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The reforms and opening up of China have led to important social, economic and cultural transformations. This course will provide an in-depth introduction to some of the major social issues and problems that have emerged in the course of these changes; it will critically examine the nature and potential causes of these social problems, using related concepts and theories in sociology.

Key topics include urbanization and rural-urban migration, changing gender roles and family structures, the consequences of the one-child policy, the trend toward an ageing society, social inequality and income disparities, social mobility, as well as the most recent challenges to the environment, ethnic identities and cultures, and public health.

This is a workshop-style class where students will be guided to critically investigate social issues and problems through classic and recent academic writings. The mode of instruction is highly interactive, requiring active student participation in class discussions.

By the end of the course, students are expected to have a basic understanding of the major social problems in contemporary China and their implications for the country’s future social and economic development. The course also aims to equip students with a solid base of knowledge and research skills relevant to the study of China and to foster critical understanding of the social and political forces shaping contemporary China.

At the end of the course, students are required to write a short essay on a topic related to the class.

Note: Please be aware that the syllabus may change depending on the progress of learning. Any changes will be announced by the instructor in advance

Week 1 (Sep. 3)            Introduction: Sociological Approach to Social problems and Issues

Week 2 (Sep. 10)          Urbanization and Internal Migrations

Week 3 (Sep. 17)          Rural Issues

Week 4 (Sep. 24)         Social Inequalities and Social Mobility

Week 5 (Oct. 1)             Holidays, National Day 

Week 6 (Oct. 8)          Gender

Week 7 (Oct. 15)          Family Structure and Dynamics

Week 8 (Oct. 22)        Demography and Ageing

Week 9 (Oct. 29)          Research Week

Week 10 (Nov. 5)         Public Health Issues

Week 11 (Nov. 12)      Environmental Problems and Challenges

Week 12 (Nov. 19)     Ethnic Minorities

Week 13 (Nov. 26)      Social Movements and Collective Action

Week 14 (Dec. 3)       Internet, Technology, and Digitalized Society

Final proposal will be submitted together with a signed Veriguide to Blackboard by 5pm, December 13, 2024!

Class Participation                  30%

Weekly Takeways                   30%

Term Paper                             40%    

Attention is drawn to University policy and regulations on honesty in academic work, and to the disciplinary guidelines and procedures applicable to breaches of such policy and regulations. Details may be found at http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/.