STUDENT HANDBOOK - Department of Cultural Studies Master of Cultural Studies 2020-2021
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Department of Cultural Studies
Master of Cultural Studies
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2020-2021MCS Programme Calendar
Term 1, 2020-2021 (10 Sept 2020 to 18 Dec 2020)
5 Sept 2020 (Sat) MCS Orientation, if any; virtual event will be held if necessary
10 Sept (Thurs), 13 Sept and 20 Sept Workshops for non-local MCS students (local students are also
2020 (Sun) welcomed) if face-to-face activity can be organized.
10 Sept 2020 (Thurs) Beginning of the 1st Term and Add/Drop Period
23 Sept 2020 (Wed) End of Add/Drop Period
Sept 2020 (TBC) Postgraduate Writing Enhancement Programme and Quiz
From 28 Oct to 3 Nov 2020 (Wed to Mid-term online CTLE
Tues)
Nov 2020 (TBC) Hostel Fee for the 2nd term, 2020-21 (if applicable)
19 Nov 2020 (Thurs) Congregation
From 25 Nov to 1 Dec 2020 (Wed to Term-end online CTLE
Tues)
18 Dec 2020 (Fri) End of the 1st Term
At the end of Dec 2020 Assignment Submission Deadlines
Late Jan 2021 Release of Grades
Normally, no classes on 1 and 2 Oct (Thurs - Fri) and 26 Oct (Mon) (Except for teacher's
special arrangement).
Term 2, 2020-2021 (23 Jan 2021 to 15 May 2021)
23 Jan 2021 (Sat) Beginning of the 2nd Term and Add/Drop Period
5 Feb 2021 (Fri) End of Add/Drop period
Feb or Mar 2021 (Sat) Annual MCS Symposium (No class)
18 to 24 Mar 2021 (Thurs to Wed) Mid-term online CTLE
22 to 28 Apr 2021 (Thurs to Wed) End-of-term online CTLE
15 May 2021 (Sat) End of the 2nd Term
At the end of May 2021 Assignment Submission Deadlines
Early Jul 2021 Release of Grades
Normally, no classes 2-6 April (Fri - Tues), 1 May (Sat) (Except for teacher's special
arrangement).
2021-2022
To pay yearly tuition fees and enroll in courses for the 2021-2022 academic year in Mid July
2021 (normally for part-time students only).
1Table of Content
1 About Lingnan University ............................................................................................. P.5
1.1 Vision, Mission and Core Values ............................................................................P.6
1.2 Graduate Attributes for Taught Postgraduate (TPg) Programmes ........................ P.7
2 Programme Information ............................................................................................... P.8
2.1 Background ..........................................................................................................P.8
2.2 Aims and Learning Outcomes .............................................................................. P.8
2.3 Entrance Requirements........................................................................................ P.9
2.4 Mode of Study......................................................................................................P.9
2.5 Normal and Maximum Duration of Study............................................................ P.9
2.6 Medium of Instruction ......................................................................................... P.9
2.7 Programme Structure........................................................................................... P.9
2.7.1 Curriculum ............................................................................................ P.10
2.7.2 List of Course......................................................................................... P.11
2.7.3 Curriculum Mapping ............................................................................. P.14
3 Academic Regulations ..................................................................................................P.15
3.1 Student Classification .......................................................................................... P.15
3.2 Change of Personal Particulars............................................................................P.15
3.3 Credit Transfer and Course Exemption ............................................................... P.15
3.4 Adding and Dropping Courses and Changing Course/Sections .......................... P.16
3.5 Class Attendance and Leave of Absence ............................................................. P.16
3.6 Withdrawal of Study ........................................................................................... P.17
3.7 Discontinuation of Studies .................................................................................. P.17
3.8 Application for Transcript/Testimonial ................................................................ P.18
3.9 Student Card Replacement ................................................................................. P.19
3.10 Fees ..................................................................................................................... P.19
4 Assessment, Examination and Graduation Regulations ................................................. P.20
4.1 Course Assessment .................................................................................................P.20
4.1.1 Outcome-based Approach to Teaching and Learning (OBATL)… ............... P.20
4.1.2 Use of Rubrics ....................................................................................... P.20
4.2 Grading System ...................................................................................................P.25
4.3 Grade Point Average (GPA).................................................................................. P.26
4.4 Student Progression ............................................................................................ P.27
4.5 Graduation Requirements ................................................................................... P.28
24.6 Award Classification ............................................................................................ P.28
4.7 Supplementary Assessment ................................................................................ P.28
4.8 Appeal ................................................................................................................. P.29
4.8.1 Review of Grades and Reassessment ...................................................... P.29
4.8.2 Discontinuation of Studies ......................................................................P.29
4.9 Course Attendance Requirement for Examination ............................................. P.29
4.10 Re-taking a Course .............................................................................................. P.29
4.11 Academic Honesty............................................................................................... P.30
4.12 Plagiarism and Online Tutorial on Plagiarism Awareness ...................................P.30
5 Regulations and Code of Conduct................................................................................... P.31
5.1 Academic Regulations and Guidelines ………………………………….………………………. P.31
5.2 Code of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………………….. P.31
6 Quality Assurance ...........................................................................................................P.32
6.1 Senate and Standing Committees of the Senate ................................................ P.32
6.2 Course Teaching and Learning Evaluation (CTLE)……………………………… .............. P.33
6.3 Early Alert System……………………………………………………………………………. .............. P.33
7 Student Support .............................................................................................................. P.34
7.1 Library ................................................................................................................. P.34
7.2 Information Technology Services Centre ............................................................ P.34
7.3 Student Services Centre ...................................................................................... P.34
7.4 Teaching and Learning Centre………………………………………………….……… ............... P.34
7.5 Registry ................................................................................................................ P.34
7.6 School of Graduate Studies ................................................................................. P.34
7.7 Office of the Comptroller .................................................................................... P.35
7.8 Chaplain’s Office ................................................................................................. P.35
7.9 Support for Students with Special Needs…………………………………………. .............. P.36
8 Useful Information ..........................................................................................................P.37
8.1 Bad Weather Arrangements ............................................................................. P.37
8.2 Student Medical and Dental Scheme ............................................................... P.38
8.3 Employment Policy for Non-Local Students in Hong Kong……………..…. ...........P.38
8.4 Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduate (IANG) Policy .................. P.39
9 Lingnan University Alumni Association (Hong Kong) (LUAA)..........................................P.39
310 Useful Telephone Numbers............................................................................................. P.39
11 Useful information about MCS programme ……………………………………………………………… P.41
12 Other useful webpage……………………………………………………………………………………………….. P.48
13 Campus Map ................................................................................................................... P.49
This Programme Student Handbook is subject to periodic review and changes may be made
when needed. Students will be informed of the changes as and when appropriate.
