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Programmes

Self-funded Undergraduate Programmes

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Creative Writing for Film, Television and New Media
新媒體及影視創意寫作文學士 (榮譽) 學位課程



Major Required Courses (48 units)

Creative Writing for New Media I [CRWG3005] (3 units)
This course aims to equip students with the practical skills for writing scripts, especially for E-books, E-magazine, mobile phone films/video, and digital radio broadcasting. The general principle in creative writing for new media will be introduced from week 1 to 5. The second part will focus on writing scripts for mobile phone film/video, and digital radio broadcasting. A new way of interactive storytelling, creative mindset, and grammar are highly emphasized.

Introduction to Film and New Media [CRWG3006] (3 units)
This course introduces the fundamentals of film and new media as modern media forms and meaning-making entities in the era of media convergence. The course consists of two modules. The first module considers film as an art and cinematic practices by which viewers make sense of images and stories on screen. It provides a critical introduction to the basic film elements and critical approaches of film. The second module will engage students with an understanding of new media with a range of phenomena that underpin the critical discussions in the new media age. It will examine an array of key themes that preoccupied new media scholars, for example, identity, intelligence, ownership, surveillance, and digital narrative by stressing Web-based entities such as blogs, online social networks, video-sharing sites, etc. Students will learn how new media serve as a tool for creative expression and cultural production that mediate everyday interactions.

Scripting a Television Show [CRWG3015] (3 units)
This course will train students in professional scriptwriting for different TV programs like Talk Show, Sit-com, Talk Show, Late Night Show, TV News Magazine Show, and Reality TV entertainment as the main focus. At the end of the course students will be able to write and produce a TV show in TV studio.

Scripting a Television Drama [CRWG3016] (3 units)
This course will train students in professional scriptwriting for TV drama series and Made-for-TV movies. At the end of the course students will be able to write scripts for TV dramas.

The Art of Screenwriting I: Essentials and Alternatives [CRWG3025] (3 units)
This course introduces the craft of screenwriting, establishing a foundation for all future writing. Screenplay formatting will be a major focus, and students will learn how to write scene description, to describe characters and locations, and to develop dramatic conflict, climax, romance, and humour. The course will also include script-to-screen action sequences and script-to-screen analysis, comparing well-known films to their original screenplays.

The Art of Screenwriting II: Narratology, Dialogue and Genre [CRWG3026] (3 units)
This course introduces the craft of screenwriting, establishing a foundation for all future writing. Screenplay formatting will be a major focus, and students will learn how to write characters’ dialogue, monologue, voice-over, dramatic structure, and the ways of storytelling narrative. The course will also include script-to-screen action sequences as well as script-to-screen analysis, comparing well-known films to their original screenplays. This course is a continuation of The Art of Screenwriting I: Essentials and Alternatives.

Cinematic Storytelling [CRWG3035] (3 units)
This course is aimed to train students with the cinematic storytelling techniques aside from dialogues and voice over, etc. which includes how the shots language, frame, shape, colour, lighting, editing, music and sound effects tell the story. As film is a unique medium that does not solely depend on the verbal delivery of messages, film scriptwriters need to understand the fundamentals of film art as a narrative tool.

World Literature and the Art of Storytelling [CRWG3065] (3 units)
This course is a survey of world literature from the late 19th to the 20th century. It introduces short stories, poems and plays written by some of the world’s greatest authors from diverse periods and geographical locations. In this course, students will focus on appreciating and critiquing the storytelling techniques in terms of the structure, style and theme through textual and contextual analysis and various critical lens such as war and totalitarian power, oppression of modern life, and the concept of inner self. This course sets its foundation on theories in humanities and the dual perspectives of sensibility and rational analysis. Students will learn to analyse the artistic and imaginative use of language, and develop the ability to think creatively and critically. The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of people from other cultures and in different situations which helps establish knowledge for their creative works in the future.

