly recommended!"

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1210

  Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners I

  Course Description

  LANG1210 is a 13-week comprehensive Japanese course that builds on learners’ basic understanding of hiragana, katakana, and grammar while developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. While challenging, this course equips beginners with all the essential Japanese skills they need.

  For beginners seeking to develop practical communication skills only, consider LANG1211: Communicative Japanese for Beginners I (2 credits). If you prefer to focus on building vocabulary and grammar knowledge, the self-paced online course LANG1212: Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials I (1 credit) may be more suitable. Both LANG1211 & LANG1212 run over 8 weeks and use a pass/fail grading system.

  Highlights

  • Comprehensive Japanese learning pathway for beginners (below N4 level)
  • Integrated course covering four skills, i.e., reading, writing, speaking and listening
  • Engaging e-learning materials, including chatbots and videos
  • Exploration of Japanese culture and customs through assignments and group presentation

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz 1 (Mid-term): paper test in class; grammar, reading, writing, and listening
  • Review Quiz 2 (Week 13): paper test in class; grammar, reading, writing, and listening
  • Oral Quiz: Answer questions from the instructor about the topics covered in the course
  • Other tasks: Cultural Presentation, Cultural Report, Pop Quizzes

  Target Students

  • Beginners of Japanese with proficiency below N4
  • Exclusion: LANG1211 & LANG1212

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcomes

  Students will learn the contents of Minna no Nihongo Lessons 1-12, covering topics such as noun predicates, verb predicates, adjective predicates, and existential patterns.

  Student Testimonials

  • “Although an intensive course, I came out of the class being very interested in Japanese language and culture.”
  • “The Culture Presentation is a fun and engaging way to work with classmates.”
  • “This course sparked my interest in Japanese language and culture.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1211

  Communicative Japanese for Beginners I

  Course Description

  This new 2-credit course is designed for students beginning their Japanese learning journey and who want to develop practical communication skills through face-to-face instruction and practice. It runs over 8 weeks (Oral Quiz in Week 10) and adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Students are also encouraged to take the 1-credit self-paced online course LANG1212: Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials I alongside LANG1211 to strengthen their foundation in beginner-level vocabulary and grammar.

  Beginners who prefer a regular pace of study and aim to develop comprehensive skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) may consider LANG1210: Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners I.

  Highlights

  • 8-week course (Oral Quiz in Week 10)
  • Pass or Fail grading
  • Interactive speaking and listening activities
  • Essential conversational skills such as greetings, self-introductions, and asking and answering questions

  Assessments

  • Class Participation: Homework, pre-class tasks, in-class quizzes, and learning activities
  • Review Quiz: Listening and oral examination for communicative skills covered in the course

  Target Students

  • Beginners of Japanese with proficiency below N5
  • Exclusion: LANG1210

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Through practical exercises and authentic interactions, students will gain confidence in using Japanese in real-life situations while deepening their understanding and appreciation of the Japanese language and culture.

  Student Testimonials

  • “The course is reasonably arranged, with its level perfectly suited for learners with no previous knowledge of Japanese.”
  • “The interactive sessions with peers were very fun and useful in speaking in Japanese.”
  • “Online learning materials provided for the course supported me a lot.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1212

  Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials I

  Course Description

  This new 1-credit self-paced online course is designed for students beginning their journey in Japanese, with a focus on building a solid and comprehensive foundation in vocabulary and grammatical structures. It runs over 8 weeks (in-class review quiz in Week 10) and adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Students are also encouraged to take the 2-credit course LANG1211: Communicative Japanese for Beginners I alongside LANG1212 to reinforce their learning through face-to-face conversational practice and real-life scenarios.

  Beginners who prefer a regular pace of study and aim to develop comprehensive skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) may consider LANG1210: Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners I.

  Highlights

  • 8-week course (in-class review quiz in Week 10)
  • Pass or Fail grading
  • Basics of Japanese writing, sound system, grammar, and vocabulary
  • Flexible self-paced learning with videos, chatbots, quizzes, and a final in-person exam

  Assessments

  • Online quizzes: Grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening
  • In-class Review Quiz: Grammar, reading, writing, and listening

  Target Students

  • Beginners of Japanese with proficiency below N5
  • Exclusion: LANG1210

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Comprehensive grammar explanations and vocabulary exercises to build a strong foundation in Japanese sentence construction, word usage, and language patterns—without live class participation.