(Last update: 12 August 2020)
41. About Lingnan University
Lingnan University is the liberal arts university in Hong Kong and we have the longest
established tradition among the local institutions of higher education. Our history can be dated
back to 1888, when our forerunner, the Christian College in China, was founded in Guangzhou,
and to 1967, when the institution, as Lingnan College, was re-established in Hong Kong.
It is ranked:
2nd in the World for Quality Education (THE University Impact Rankings 2020)
Top 8 Outbound Exchange Students (2020 QS World University Rankings: Asia)
Top 10 Liberal Arts College in Asia (Forbes 2015)
Among the Top 21% universities in Asia (2020 QS World University Rankings: Asia)
World’s Top 35 for International Faculty (QS World University Rankings 2021)
Top 50 Promoting No Poverty (THE University Impact Rankings 2020)
Meaning of the Lingnan Logo
The mountain, river, trees and path illustrated in the University logo each symbolise a profound
principle:
The White Cloud Mountain depicts the highest aspiration in life;
The Pearl River represents the wide dissemination of Lingnan education;
The lychee trees - with ripe fruit hanging in clusters - represent the commitment to realise
the precept "For God, for Country, and for Lingnan";
The path represents the road to the future by virtue of hard work;
The panoramic view of the campus in the emblem 'reminds alumni and friends of Lingnan
of their loyalty wherever they may be. The red and grey colours of the emblem help nourish
the sentiment; they are "blood-red and iron-grey", symbolizing loyalty and steadfastness.
5The red and grey reflect the Lingnan spirit, a spirit inspiring them to lay the foundations for
a splendid future forever'1.
1.1. Vision, Mission and Core Values
We offer undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research postgraduate programmes in the
areas of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, and our broad curriculum covers an array of general
education and interdisciplinary courses to provide students with a firm knowledge foundation
across different subjects. We groom students to think critically and creatively, judge
independently, care genuinely, and act appropriately and responsibly, and we prepare them to
pursue their goals in a rapidly changing environment.
Vision
To excel as a leading Asian liberal arts university with international recognition, distinguished
by outstanding teaching, learning, scholarship and community engagement.
Mission
Lingnan University is committed to
providing quality whole-person education by combining the best of the Chinese and
Western liberal arts traditions;
nurturing students to achieve all-round excellence and imbuing them with its core values;
and
encouraging faculty and students to contribute to society through original research and
knowledge transfer.
Motto
Education for service
Core Values
A collegial community of learning and discovery for students and scholar-teachers
Lingnan aims to build a community of learning and discovery with collegial students and
scholar-teachers who respect each other, keep an open mind, embrace diversity, appreciate
1
Lee, Sui-ming. A Phoenix of South China : The Story of Lingnan (University) College Sun Yat-sen University. Hong
Kong: The Commercial Press, 2005.
6different views, uphold academic freedom and freedom of expression, and accept
responsibility for their words and deeds.
Whole-person cultivation and all-round development
Lingnan endeavours to cultivate students’ whole-person and all-round growth. It encourages
students to pursue independent and critical thinking, creativity and innovation, excellent
communication skills including a high level of literacy, social responsibility, personal virtue,
cultural accomplishment and a passion for lifelong learning.
Community engagement and social responsibility
Lingnan encourages its members to care for others, to be responsible for their own actions, to
serve the local community and beyond, and to make a positive impact for the betterment of
humanity.
The Lingnan spirit
The Lingnan spirit, which has flourished since Lingnan’s founding in Canton (Guangzhou) in
1888 as Christian College in China, has served over the years to bond all Lingnanians together,
and continues to inspire the University today. The Lingnan spirit is marked by passion, loyalty,
perseverance, openness to different ideas and cultures, and a readiness to serve.
1.2. Graduate Attributes for Taught Postgraduate (TPg) Programmes
For taught postgraduate programmes, Lingnan graduates are expected to possess the following
attributes in terms of knowledge, skills and attitude:
Knowledge:
current, in-depth theoretical and practical comprehension of a specific discipline area,
as well as of a broad range of general and related areas
Skills:
ability to apply knowledge at an advanced level in professional contexts especially for
the purpose of solving problems
competence in critical and creative thinking
capacity to articulate ideas clearly and coherently both in written and oral forms
Attitude:
commitment to applying the knowledge acquired in the chosen field or conducting
research in an ethical and socially responsible manner
72. Programme Information
2.1 Background
The Master of Cultural Studies (MCS) in Lingnan University is the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
Launched in September 2003, the degree programme runs on a part-time 2-year basis. Since
September 2012, a 1-year full-time mode has been introduced. The MCS programme is
thematically focused, critically challenging and pedagogically original. Our educational aim is
to open up an innovative intellectual space of advanced learning targeted at school teachers,
community workers and educators, as well as a whole range of media-oriented cultural
practitioners in Hong Kong.