Adaptation Seminar: Literature, Drama and Cinema [CRWG3075] (3 units)
This course introduces the creative process of various adaptations from literature into film, drama into film, and literature into drama. This seminar addresses many of the considerations associated with translating texts to film, and offers an in-depth analysis of the ways in which adaptation works successfully, using imagery and film-editing techniques to capture aspects of the original script that would have been impossible to show on stage. Literature provides filmmakers with a rich source of material for films. The students compare concrete examples of adapted films to the original works, and discuss adaptation strategies of selected works.

The Languages of New Media [CRWG3095] (3 units)
The course will feature creative and critical uses of media, and students will discover new tools and new forms of communication useful through-out their studies. Students will have the opportunity to begin working with still images, video, and interactive media like Facebook, YouTube, Blogs, Web2.0, Interactive Television, Games, and mobile phone film/video to create a range of interactive projects. The expressive range of screen languages in cultural, historical, and technological contexts will also be introduced. Discussions will focus on specific topics in digital culture, with attention to visual communication, hyper-textuality, interactivity, and visual identity.

Creative Writing for New Media II [CRWG4005] (3 units)
This course aims to provide students with the practical skills for writing scripts, especially for interactive web TV, videogames, and 3-D animated feature film. The general principle in creative writing for new media will be introduced from week 1 to 6. The second part will focus on writing scripts for web TV, 3-D animation, and videogames. A new way of interactive storytelling, creative mindset, and grammar are highly emphasized.

Graduation Project I [CRWG4015] (3 units)
This subject is the first section of the Graduation Project. A Graduation Project is proposed and designed by the students, with the approval of a supervising faculty member. The Graduation Project involves the individual students in a creative pursuit and represents the peak of the student’s innovative achievements in the course. They receive regular reviews of their progress from supervisors. This course will adopt a step-by-step approach, helping students develop a film script from generating and developing ideas, researching, formatting, to writing up high concepts and story outlines in preparation for Graduation Project II. Students will explore and learn the basic components and techniques of screenwriting including premise, character, structure, plot, dialogue, visuals, point(s) of view, and scene breakdown, etc. Prior to the approval of the project, students will have to construct a screenplay proposal outlining how these components work in their project. The final project must be presented in written format and will be assessed by a panel of teaching staff and/or external examiners at the end of Term 2.

Graduation Project II [CRWG4016] (3 units)
This subject is the second section of the Graduation Project. Building on the effort produced in Graduation Project I, students will continue to develop their work into a full feature-length script as the final fulfilment for the course. The final project must be presented in written format and will be assessed by a panel of teaching staff and/or external examiners.

New Media Studies in Greater China (Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China) [CRWG4045] (3 units)
This course is designed to enhance students’ understanding towards the influence of new media studies in greater China (HK, Taiwan, and mainland China). Several aspects will be covered: The relationship of New Media & elections, marketing, integration with TV stations, advertising, and the media ecology.

Studies in Screenplays [CRWG4065] (3 units)
Referring to what screenwriter William Goldman says, “screenplays are structure,” the course will adopt a structural approach as the key frameworks to analyse a number of screenplays of the notable Hollywood and Chinese-language movies from 1970s to 2010s. The analysis will pivot on the screenwriting theories and ideas such as the three-act structure, Syd Field’s Paradigm, Frank Daniel’s sequence approach, and non-linear narrative. Considering screenplay as a unique literary form, this course will investigate how a screenplay stresses on the literal and visual dimensions of a story whereas thoughts and emotions of characters are evoked through subtext, action, and symbolism. In addition, it will explore how components like technical jargon and tight prose are used in describing stage directions. By examining the screenplay texts from various cinemas, the course will also provide a brief scrutiny on how the screenwriters may systematize the goals, structure, and techniques of writing a script in different cinematic systems.

Studies in Non-Fiction Films [CRWG4175] (3 units)
This course will introduce the basic concept and comprehensive historical development of non-fiction films (in this course, we focus on documentary films only, although non-fiction films include avant-garde films, educational films and industrial films, etc.). It introduces students to the fascinating world of documentaries and the intriguing but inspiring relationship between reality and its representation. The aesthetics of realism and documentary as political propaganda will also be discussed and explored.