  Student Testimonials

  • “I personally enjoyed using the online self-learning materials as webpage design is fantastic with fruitful content.”
  • “I really enjoyed the punchline (“オチ”) of review videos”, which added a fun element to the learning experience.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1230

  Korean Language and Culture for Beginners I

  Course Description

  LANG 1230 is a comprehensive introductory course in Korean language and culture. Students will master Hangeul, the Korean writing system, and build fundamental language skills through interactive tutorials and collaborative activities. The course integrates linguistic training with insights into Korean social and cultural norms. Upon completion, students will possess foundational proficiency roughly equivalent to CEFR A1.1.

  Highlights

  • Authentic Content Integration: The course utilizes authentic media such as K-pop, films, and variety shows to make language learning both engaging and relevant to contemporary Korean society.
  • Compact and Highly Efficient Learning Path: By focusing exclusively on essential grammar and core expressions, the curriculum is streamlined to help students achieve TOPIK Level 1 certification within two semesters (usually the same contents is covered in three semesters in other college classrooms).
  • Blended Learning Environment: A flipped classroom model is employed, where students complete pre-class micro-learning to ensure in-class time is dedicated mostly to active and collaborative practice.

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz: in-class paper test on grammar, reading, writing, and listening
  • Oral Assessment: Demonstrate a conversation appropriate to a given situation with a partner
  • Other Tasks: Learning Portfolio, In-class Writing Assessment, Pop-Quizzes

  Target Students

  • No prior knowledge of Korean
  • Students with some knowledge of basic greetings and expressions but who cannot read Hangeul or wish to learn systematically may be eligible to enroll after a Pre-course Test.

  Learning Experience

  Authentic and experiential elements in the course provide opportunities for students to engage in Korean conversations with native speakers on campus and with Koreans living in or visiting Hong Kong.

  Students also explore accessible Korean cultural content in everyday life to reinforce their learning and analyse language use from a linguistic perspective.

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1310

  French Language and Culture for Beginners I

  Course Description

  LANG 1310 is your perfect gateway to a new language and a broader worldview. Designed for absolute beginners, this 3-credit elective develops speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in French from day one. By the end of the course, students will reach approximately A1.1 proficiency and be able to introduce themselves, talk about their interests, handle simple everyday situations, and communicate with greater confidence in basic social contexts.

  Highlights

  • Student-Centred Active Learning: A fully interactive and communicative classroom keeps students actively engaged in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through practical, hands-on activities.
  • Immersive Culture and Experiential Learning: Students explore Francophone cultures through collaborative presentations and experiential activities such as French cooking.

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz 1: listening, reading, writing, speaking tasks
  • Review Quiz 2: listening, reading, writing, speaking tasks
  • Other tasks: Cultural Presentation, Pop Quizzes

  Target Students

  • No prior knowledge of French

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Develop basic conversational skills in French, gain cultural insights into francophone societies, and enhance critical thinking through cultural exploration.

  Student Testimonials

  • “Interesting course, full of interaction.”
  • “The course schedule is well arranged, and the teaching is well structured to suit beginner-level French learners and support progression towards A1 proficiency. This course is suitable for those who would like to begin their French-learning journey. After taking the course, I developed a stronger interest in studying French at a more advanced level.”
  • “The content is presented in a very logical and easy-to-follow way.”
  • “The course covered many important aspects of everyday communication.”
  • “This course is interesting and beginner-friendly.”
  • “The lessons are interesting, and I can actually learn French.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 1330

  Spanish Language and Culture for Beginners I

  Course Description

  LANG1330 is an introductory course designed for undergraduate students with no prior knowledge of Spanish. Through interactive lessons and real-world communication tasks, students develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while exploring the cultures of Spain and Latin America. By the end of the course, students are expected to achieve A1.1 level proficiency (CEFR), enabling them to communicate in basic everyday situations with confidence.

  Highlights

  Learn by communicating

  Classes emphasize interaction from day one. Students actively use Spanish through pair work, conversations, games, and collaborative activities.