2.2 Aims and Learning Outcomes
Aims
The MCS programme is designed to enable students:
1. to acquire up-to-date theoretical and practical essentials, as well as their linkages, in
cultural studies;
2. to broaden their intellectual horizon across the boundaries of academic and
professional disciplines;
3. to form critical perspectives for understanding the complex processes of contemporary
cultural production;
4. to be equipped with the necessary skills to analyze the constraints and potentials of
their respective professional practices in the rapidly changing contemporary context; and
5. to apply cultural studies in practicing critical pedagogy in various fields.
Learning Outcomes for Master of Cultural Studies Programme
The intended learning outcomes of the programme are in alignment with the University’s
mission of enabling “students to think, judge, care and ultimately act responsibly in the
changing circumstances of Hong Kong, the region and the world.” Students, after the
completion of this programme, will be able to :
1. demonstrate a refinement of the professional and cultural resources they already have
to better analyze and evaluate the complex processes of cultural work and production today,
and
2. Identify and assess the constraints and potentials, as well as new challenges and
emergent problems, of their respective professional practices in the rapidly changing
8contemporary context.
2.3 Entrance Requirements
The admission requirements for taught master’s degree programmes are as follows: an
applicant shall normally
1. hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with first or second class honours or at an equivalent
standard awarded by a tertiary education institution recognised for this purpose by the
University; or
2. have obtained an equivalent qualification; or
3. have provided satisfactory evidence of academic and professional attainment.
In addition to the above, an applicant whose degree or, exceptionally, an alternative
qualification deemed equivalent is not from a tertiary institution in Hong Kong or an English-
speaking country should obtain a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 79 (internet-
based test) in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or a band score of 6.5 or
above in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or an equivalent score in a
recognised test, or an equivalent qualification to prove his/her language proficiency which will
be considered on a case-by-case basis.
2.4 Mode of Study
Full Time / Part Time. Student will not be allowed to change their study mode.
2.5 Normal and Maximum Duration of Study
The normative study period for full-time mode is 1 year while that for part-time mode is 2
years. The maximum period of full-time study will be 3 years while that of part-time study
will be 5 years from the date of first registration.
2.6 Medium of Instruction
English is the medium of instruction for most courses. Some courses will be conducted in
Cantonese or Putonghua.
2.7 Programme Structure
The programme consists of a core module and a set of elective courses. Students must
complete 4 courses (12 credits) in the core module. In addition to this basic requirement, they
can take any 4 courses Note 1 or 5 courses Note 2 (12 credits) chosen from a set of elective
9courses. To graduate, students must complete a total of 24 credits (8 or 9 courses, with 4
required and 4 Note 1or 5 Note 2 elective). The teaching pattern is normally a 3-hour seminar per
week for each course (Except for CUS513, CUS514 and CUS515). The structure of the
curriculum is as follows:
2.7.1 Curriculum
No. of credits
Core Courses (12 credits required): 3
CUS501 Perspectives in Cultural Studies 3
CUS502 Critical Thinking through Popular Culture 3
CUS503 Pedagogy and Cultural Studies 3
CUS505 Methods in Cultural Research
Elective Courses (any 12 credits)#:
CUS504 History in Cultural Studies 3
CUS506 Film and Television Culture 3
CUS507 Feminism and Cultural Politics 3
CUS508 Globalization and Contemporary Social Change 3
CUS509 Urban Culture of Hong Kong 3
CUS510 Workshop in Cultural Practices 3
CUS511 Selected Topics in Cultural Institution and Policy 3
CUS512 Selected Topics in Cultural Representation & Interpretation 3
CUS513 Research Seminar 3
CUS514 Independent Study Note 3 3
CUS515 Special Topics in Cultural Studies Note 4 1.5
CUS580 Performance Studies: Genealogy and Challenges 3
CUS584 Performance Workshop with Artist 3
CUS585 Special Topics in Performance Studies 3
CUS586 Gender and Performance 3
CUS588 Drama, Theatre and Performance 3
Note 1: 4 courses: Four 3-credit elective courses; Note 2 : 5 courses: Three 3-credit elective and two 1.5-credit elective courses; Note 3: Students
are allowed to register for Independent Study ONCE in their total duration of MCS study. Normally, part-time students should take Independent
Study in the 2nd term during the first year of study or thereafter. Full-time students are allowed to enroll in Independent Study only within the
normative study period (i.e. the first year of full-time studies). IF students intend to enroll in this course in Term 2, 2020-2021, he/she is advised
to find an instructor who shares the interest first and then submit his/her proposal for his/her possible supervisor's consideration before the
release of grades for Term 1, 2020-2021; Note 4: A maximum of TWO CUS515 courses could be counted for the fulfillment of graduation
requirements.
# Not all elective courses are available each year.
102.7.2 List of Course
Courses for 2020-2021
Term 1 (10 Sept 2020 to 18 Dec 2020)
Hybrid mode of teaching: face-to-face and online teaching. Face-to-face teaching may
need to be suspended due to circumstances arising from the COVID-19 situation.