Major Elective Courses (15 units)

Mobile Communication [CRWG3085] (3 units)
This course will train students to have a better understanding with of mobile communication in contemporary information society. Students will have opportunities to gain knowledge on mobile communication history, the relation between mobile communication and youth culture, as well as mobile communication and its transformation of the democratic process. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand how the rapid emergence of online interactions with mobile communication technology has reshaped their lifestyle.

Studies in Film and Television Classics [CRWG4055] (3 units)
Classics involve innovations and canons. They not only demonstrate the creative intensity but also the force of shaping the development of subsequent works. This course will survey a number of film and television classics from America, Europe, and Asia created by various auteurs and of various genres. By exploring the definitive and enduring qualities of these “classics”, the course will analyze the cultural and industrial significance of these texts.

Storytelling in Chinese Literature (中國文學與敘事) [CRWG4125] (3 units)
本科目以研究中國現當代文學作品為主，選取著名作家、文類、流派、文學分期等特別專題作深入研究，旨在從敘事學角度分析作品的内容、結構與書寫風格，並探究文字的敘事學，使學生對中國文學與敘事學有更深入並廣泛的認識，培植文學養份及文學創作力。

Seminar on Script Sales and Creativity Transfer [CRWG4135] (3 units)
In this course, students will be equipped with the marketing points, artistic pursuit, and distributing experience shared by veteran film producers and distributers about the marketing and pitching of film script, TV drama series and ideas proposal from new media. Moreover, case studies and the concept of creativity transfer shared by different people from diversified scopes and professions will be conducted in seminar and guest lecture mode.

Special Topics in Film, Television and New Media [CRWG4145] (3 units)
This course allows new topics to be taught, enabling a degree of flexibility in the curriculum for emergent ideas to appear and be realized in the teaching and learning environment, and to reflect the changing interests and expertise of the academic staff. Therefore, there are no subject-specific aims and objectives here, but rather general aims and objectives, within which subject-content will be articulated. The course aims to study a particular subject in a comprehensive manner. Students will attend lectures on the subject, read on the subject, view relevant films, and carry out required modes of assessment. At the end of the course students will have a good understanding of the subject, and will be able to demonstrate that understanding in specified forms of assessment.

Special Topics in Hollywood Cinema [CRWG4155] (3 units)
The course aims to give a comprehensive introduction to Hollywood cinema, examining its cultural and aesthetic significance. By spotlighting some movies within the economic and historical context of their production, circulation, and consumption, it explores and interprets Hollywood cinema in history and in the present, in theory and in practice.

Special Topics in Hong Kong Cinema [CRWG4165] (3 units)
This course aims to address different topics of the Hong Kong Cinema, mainly focusing on the 1970’s to the post 97’ period. Genres, gender issues, and transnational movies will be analysed.

Toys, Games and Children's Culture [CRWG4185] (3 units)
This course introduces the concept and theory on the relationship between toys, games, and children’s culture. The philosophical and emotional rationale and drive of toys and games for the construction of childhood will be explored and studied. Students will be equipped with the learning theory through the tools of toys and games.

Film Genres [CRWG4195] (3 units)
This module will survey the history and theory of major Hollywood film genres, including the Western, the gangster film, the hardboiled detective film, the musical, and the family melodrama. The iconography, archetypes, and themes will be discussed and evaluated. By examining the generic evolution throughout the decades, this module will provide hints on how genre functions as a commercial system and as an apparatus to circulate and perpetuate the American ideologies.

Script to Film: Making Short Film [CRWG4205] (3 units)
This course builds on techniques and skills being developed in Screenwriting Workshop I & II and serves as the advanced level of screenwriting. It offers a practical opportunity for students to complete their screenplays and produce it in short film format. Through the study of award-winning screenplays, students will engage more deeply with how to get useful information by researching and interviewing, to sharpen concept and story, structure, character development, central theme, dialogue writing, and visual storytelling as the main focuses. All students will need to begin the course with a serious commitment and a strong work ethic.