  Explore Spain and Latin America

  Discover the diversity of the Spanish-speaking world through topics such as food, traditions, festivals, music, and contemporary culture.

  Small-group learning environment

  Benefit from personalized feedback and frequent opportunities to speak and interact in a supportive classroom setting.

  Assessments

  • Pop Quizzes: In-class quizzes to reinforce vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding
  • Online Forums: Interactive discussions on language and cultural contents.  
  • eLearning Activities: Interactive online activities that allow students to practise Spanish at their own pace.
  • Oral Assessment: A short in-class conversation with the instructor
  • Review Quiz: Covers grammar and vocabulary, reading, writing, and listening

  Target Students

  • Students with no prior knowledge of Spanish
  • Students interested in travel, exchange programs, or international experiences
  • Students seeking to learn a new language in a supportive environment
  • Students interested in the cultures of Spain and Latin America

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Students participate in highly interactive classes where communication is at the center of learning. Through discussions, role-plays, cultural activities, and online engagement, students progressively build confidence in using Spanish in authentic situations.

  Student Testimonials

  • “I enrolled in this course because I would like to talk to people around the world, and Spanish is one of the most commonly used languages besides English and Chinese, so I believe it's the best choice to learn as a third language.”
  • “I'm curious about how the same alphabet such as "c" could be pronounced as "-th" in Spain but as "-c/s" in some other countries, so I want to learn more about some different possible pronunciations in Spanish with this course.”
  • “This course was well-structured and interactive. I was always motivated to attend lectures and complete the homework.”
  • “The lecturer made this course well-balanced. During the class, we covered important topics that helped us understand and apply basic Spanish. I appreciate that we practiced reading, listening, grammar, and communication equally. This balance boosted my confidence in Spanish. I am happy that I took this course!”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 2200

  Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners II

  Course Description

  LANG2200 is a continuation of LANG1210. This is a 13-week comprehensive course designed for upper-beginners who possess knowledge equivalent to Minna no Nihongo Lessons 1–12, and covering four-integrated skills, i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing. While challenging, this course equips upper-beginners with all the essential Japanese skills they need.

  For learners seeking to develop practical communication skills only, consider LANG2201: Communicative Japanese for Beginners II (2 credits). If you prefer to focus on building vocabulary and grammar knowledge, the self-paced online course LANG2202: Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials I (1 credit) may be more suitable. Both LANG2201 & LANG2202 run over 8 weeks and use a pass/fail grading system.

  Highlights

  • Comprehensive Japanese learning pathway for upper-beginners below N3 level
  • Engaging e-learning materials, including chatbots and videos
  • Exploration of Japanese culture and customs

  Assessments

  • Review Quiz 1 (mid-term): paper test in class; grammar, reading, writing, and listening
  • Revew Quiz 2 (Week 13): paper test in class; grammar, reading, writing, and listening
  • Oral Quiz: answer questions from the instructor about the topics covered in the course
  • Other tasks: Cultural Presentation, Cultural Report, Pop Quizzes

  Target Students

  • Prerequisites: LANG1210/LANG1211/LANG1212; or
  • Students with basic knowledge of Japanese (equivalent to Minna no Nihongo Lessons 1–12)
  • Restricted to upper-beginners with proficiency below N3 level
  • Exclusion: LANG2201 & LANG2202

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Students will learn the contents of Minna no Nihongo Lessons 13-25, covering topics such as fundamental Japanese verb conjugations, style differences, complex sentences, noun modifications, and subjunctive mood.

  Student Testimonials

  • “I liked the little culture sharing of Japanese at the beginning of each lesson.”
  • “I enjoyed the course while it lasted, and I hope to see continuous development of third language courses at HKUST.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 2201

  Communicative Japanese for Beginners II

  Course Description

  This 2-credit course is designed for upper-beginner learners who want to strengthen their speaking and listening skills through interactive and face-to-face communicative practice. It runs over 8 weeks (Oral Quiz in Week 10) and adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Students are also encouraged to take the 1-credit self-paced online course LANG2202: Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials II alongside LANG2201 to strengthen their foundation in upper-beginner-level vocabulary and grammar.

  Learners who prefer a regular pace of study and aim to develop comprehensive skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) may consider LANG2200: Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners II.