Core Courses:
CUS501 Perspectives in Cultural Studies 文化研究視野
Instructor: Prof. MA Kwok-ming (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Saturday/2:30 - 5:30pm
Venue: MBG09, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun)
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
CUS503A Pedagogy and Cultural Studies 教學法與文化研究
Instructors: Dr. HUI Shiu-lun and Prof. LAU Kin-chi (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Monday/7:00 - 10:00pm
Venue: Mainly at LKK101, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun), 7 Dec and 14 Dec 2020 at
MBG09
Language of Instruction: Chinese (Putonghua) Credits: 3
CUS503B Pedagogy and Cultural Studies 教學法與文化研究
Instructor: Prof. HUI Po-keung (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Wednesday/7:00 - 10:00pm
Venue: Mainly at LKK101, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun), 9 Dec and 16 Dec 2020 at
MBG09
Language of Instruction: Chinese (Cantonese) Credits: 3
Elective Courses:
CUS510K Workshop in Cultural Practices - The Cultural Politics of Eating 吃的文化政治學
(Quota : 30)
Instructors: Dr. HUI Shiu-lun and Prof. LAU Kin-chi (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Friday/7:00 - 10:00pm
Venue: Mainly at LKK101, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun), 11 Dec and 18 Dec 2020 at
MBG09
Language of Instruction: Chinese (Putonghua) Credits:3
11CUS511U Topics in Cultural Institution and Policy: The Modern and the Postmodern 現代與後
現代 (Quota : 30)
Instructor: Prof. LAW Wing-sang (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Tuesday/7:00 – 10:00pm
Venue: Mainly at LKK101, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun), 8 Dec and 15 Dec 2020 at
MBG09
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
CUS512Y Topics in Cultural Representation and Interpretation: Music and Popular Culture of
Hong Kong 音樂與香港流行文化 (Quota : 30)
Instructor: Prof. YU Siu-wah (Adjunct Professor)
Timetable: Thursday/7:00 - 10:00pm
Venue: Mainly at LKK101, Lingnan University (Tuen Mun), 10 Dec and 17 Dec 2020 at
MBG09
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
No classes on 1 Oct (Thurs), 2 Oct (Fri) and 26 Oct (Mon) (Except for teacher's special
arrangement). LKK = Leung Kau Kui Building; MB = Patrick Lee Wan Keung Academic Building.
Term 2 (23 Jan 2021 to 15 May 2021)
Core Courses:
CUS502 Critical Thinking through Popular Culture 普及文化的批判思考
Instructor: Dr. LEUNG Yee-man Yvonne
Timetable: Saturday/2:30 – 5:30pm
Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun)/online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
CUS505 Methods in Cultural Research 文化研究的方法
Instructor: Prof. IP Iam-chong
Timetable: Weekday/7:00 – 10:00pm
Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun) )/online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
Elective Courses:
CUS504 History in Cultural Studies 文化研究中的歷史 (Quota : 30)
Instructor: Prof. MA Kwok-ming (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Saturday/10am-1pm
12Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun) )/online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction: English Credits: 3
CUS515B Special Topics in Cultural Studies - Cultural Politics of Emotion 情感的文化政
治 (Quota:30)
Instructor: Prof. HUI Po-keung (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Weekday/7:00-10:00pm
Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun) / online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction: Chinese (Cantonese) Credits:1.5
CUS515K Special Topics in Cultural Studies - Cultural Economy 文化經濟學(Quota : 30)
Instructor: Prof. HUI Po-keung (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Weekday/7:00-10:00pm
Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun) / online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction : Chinese (Cantonese) Credits:1.5
CUS585A Special Topics on Performance Studies – In the Hong Kong Context 在香港背景
下表演研究專題 (Quota : 30)
Instructor: Prof. MOK Chiu-yu (Adjunct Associate Professor)
Timetable: Weekday/7:00-10:00pm
Venue: Lingnan University (Tuen Mun) / online teaching if necessary
Language of Instruction: English Credits:3
* No Classes on 12-15 Feb (Fri-Mon), 2-5 April (Fri - Mon) and 1 May (Sat) (Except for teacher's
special arrangement)
Useful Tips
Syllabuses
To obtain the latest course syllabuses, teaching venues and dates,
students are advised to visit the MCS webpage at
http://www.ln.edu.hk/cultural/programmes/MCS/2020-21/index.php
Measurement of Learning Outcomes
Please refer to https://www.ln.edu.hk/cultural/programmes/MCS/curriculum.php
132.7.3 Curriculum Mapping
The mapping of individual courses to achievement of the programme outcomes is as
follows:
1. demonstrate a refinement of the 2. Identify and assess the constraints
professional and cultural resources they and potentials, as well as new
already have to better analyze and challenges and emergent problems, of
evaluate the complex processes of their respective professional practices
cultural work and production today, in the rapidly changing contemporary
and context.
Core courses
CUS501
CUS502
CUS503
CUS505
Elective courses
CUS504
CUS506
CUS507
CUS508
CUS509
CUS510
CUS511
CUS512
CUS513
CUS514
CUS515
CUS580
CUS584
CUS585
CUS586
CUS588
143. Academic Regulations
For all the regulations of the University, please read “Regulations Governing Taught
Doctoral/Master's Degree Programmes” at MyLingnan Portal.
3.1 Student Classification
A student is classified as a full-time student if he/she enrolls in 12 or more credits in a term
while a student is classified as a part-time student if he/she enrolls in less than 12 credits in a
term.
3.2 Change of Personal Particulars
A student should retain the full name(s) entered on his/her Hong Kong Identity Card or
Passport. Under special circumstances, however, a student may obtain from the Registry an
application form for changing personal particulars, complete and return it to the Registry,
together with the following documents:
1. written consent from the applicant’s parent or guardian, if the applicant is under the age of
21, and 2. a copy of the applicant’s Hong Kong Identity Card or passport, carrying the new
name intended to be registered with the University, and 3. a copy of the applicant’s statutory
declaration and/or birth certificate. A student should inform the Registry immediately of any
change of address or other particulars.
3.3 Credit Transfer and Course Exemption
1. A student who has passed public, professional, or other examinations recognised by the
University or has successfully completed a similar course at an appropriate level offered by
a recognised institution may apply for credit transfer/course exemption.