Film Theory and Criticism [CRWG4215] (3 units)
The course aims to enable students to 1) Understand the development of film criticism and analysis; 2) Be conversant with the major approaches to film criticism and theory; 3) Analyse individual films using particular theoretical approaches; 4) Write critically about film in a professional tone.

Film and Philosophy [CRWG4225] (3 units)
Film and philosophy are the dual terrains that have extensively and intricately crisscrossed. From the sci-fi extravaganza The Matrix to the avant-garde Tree of Life, films from both commercial and art-house circuits possess the capacity of being read seriously. This module explores a multitude of philosophical ideas and issues that are illustrated, allegorized, and contended in cinema. The key issues examined in the lectures lie in three areas: epistemology and metaphysics, the human conditions, and ethnics and values. The module encompasses a range of films of various genres (science fiction, comedy, historical drama, noir, docu-fiction), geographies (Hollywood, Europe, Asia), and auteurs (Speilberg, Kurosawa, Kiarostami, Antonioni, von Trier). By examining the "philosophical" film texts, the module demonstrates the mutual illumination of film and philosophy - how films can enlighten philosophical dialogue and how philosophy can inspire filmmakers.

Chinese Film Directing [CRWG4235] (3 units)
This course seeks to develop student’s ability of making unique and coherent directorial choice to turn a Chinese script into visual images. Student will acquire the skills related to a director’s craft within the tradition of Chinese cinemas. This course aims to train students to open up their unique directorial vision derived from script analysis, equip them with a directing techniques that suit the Chinese film industries in order to convey their vision in terms of visual language such as carefully designed camera movement and scene blocking. In the end, students will gain practical experience in planning and producing their personal or commercial film and video project. An in-depth study of the work of auteur filmmakers is a must.

Advanced Writing Workshop for the Chinese-language TV Industries [CRWG4245] (3 units)
The course provides students a thorough understanding of the workings of the real-world TV writers’ room of the television industries of Hong Kong and Greater China. It will examine the development of a continuing Chinese serial drama in depth. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will work through the complete process of creating an original Chinese drama series. Students will collaborate on building show ideas, creating a full cast of characters, working out multiple storylines and writing the scripts for an entire season of an hour-long drama series. By the end of the course, students should be well equipped to work in the script departments of Chinese serial drama.

Supervision of Internship [CRWG4905] (0 units)
Students are encouraged to undertake an optional non-graded and zero-credit professional internship during their study. The aim is to help them discover their strengths and weaknesses, and apply working experience in a real-world industry setting, realize their responsibility as a team member, and communicate with other people in a real working situation.

Media Business Environment [ICMT3125] (3 units)
This course addresses basic issues of the contemporary media business environment from the economic, political, and organizational perspectives. Cases and strategies related to the performance of the traditional and digital media industry in global and local environments will be discussed.

Television and Hong Kong Society [ICMT3185] (3 units)
This course focuses on the study of Hong Kong television and social change, the role of TV in the formation and maintenance of HK cultural identities, and its impact on other media and on the Asian Community. The course explores the Hong Kong TV industry in its socio-historical context, televisual discourses, audience reception, as well as in relation with society from late 50’s to the present. The multi-screen phenomenon and its influence to the TV industry in the digital era will also be discussed.

Financial Literacy [ICMT3245] (3 units)
This course introduces some fundamental principles in financial management for first-time business managers and future investor communication leaders. The instructor will guide students to get familiar with the financial statements, corporate finance practices pertaining to investor communication, and behavioural finance with reference to the Hong Kong investment market. The course shall enhance marketing communication students’ appreciation of financial literacy that ultimately enhance communication decision-making qualities to enhance corporate values in their junior leadership roles.

Strategic Public Relations Management [ICMT4125] (3 units)
ICMT3017 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC RELATIONS AND ADVERTISING
This course aims to equip students with the strategic public relations skillsets required for a young manager. It goes beyond the traditional perspective on public relations executions by emphasizing strategic elements of public relations in the digital era. It focuses on relationship of public relations management to organizational structure, communication functions, and organizational effectiveness. The challenges of the public relations industry with rapid technology advancement in the digital era will also be covered.

