 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 a broad spectrum of courses, talks, seminars, forums, field trips, performances, and public events on glocal and local politics and economy; cultural, historical, and social development; 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; and sustainability and green living style etc.. We use a variety of dynamic and interactive pedagogical methods and many programmes are intensive workshops that are experiential in nature. In addition, a few intensive programmes which emphasise experiential learning and inter-cultural interactions will be offered during the summer break. These programmes are non-discipline specific and aim at promoting 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 Gatherland at the GE office is a cosy place for student activities. Besides, green lovers can join the Herb Garden-related programmes, and learn to grow organic herbs 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. Details of general education programmes will be posted online 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 follow our Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/hkucedars.ge/) for the latest update! For enquiries, please call 3917 5044 or send an email to gened@hku.hk. |