2. Credit Transfer: The student will be exempted from taking the corresponding course
offered by the University and granted with equivalent credits, if the application is approved.
3. Course Exemption: The student will be exempted from taking the corresponding course
offered by the University, if the application is approved. However, credits are not granted,
and the student has to take another course (may be a specified course or any other course)
to make up for the total number of credits required for graduation.
4. No grade will be given but all exempted courses and the number of credits transferred will
be shown in the student’s transcript.
5. Normally, a student may not be granted credit transfer/course exemption for more than
30% of the required number of credits for the academic award.
6. The student is required to obtain from the Programme Office an application form for credit
15transfer/course exemption, complete and submit the application to the Programme Director
before the beginning of a term. All such applications must be accompanied by original
supporting documents and their photocopies. The Programme Office will return the original
supporting documents to the applicant after inspection.
7. The application should be approved by the Programme Director concerned, who should
forward it to the Programme Office within two weeks after the beginning of a term.
8. A student should not enrol in a course for which he/she has been granted exemption (with
or without credits). If the student has enrolled in a course and is subsequently granted
exemption (with or without credits), he/she is not required to apply to drop the exempted
course.
3.4 Adding and Dropping Courses and Changing Course/Sections
1. A student who wishes to add or drop a course or change a course or section of a
course after registration must complete a prescribed form obtainable from Department. The
deadline is two weeks after the beginning of the term concerned. Please note that your
application for the adding/dropping courses may not be approved if the class reaches to its
full capacity or other valid reasons.
2. A student who adds a course or changes a course or selection of a course without
going through the prescribed procedure will NOT be given a grade or credits for the course.
3. A student who drops a course without going through the prescribed procedure will be
given an “F” grade for the course.
3.5 Class Attendance and Leave of Absence
1. A student should attend required lectures, tutorials and other class activities, tests and
examinations and complete the work assigned by the teachers of the courses in which the
student has enrolled.
2. Students are expected to attend classes and other class activities punctually and
regularly, to the satisfaction of the lecturers of courses. Each course may have specific
requirements for student attendance. Appropriate sanctions, where necessary, would be
approved by the Board of Examiners concerned.
3. Student who wishes to obtain leave of absence of more than three weeks should
obtain prior permission from the programme concerned on the basis of a written application,
stating the reasons for seeking leave of absence.
4. Leave of absence may be granted for a maximum period of 12 months (i.e. two terms).
Any periods of leave of absence taken shall be included as part of the period of study.
5. In cases of illness or other serious emergencies, a student who has been granted leave
16of absence may apply to the Programme Director for permission to carry out make-up work
for assignments, tests and examinations. Such applications are subject to approval by the
Programme Director in consultation with the teachers concerned.
6. A student whose accumulated leave of absence exceeds one-third of the term should
not be assessed and awarded credits for the courses enrolled in the term.
3.6 Withdrawal of Study
Withdrawal
1. A student who wishes to withdraw from the University before graduation must seek
official withdrawal from the University. The student should complete and submit an
application from obtainable from the Registry.
2. Approval will be granted by the Registrar only after proper clearance by relevant units.
3. A student who withdraws from the University without prior approval by the Registrar
will be considered as having unofficially withdrawn from the University effective on the last
day of the teaching term concerned.
4. An unofficially withdrawn student will not be issued any official documents of the
University and will not be re-admitted.
Unofficial Withdrawal
1. Registration includes payment of the fees due and enrolment and selection of
courses/sections. An applicant who fails to pay the prescribed fees or register on the
relevant specified dates is considered as having forgone his/her place offered by the
University. A student who wishes to continue his/her study at the University but fails to pay
the prescribed fees after a lapse of ten days or fails to register before the last day for
registration is considered as having withdrawn from studies at the University.
2. A student who has unofficially withdrawn from the University or has unpaid accounts
or obligations due to the University will not be issued any transcript or testimonial.
3. A student who is absent for over three weeks continuously without prior permission of
his/her programme will be considered as having unofficially withdrawn from studies at the
University with effect from the date of confirmation by the Programme concerned.
3.7 Discontinuation of Studies
Please refer to Student Progression (in page 27) for more details. The studies of a student will
normally be discontinued if,
1) he/she fails to have his/her academic probation lifted at the end of the term when
he/she has taken cumulatively 6 or more credits since he/she has been put on
probation, or
172) his/her Cumulative G.P.A. is below 2.33 at an academic review after the academic
probation is lifted and the student continued on the programme;
3) he/she fails to fulfill progression requirements specified in Regulation 16 (please
refer to “Regulations Governing Taught Doctoral/Master's Degree Programmes” at
MyLingnan Portal.) or those specified for his/her programme; or
4) he/she fails to fulfill all requirements for graduation within the maximum study period.
A student with studies discontinued on academic grounds is normally not allowed to be
admitted to any programme of the University in the following academic year. If a student is
admitted to the same programme or another taught postgraduate programme of the
University, recognition of the credits obtained in his/her previous studies at the University will
be determined by the course offering unit and the decision shall be based on content
relevance and the grade obtained. Only courses passed with grade B- or above will be
recognized and recognised grades will be counted in Cumulative GPA calculation. Normally, no
more than 30% of the required number of credits for the academic award shall be recognised.
3.8 Application for Transcript/Testimonial
A student who wishes to have a letter certifying his/her student status or attendance records
may apply to the Registry for such a testimonial. A student who wishes to have a personal
recommendation or reference letter should approach a teacher who knows him/her well.
An official transcript shows the relevant particulars of a student, title of his/her programme,
all courses taken and retaken regardless of passed or failed, grades obtained, grade point
averages, academic scholarships, academic awards and disciplinary actions taken, if any.
