MASTER OF ARTS (2009-2011)

M.A. programme (2009-2011)
M.A. course description
Application procedure (with downloadable form)

M.A. in Literary and Cultural Studies (MALCS) Programme
(2009-2011)

M.A. APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31, 2009

Programme Chair: Dr. Gina Marchetti (Email)

Aims and Objectives
The programme introduces students to a wide range of international literary, cinematic, and other cultural texts, exploring historical and contemporary issues within the context of modernity and globalization. Our courses adopt an interdisciplinary, cross-cultural, comparative approach emphasizing critical thinking about global culture. We analyze cultural texts through the theoretical perspectives of post-structuralism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis, feminism, Marxism, and post-colonial criticism. Our courses examine the intricate relation between cinema and popular culture, take up debates surrounding “high” and “low” culture, and explore the processes of urbanization, modernity and globalization. We have a particular commitment to China-West studies, the critical examination of the impact of colonialism on global culture, and to the exploration of Hong Kong culture, ranging from its literature and cinema to its constructed urban environment and beyond. Our programme also offers the opportunity for students to analyze “masculinity” and “femininity” as identity is fabricated in literary, cinematic, and other cultural texts in terms of gender, feminism, and sexuality. Near the end of their two-year period of study, students formulate their own independent research plan, present their findings in student-led seminars, and write a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words on a subject derived from their course of study. At the end of their studies, students are expected to contribute to the body of knowledge within the context of liberal studies and humanistic inquiry.

Coursework
The MA in Literary and Cultural Studies is offered part-time over two years. There are two evening sessions of three contact hours per week.

Our programme consists of eight courses. Four of these courses will be taken in the first year of the programme, and four in the second year:

YEAR 1 (2009-2010)
CLIT7005: Cultures Between Art and Industry

CLIT7006: Fabrications of Identity

CLIT7007: The Art and Politics of Narrative

CLIT7008: From Colonialism to Globalization

YEAR 2 (2010-2011)
CLIT7009: Modernity and Its Paths

CLIT7010: Questioning Sexual Difference

CLIT7011: Hong Kong and Beyond

CLIT7012: Dissertation Seminar

Please note that M.A. Courses will run from September 2009-2011

Dissertation
Each student will present a dissertation of 10,000 to 15,000 words as part of the fulfillment of the requirement for the MA degree. The dissertation carries a weighting approximately equivalent to one paper.

Coursework Assessment
Coursework assessment based on written assignments will count for 100% of the final grade for each course.

Tuition Fee
$60,000 paid in two installments in two years.

Admission Requirement
Applicants will normally hold a good honours degree in an appropriate subject.

Application
The regulations and application process to the University of Hong Kong can be viewed at URL: http://www.hku.hk/rss/pp/

The closing date for application is March 31, 2009.

ENQUIRIES
General Enquiry No.: 2859-2869 & 2859-2769
Email: Dr. Gina Marchetti, Programme Chair (Email).