Communication and Sustainable Development [MSCN3125] (3 units)
The objective of this course is to examine one of the most prominent development paradigms in the last twenty years – sustainable development from the communication perspective. Sustainable development implies a participatory and multi-stakeholder approach to policy making and implementation, mobilizing public and private resources for development and making use of the knowledge, skills and energy of all social groups concerned with the future of the planet and its people. Within this framework, communication plays a strategic and fundamental role in the interplay of the different development factors, improving the sharing of knowledge and information, as well as the active participation of all concerned. The course is designed to enhance students’ awareness of issues of sustainability in Hong Kong, guiding them to consider the contribution of media technologies and communication strategies in achieving sustainable development goals. In collaboration with NGOs and community partners, the learning will start from understanding real world scenarios and current efforts by NGOs to achieve some of the 17 sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, including the eradication of poverty, empowerment of vulnerable groups, and the conservation of natural environment and resources for future generations. Students will team up with an NGO and complete a creative project to propose a communication campaign to help promote and achieve these goals through the use of media technologies and communication strategies.

Gender and Communication [MSCN3165] (3 units)
This course is designed to introduce a wide range of perspectives about gender and communication. To enhance students’ understanding of gender issues in communication, the course starts with an overview of various theoretical approaches to gender studies, and then investigate how concepts of gender are produced, circulated and consumed by media audiences. The main purpose of the course is to sharpen students’ critical thinking and analytical skills in identifying and discussing the construction, mediation, representation and misrepresentation of gender in the global context of media communication.

Negotiation and Lobbying [MSCN3175] (3 units)
This course is designed to provide the theoretical and practical training to negotiation and conflict management. Emphasis is put on the negotiation workshop approach which will be adopted to provide various simulated exercises to help students apply concepts into practice. The subject will also cover aspects the background and current applications of lobbying as a global industry which thrives wherever democracy is established. The course will be comprised of lectures, class discussions based on readings, class presentations, and viewing and interpreting various texts. The course readings are both practical and theoretical, and while many of them focus on specific case studies, they are intended to provoke thoughtfulness in each student such that it can be applied to a variety of real life situations. Students will also get an opportunity to produce their own presentations.

Analytical and Opinion Writing for Chinese Media [MSCN3205] (3 units)
This course introduces students to various forms of analytical, commentary and opinion writing on different media platforms, such as newspapers, magazines, blogs or news websites. Students will learn the principles and techniques of making opinion writing persuasive through building arguments and structuring facts and comments. Through an examination of political, social, public relations or environmental issues, the course helps students to develop both their analytical skills and writing skills for print or online media. As a lot of cases in the local context will be examined and discussed, the medium of instruction is Chinese.

General Education Capstone Course (3 units)

Creative Thinking and Community Arts [GCAP3845] (3 units)
Creative Thinking is the essential course of training students how to think creatively by knowing the mechanism of our mind. To cultivate creativity, students are required to think inclusively with different sectors and members of the society. In this course, students will explore issues of social inclusion of the disadvantaged social groups in Hong Kong from various angles and perspectives so as to develop the idea of community artistic and creative work. This course takes a community artistic collaboration among students and community members that examines challenges of social inclusion in the world of the arts. The course will start with an overview of the nature of creative thinking and its relation to community arts as well as the development of community arts from the disciplines of philosophy, politics, cultural studies and social sciences so as to equip students with essential concepts and theories related to social engagement, grass-root culture, social inclusion and disability. In collaboration with NGOs and community members, students will team up with disadvantaged groups to work on an innovative project that will enhance social inclusion by exploring the impact of creativity on the affection and cultural formation of these social members. This creative project in the form of multi-media theatrical performance will serve as a reflective and communicative medium for both the students and service users to explore collaboratively on community arts and their social impact and to design innovative ways to enhance their adaptability. The direct engagement and self-reflection will allow students to integrate academic content with community-engaged experiences, to involve in creative thinking and artistic works to advocate for social awareness and inclusion, and to perform their empathy and caring for others during preparing and on the stage. Members from disadvantaged groups can experience creative processes which will be useful for their everyday life articulation of affections and emotion.