An official transcript will be sent direct by the Registry to the institution or prospective
employer upon the student’s request and payment of the prescribed fees and postage.
An official transcript is not issued to a student as a personal copy or to any private individual.
Official transcripts shall not be issued to students who have not completed a term of study.
A student who has unofficially withdrawn from the University or has unpaid accounts or
obligations due to the University will not be issued any transcript or testimonial.
183.9 Student Card Replacement
Upon first registration, each student is issued with a Student Identity Card free of charge. The
student should take good care of the card. A fee will be charged for each replacement card.
3.10 Fees
Tuition Fee for 2020-21 intake
2-year Part-time : the annual tuition fee for part-time study is HK$49,000;
1-year Full-time (Local) : the annual tuition fee for full-time study is HK$98,000;
1-year Full-time (Non-local) : the annual tuition fee for full-time study is HK$108,000
Over-due Tuition Payment
Students must pay their yearly tuition fees on the specified due dates (i.e. usually in July).
There will be a penalty for late payment. A penalty of HK$500 will be charged if payment is
not made by the due date. If the tuition fee and the penalty are not paid within ten days from
the due date, the student is considered to be unofficially withdrawn and must secure approval
for re-admission. In some special cases payments may be delayed without penalty upon
proper recommendation from the Director of Student Services and approval from the
Comptroller.
Useful Tips
Registration (For full-time student only)
1. A full-time student of the University is not allowed to pursue simultaneously any
programme at another tertiary institution. A student in breach of this regulation is
subject to having his/her studies at the University discontinued.
2. A full-time student should not take up any full-time employment, paid or unpaid,
during the term.
Course Registration
You are required to check your course registration on myLingnan Portal
https://myportal.ln.edu.hk/ at the beginning of each term. If you have submitted
the application for adding/dropping courses in the first 2 weeks of the class, please
check the course registration record on the Intranet after the add/drop period.
Students should take all core courses within normative study period.
194 4. Assessment, Examination and Graduation Regulations
4.1 Course Assessment
All courses will adopt a 100% continuous assessment scheme based primarily on students’
performance in class presentations and the quality of their term projects/papers or research
projects. We believe that this assessment method is more appropriate than examination, as
our programme puts heavy emphasis on students’ abilities of critical reflection and analysis.
Continuous assessment also serves the purpose of monitoring students’ progress and giving
timely feedback to students, which again will be more beneficial to their learning.
4.1.1 Outcome-based Approach to Teaching and Learning (OBATL)
Lingnan University has put in place effective mechanisms to assure and enhance the
quality of its education with a view to achieving the graduate attributes and
learning outcomes exemplifying the qualities expected of Lingnan graduates.
OBATL is grounded in a set of pedagogical and institutional values and principles
that articulate clearly stated “intended learning outcomes” (ILOs) with a set of
assessment tasks (methods) for measuring them.
OBATL requires that assessment processes be based on clearly expressed criteria
which are then used for determining the final grade (criterion-referencing).
In other words, students are graded on the basis of attaining well defined learning
outcomes (i.e., knowledge, skills, attributes criteria) rather than how they compare
with their peer group (norm-referencing).
4.1.2 Use of Rubrics
Assessment Rubric for 100% C.A. (Percentage of each component varies for different
courses)
1) PARTICIPATION RUBRIC (Class and Tutorial)
Outstanding Good Fair Poor
(80-100%) (65-79%) (50-64%) (0-49%)
Participation Actively participates Actively Occasionally Rarely
in discussion; participates; speak; speaks;
thoughtful comments comments show comments show comments
which show a critical satisfactory some knowledge are not
understanding of understanding of of assigned related with
assigned readings or assigned readings readings but not the readings,
related issues ore related issues well developed not
20necessarily
with the
subject
212) CREATIVE/PRACITCAL PROJECT (Product or Portfolio)
Outstanding Good Fair Poor
(80-100%) (65-79%) (50-64%) (0-49%)
End-product or End-product or End-product or End-product or
Effort portfolio portfolio portfolio portfolio
demonstrates great demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates little
effort and care. sustained effort inconsistent effort effort and care.
and care. and care.
Creativity and End-product or End-product or End-product or End-product or
Inventiveness portfolio portfolio portfolio portfolio
demonstrates unique demonstrates demonstrates in some demonstrates little
and thoughtful creative and rather respects creative and creativity or
interpretation of thoughtful thoughtful thought.
assignment, use of interpretation of interpretation of
resources, or assignment, use of assignment, use of
problem-solving. resources, or resources, or
problem-solving. problem-solving.
223) RESEARCH PROJECT /TERM PAPER (Individual or Group)
Outstanding Good Fair Poor
(80-100%) (65-79%) (50-64%) (0-49%)
Research Introduces a research Introduces a research Introduces a research Fails to introduce a
question or question that is question that is question that is not research question;
problematic analytical in nature; analytical in nature; analytical in nature; fails to
that is highly relevant that is relevant to the that is slightly demonstrate the
to the course; and that course; that addresses relevant to the project’s relevance
addresses an original a familiar topic/case course; that to the course;
topic/case. yet covers new addresses a familiar repeats a
aspects. topic/case while topic/case without
covering few new covering new
aspects. aspects.
Content Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates some Demonstrates
Knowledge exemplary knowledge satisfactory knowledge knowledge of the limited knowledge
and of the content and of the content and content and of the content and
Conceptual concepts. concepts. concepts. concepts
Clarity
Argumentatio Clearly communicates Consistently Communicates a Ineffectively
n and answer to the research communicates answer basic answer to the communicates
Communicati question; Essay is to the research research question; answer to the
on* organized clearly and question; Essay Disorganized question; Lacks
easy for the reader to demonstrates some approach to the organization of
follow. Multi-media organization and is question; some thought and major
* Multi-media elements form readable. Multi-media obstacles to the obstacles to
elements only thoughtful elements form reader's reader’s
present when communication effective comprehension. comprehension.
part of the strategies. communication Multi-media Multi-media
assignment strategies. elements do not add elements are
to effective distracting.
communication.