  Highlights

  • 8-week course (Oral Quiz in Week 10)
  • Pass or Fail grading
  • Interactive speaking and listening activities
  • Essential conversational skills expressing desires, making requests, discussing abilities, describing experiences, and giving opinions in practical situations

  Assessments

  • Class Participation: Homework, pre-class tasks, in-class quizzes, and learning activities
  • Review Quiz: Listening and oral examination for communicative skills covered in the course

  Target Students

  • Prerequisites: LANG1210/LANG1211/LANG1212; or
  • Students with basic knowledge of Japanese (equivalent to Minna no Nihongo Lessons 1–12)
  • Restricted to upper-beginners with proficiency below N3 level
  • Exclusion: LANG2200

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Through practical exercises and authentic interactions, students will be able to participate in conversations using expanded sentence structures, appropriate expressions, and culturally relevant communication strategies.

  Student Testimonials

  • “I am so happy to see that HKUST offers more Japanese courses, and I will strongly recommend this course to students who are interested in learning Japanese!”
  • “The course design is good and worked quite well. We enjoyed the relaxing environment without too much pressure in learning Japanese.”
  • “I travelled to Japan during my Easter break and put into practice what I learned in the course.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 2202

  Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials II

  Course Description

  This 1-credit self-paced online course is designed for upper-beginner Japanese learners and builds on LANG1212: Japanese Vocabulary and Grammar Essentials I. It runs over 8 weeks (in-class review quiz in Week 10) and adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Students are also encouraged to take the 2-credit course LANG2201: Communicative Japanese for Beginners II alongside LANG2202 to reinforce their learning through face-to-face conversational practice and real-life scenarios.

  Learners who prefer a regular pace of study and aim to develop comprehensive skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) may consider LANG2200: Japanese Language and Culture for Beginners II.

  Highlights

  • 8-week course (in-class review quiz in Week 10)
  • Pass or Fail grading
  • Interactive speaking and listening activities
  • Essential conversational skills to express desires, give instructions, describe ongoing actions, differentiate between polite and plain speech, and construct complex sentences using relative clauses and conjunctions.

  Assessments

  • Online quizzes: Grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening
  • In-class Review Quiz: Grammar, reading, writing, and listening

  Target Students

  • Prerequisites: LANG1210/LANG1211/LANG1212; or
  • Students with basic knowledge of Japanese (equivalent to Minna no Nihongo Lessons 1–12)
  • Restricted to upper-beginners with proficiency below N3 level
  • Exclusion: LANG2200

  Learning Experience

  Course Outcome

  Students will have a solid grasp of grammar and vocabulary, enabling them to construct and understand more complex sentences.

  Student Testimonials

  • “This self-paced course fits my learning style perfectly.”
  • “This course is flexible and I recommend this course all students who are interested in learning Japanese.”

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 2310

  French Language and Culture for Beginners II

  Course Description

  Ready to take your French skills to the next level? LANG2310 builds on students’ existing French foundation and supports progression towards intermediate proficiency through face-to-face learning. By the end of the course, students will reach full A1 proficiency and move beyond basic greetings to express needs and wishes, discuss past experiences and future plans, and communicate about everyday topics such as housing, health, university life, and career goals. This course adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Highlights

  • Pass/Fail Grading: A Pass/Fail system creates a supportive environment in which students can focus on progress, practise speaking, and learn confidently from mistakes.
  • Student-Centred Active Learning: Pair work, role-plays, and interactive tasks keep students actively engaged in speaking, listening, reading, and writing throughout the course.

  Assessments

  • Course Participation: In-class participation, take-home tasks, and pop quizzes
  • Cultural Presentation: 10–15-minute group presentation in French
  • Review Quiz: Oral test, listening, reading, and writing

  Target Students

  • Students who have completed LANG1310 or have prior basic knowledge of French at CEFR Level A1.1 and wish to further develop their communication skills and cultural understanding.

  Learning Experience

  Advance your everyday conversational skills by discussing past and future events, while mastering the ability to adapt your tone appropriately across diverse social settings and deepening your appreciation of Francophone cultural dynamics. 