Methodology, Empirical claims are Empirical claims are Empirical claims are Empirical claims are
Resources, based on solid based on acceptable based on less by and large
References evidence or credible resources and acceptable resources unsupported.
resources. Theoretical evidence. Basic or evidence. Theoretical
references are theoretical references Theoretical references are by
complete. are provided. and large absent.
23references are partly
provided.
4) PRESENTATION (Case Study or Tutorial Response)
Excellent (80-100%) Good Fair Poor
(65-79%) (50-64%) (0-49%)
Research Introduces a Introduces a research Introduces a research Fails to introduce
/practical research /practical /practical question /practical question a research
question or question that is that is analytical in that is not analytical in /practical
problematic analytical in nature; nature; that is relevant nature; that is slightly question; fails to
that is highly to the course; that relevant to the course; demonstrate the
relevant to the addresses a familiar that addresses a project’s
course; and that topic/case yet covers familiar topic/case relevance to the
addresses an new aspects. while covering few course; repeats a
original topic/case. new aspects. topic/case
without covering
new aspects.
Content Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates some Demonstrates
Knowledge and exemplary satisfactory knowledge knowledge of the limited knowledge
Conceptual knowledge of the of the content and content and concepts. of the content
Clarity content and concepts. and concepts
concepts.
Argumentation Clearly Consistently Communicates a basic Ineffectively
and communicates communicates answer argument; communicates
Communication answer to the to the research Disorganized approach answer to the
research question; question; Presentation to the question; some question; Lacks
Presentation is demonstrates some obstacles to the organization of
organized clearly organization and audience's thought and
and easy for the comprehensible. comprehension. Multi- major obstacles to
audience to follow. Multi-media elements media elements do audience’s
Multi-media form effective not add to effective comprehension.
elements form communication communication. Multi-media
thoughtful strategies. elements are
communication distracting.
strategies.
24Methodology Empirical claims are Empirical claims are Empirical claims are Empirical claims
and Resources based on solid based on acceptable based on less are by and large
evidence or resources and acceptable resources unsupported.
credible resources. evidence. or evidence.
Discussion The presenter asks The presenters ask The presenter asks The presenter
Questions and critical or provoking solid and helpful uninformed questions raises irrelevant
Discussion questions for questions for or not fully relevant questions or fails
Leadership further discussion. discussion. Discussion questions. Little to raise questions.
Discussion leading leading enables discussion follows.
promotes engagement.
engagement.
4.2 Grading System
The teacher of each course provides the students with written details of the assessment
methods and the relative weighting of each component in accordance with the approved
assessment scheme of the course. This should be done within the first two weeks of a course.
Numerical marks are given for each assessment component. At the end of a course, the final
total marks for each student are calculated, taking into account the weighting for each
component. The teacher will convert these numerical marks into final grades, which will then
be translated into grade points according to the following table:
Grade Standard Grade Points
A } 4.00
Excellent
A- } 3.67
B+ } 3.33
B } Good 3.00
*B- } 2.67
C+ } 2.33
C } Pass 2.00
C- } 1.67
F Failure 0.00
*To qualify for graduation a student should obtain a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or above.
To ensure fair and consistent grading across courses within the programme, all course grades
need to be endorsed by the Master of Cultural Studies Programme and Curriculum Committee
(MCS PCC) and the CS Department Board, which may make any adjustments deemed necessary.
25The grade sheets should be signed by both the course teacher and the MCS Programme
Director/Head of the Department after scrutiny by the Board. Only the final grades need to
be forwarded to the Registry. Course grades, once submitted, may not be changed unless
approved by the Department Board.
Grade F indicates failure. A student who receives the grade in the first term of a year course is
not normally allowed to continue with that course in the second term.
Grade I is a temporary grade which indicates that the course work or examination has not been
completed for reasons acceptable to both the teacher and the Board of Examiners concerned.
The assessment should be completed within four weeks after official release of the preliminary
assessment results, and the grade I will be converted to a final grade which includes all
assessment marks; otherwise, the grade I will be converted to grade F. The final grade will be
used in the calculation of grade point averages.
Pass or Fail grade may only be given as specified in the approved syllabus of the course
concerned.
4.3 Grade Point Average (GPA)
Term G.P.A.
This is a figure ranging from 0 to 4.00 (A = 4.00) used to indicate the performance of a student
in the term concerned.
Term G.P.A.
Total weighted points for all courses enrolled in during the term concerned
= -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total number of credits#enrolled in during the term concerned
where weighted points = grade points x the number of credits of the course concerned.
#credits of relevant course only
Cumulative G.P.A.
This is a figure ranging from 0 to 4.00 (A = 4.00) used to indicate the overall performance of a
26student in all the terms up to date.
Cumulative G.P.A.
Total weighted points for all *courses enrolled in
= -------------------------------------------------------
Total number of credits 3 enrolled in for all terms
*with exception as stipulated in Regulation 14.3 (please refer to“Regulations Governing Taught
Doctoral/Master's Degree Programmes” at MyLingnan Portal.)
Courses enrolled, whether passed or failed, will be taken in the calculation of Term or
Cumulative G.P.A., but for courses which have been retaken, only the grade and weighted points
obtained in the final attempt will be included in the G.P.A. calculation.
4.4 Student Progression
A student will generally be subject to an academic review at the end of each term. In the case
where a student enrolled in less than 6 credits in a term, the academic review shall be done
when he/she has cumulatively enrolled in 6 credits or more. A student whose Cumulative G.P.A.
is below 2.33 at the academic review will be put on academic probation in the following term.
At the end of the term in which the student on academic probation has cumulatively enrolled
in 6 or more credits, if he/she obtains a Cumulative G.P.A. of 2.33 or above, probation will be
lifted. Otherwise, his/her studies will be discontinued. A student may be put on academic
probation for only one time in his/her whole period of study on the programme. After the
academic probation is lifted and the student continued on the programme, if his/her
Cumulative G.P.A. is below 2.33 at an academic review, his/her studies will be discontinued.
A part-time student who has not satisfied the requirements for graduation by the end of the
third year from the date of first registration will be required to pay a fee on a per course basis
subsequently. A full-time student who has not satisfied the requirements for graduation by the
end of the second year from the date of first registration will be required to pay a fee on a per
course basis subsequently. With due justification acceptable to the MCS PCC and upon approval
by the Cultural Studies Department Board, students may be permitted to suspend their studies
for up to two terms.
274.5 Graduation Requirements
To qualify for graduation a student should have successfully passed 8 courses Note 5 or 9 courses
Note 6 and earned 24 credits in accordance with the course structure and requirements.
Evaluation for graduation will be conducted at the conclusion of the semester in which he/she
may satisfy all the conditions for the award of degree, including a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or
above. If a student is not allowed to graduate, he/she will be re-evaluated for graduation at
the end of subsequent semesters. The maximum period of part-time study will be 5 years from
the date of first registration. The maximum period of full-time study will be 3 years from the
date of first registration.
A student is required to graduate as soon as he/she satisfies all the conditions for an award
of the degree.
Note 5 - 8 courses: Four 3-credit core and four 3-credit elective courses; Note 6 - 9 courses: Four 3-credit core, three 3-credit
elective and two 1.5-credit elective courses.
4.6 Award Classification
Distinction will be awarded when a student achieves a Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above, and has
fulfilled the requirements for graduation of a master degree programme.
4.7 Supplementary Assessment
A student who fails to attend a test or an examination without a good reason will not be given
marks for that test or examination and no supplementary assessment will be given.
A student who is unable to sit for an examination but has medical or other compelling reasons
acceptable to the Academic Unit responsible for the course concerned may apply in writing with
documentary evidence to the Academic
Unit concerned for a supplementary assessment. The application should be made at the earliest
possible moment and no later than one week after the examination concerned is held.
284.8 Appeal
4.8.1 Review of Grades and Reassessment
Appeals must be made within 5 working days from the release of preliminary examination
results. For details, please visit the Registry’s or our web page at
https://www.ln.edu.hk/reg/forms-for-registry-services/ OR
http://www.ln.edu.hk/cultural/programmes/MCS/mcsforms.php
4.8.2 Discontinuation of Studies
A student whose studies have been discontinued may appeal through the Registrar against the
decision. Details are stipulated in Section 9 of the Regulations Governing University
Examinations.
4.9 Course Attendance Requirement for Examination
N/A
4.10 Re-taking a Course
1. Only the final grade obtained for a course retaken shall be counted in the Cumulative
GPA, and only the credits for the final attempt shall be counted towards fulfillment of
graduation requirements.
2. A student who has passed a course with a C+ or lower grade shall be allowed to
improve the grade by retaking the course.
3. Only two courses can be retaken for improving course results.
4. A course can be allowed to be retaken only twice in all, whether to recover a failure or
to improve course results.
5. For retaking a course to improve results, if the course is an elective, the student may
take it or take another elective.
6. The low or failure grades of the first attempt (or second attempt if any) will still be
shown on the transcripts.
7. A student shall be charged additional tuition fees for retaking a course. A student may
retake a required passed with grade C+ or below or take a substitute course (for elective
course only) approved in writing (form) by the Academic Unit concerned. Students are
required to register the substitution with the relevant programme office prior to
commencement of the term (e.g. before the deadline of add/drop period). Our programme
requires part-time students to pay the tuition fee in 2 installments in the first 2 years and full-
29time students to pay the tuition fee in one payment in the first year of study. Part-time
students can take a maximum of 10 courses (excluding retakes) within 3 years while full-time
students can take a maximum of 10 courses (excluding retakes) within 2 years while passes in
8 courses Note 5 or 9 courses Note 6 are required as a graduation requirement. Students shall be
CHARGED additional tuition fees for retaking courses.
Note 5 - 8 courses: Four 3-credit core and four 3-credit elective courses; Note 6 - 9 courses: Four 3-credit core, three 3-credit
elective and two 1.5-credit elective courses.
4.11 Academic Honesty
For details, please refer to https://www.ln.edu.hk/arts/first-year-students/academic-
honesty.php
4.12 Plagiarism and Online Tutorial on Plagiarism Awareness
Students should be aware of the University regulations about dishonest practice in course
work and the possible consequences as stipulated in the Regulations Governing University
Examinations.
To enhance students’ understanding of plagiarism, a mini-course “Online Tutorial on
Plagiarism Awareness” is available on https://pla.ln.edu.hk/.
Useful Tips
Application for Programme Services (including Official Withdrawal / Adding /
Dropping Course(s) / Course Substitution / Notice to Retake Course(s) /
Independent Study / Review of Grades / Reassessment )
Please refer to https://www.ln.edu.hk/cultural/programmes/MCS/mcsforms.php
Change of postal/email address and telephone number
Please keep us informed by sending an email (mcs@ln.edu.hk) in case of any
changes.
As regulations may be reviewed, for the most updated regulations, please visit
“Regulations Governing Taught Doctoral/Master's Degree Programmes” at
MyLingnan Portal and
http://www.ln.edu.hk/cultural/programmes/MCS/mcsregulations.php
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