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 2330

  Spanish Language and Culture for Beginners II

  Course Description

  LANG2330 builds on the foundations established in the beginner Spanish (e.g., LANG1330) and prepares students for further Spanish language study. Through interactive lessons, collaborative projects, and experiential learning activities, students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills while expanding their vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding. By the end of the course, students are expected to achieve A1 level proficiency (CEFR), enabling them to take Spanish Official Exam, DELE, Level A1. This course adopts a pass/fail grading system.

  Highlights

  Learn through experience

  Apply Spanish in authentic and guided activities connected to Hong Kong.

  Create a Spanish-language tour of Hong Kong

  Design and present a tour featuring local landmarks, restaurants, and attractions while developing your communication and presentation skills in Spanish.

  Explore Spain and Latin America

  Discover cultural traditions, food, travel destinations, and everyday life across the Spanish-speaking world.

  Prepare for future Spanish studies

  Build a strong foundation aligned with CEFR A1 and suitable for students who may wish to pursue external certification such as the DELE A1 examination.

  Assessments

  • Course Participation:  Students are assessed on their active engagement in class and out of the class activities.

  • Learning Portfolio: Students complete a series of experiential learning tasks that connect Spanish learning to real-world contexts and reflect on their learning journey.

  • Review Quiz: The final assessment evaluates students' ability to understand and communicate in Spanish using the vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge developed throughout the course. It includes reading, listening, writing and speaking.

  Target Students

  • Students who have successfully completed LANG1330: Spanish Language and Culture for Beginners I and wish to continue developing their Spanish communication skills while gaining practical experience and deeper cultural understanding.
  • Students with prior basic knowledge of Spanish (Level A1.1 CEFR)

  Learning Experience

  Students learn through a highly interactive and communicative approach that combines classroom instruction with experiential learning. Students are encouraged to use Spanish actively throughout the course and apply their learning in meaningful contexts beyond the classroom.

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 4090

  Report Writing for Final Year Engineering Projects

  Course Description

  This course equips aspiring engineers with the skills to structure research reports and craft clear, effective language for key sections. You will learn to write up your research like professional engineering researchers–with clarity and precision, bridging the gap between technical work and impactful communication.

   

  Highlights

  • This course features pass/fail assessments targeted at helping you compose your FYP reports.

  • The coursework is delivered in 7 weeks through a mix of blended online learning materials and face-to-face workshops.

  Assessments

  • Writing practices of individual FYP sections

  • Workshops with FYP draft critiques

  • Online Microlearning modules and quizzes 

  Target Students

  Engineering students undertaking their FYP with little to no research-writing experience 

  Learning Experience

  Learn research writing via detailed analyses, authentic examples, and AI-based writing practice.

  Download Syllabus
• LANG 4091

  Presentation Skills for Final Year Projects

  Course description

  This is a 7-week pass/fail course designed for final-year students from all disciplines who are completing a Final Year Project (FYP) or Capstone Project and wish to strengthen their oral presentation skills. Through an interactive, hands-on approach, students learn how to communicate their research clearly and confidently, covering each major section of a technical presentation in a supportive, low-pressure environment.

  Highlights

  • Step-by-step personalized guidance on crafting and delivering your FYP or Capstone presentation.
  • Opportunities to practice and receive feedback in small groups.

  Assessments

  Two formal presentations

      1) Interim Presentation (covering the Introduction to Methods)

      2) Final Presentation (complete project presentation + visual aid)

  Learning Portfolio tasks that document weekly progress in developing/refining presentation sections (e.g., Introduction, Motivation, Methods, Results, and Discussion).

  Target students

  This course is ideal for final-year undergraduate students completing a Final Year Project (FYP) or Capstone Project who want to communicate their research clearly and confidently. The course is designed with Science and Engineering majors in mind, but students from any discipline who wish to develop strong technical presentation skills are warmly encouraged to join.

  Learning experience

  Course outcomes

  • Structure and deliver clear, engaging technical presentations tailored to their audience.
  • Apply effective design principles to multimodal visual aids (slides, posters, or videos).
  • Use voice, body language, and pacing to enhance message delivery.
  • Handle audience questions with confidence and professionalism.
  • Reflect on feedback to continuously improve presentation performance.

  Download Syllabus