Chapter 2 Curriculum Framework
2.4 Core Modules
2.4.3 Strand 6: Social Systems and Citizenship Core Module (21): Rights and Responsibilities of Citizens
It is an easy start for students armed with the basic knowledge acquired in primary school to understand the rights and responsibilities of a citizen and the concept of citizen. Students of the junior forms should further explore this provision stated in the Basic Law, which covers the rights and responsibilities of the various categories of Hong Kong residents. Understanding the identity of self and others is vital for a society based on mutual trust and help. In addition, students also need to learn the protection of the rights of Hong Kong residents by major principles of the rule of law, which is key to enforcing them. In the extended part, students can further explore the rights of the child and the importance of these rights for their development.
After completing this module, student should appreciate the rights and responsibilities of Hong Kong residents and the protection of these rights by major principles of the rule of law. This strengthens their identity as citizens.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC01
Rights,
Responsibilities and the Rule of Law
(3 lessons)
- Different categories of Hong Kong residents - Rights and responsibilities applicable to Hong
Kong residents
- Protection of the rights of Hong Kong residents by major principles of the rule of law
- How do our rights and responsibilities change as we grow up? What is their significance to me and to society?
- Does the law protect non-permanent Hong Kong residents?
- How can we ensure the law protects all Hong Kong residents effectively?
EP SSC 01-X
Rights of the Child
- Basic rights of children as delineated by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, including the right to survival, to development, to protection, and to participation
- Impact of the respect for the views of children and their rights to participate fully in family, cultural and social life on the future development of Hong Kong’s citizenship
- Why do adults not listen to us, but expect us to comply with their instructions?
human rights and
responsibilities, due process of law, respect for the rule of law, equality, justice, participatory, positive
45
Core Module (22): Hong Kong Government and I
Government is intricately involved in the life of its citizens. Students have learned about the public services provided by Government in primary school, but they may not be clear about how this works. Through case study, they learn the decision-making process of the HKSAR Government including the consideration, feedback and influence involved. Students will also study the meanings of the development of the electoral system to the further development of the political system, democracy and the social relations so as to exercise their rights and bear their responsibilities in electoral affairs in future. In the extended part, students explore the voting propensity of Hong Kong people, especially that of the young, which is key to the development of the electoral system.
After completing this module, students should have some understanding of the decision-making process of the HKSAR Government and the development of its electoral system. In addition, students would also recognise that individuals and organizations interact with the Government. These can raise their consciousness of the social affairs.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC02
Decision-making Process and Development of Electoral System (5 lessons)
- The principle of “one country, two systems” and the relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR as delineated in the Basic Law
- Decision-making process of the HKSAR
Government: input, decisions, output, feedback (as illustrated through case studies)
- Methods for the selection of the Chief Executive and the formation of the Legislative Council and related development
- Meanings, importance and influences of edging towards the selection of the Chief Executive and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage to social development and progress of democracy in Hong Kong
- Degree of fairness and clean of Hong Kong elections and its relationship with political development
- What are the channels and opportunities available for stakeholders to participate in socio-political issues?
- What are the views of society regarding selection of the Chief Executive and the election of all the members of the Legislative Council by universal suffrage?
democracy, open-minded, participatory, positive, due process of law, fairness, clean, honesty and integrity
46
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and Attitudes EP
SSC 02-X
Youngsters’
Propensity to Vote
- Changes in the trend of the percentage of registered electors and voter turnout, including the percentage of young people aged 18 to 25 in registering as electors and turning out to vote
- Degree of propensity of youngsters under the age of 18 to register as electors and to vote in the future as well as factors affecting it
- Ways to strengthen the propensity of youngsters under the age of 18 to register as electors and to vote in the future
- Will I register as an elector and vote as from 18?
Why?
47
Core Module (23): Upholding the Core Values of Our Society
The core values of Hong Kong society include fairness and freedom, which serve as the foundation for the operation of society. Students should explore and reflect on these core values of society. In recent years, addressing the gap between the rich and the poor has become an issue of social equity. According to the 2009 Human Development Report commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hong Kong is the region with the largest gap between the rich and the poor of all the developed countries and regions based on the composite analysis from 1992 to 2007. Students should realise this and consider the views and efforts of parties seeking to narrow the gap as well as the limitations they face. Apart from this, the right to freedom of opinion and expression is also treasured by Hong Kong people. Although the behaviour of some people may sometimes be questionable, the protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression remains so. There are constraints to these rights and we must study them, and reflect our rights and responsibilities. In the extended part, students will explore ways to promote “diversity & inclusiveness” and “clean, honesty & integrity” in Hong Kong and have a deeper understanding on the efforts of Hong Kong people in the pursuit of fairness and freedom.
After completing this module, students should have an understanding of the efforts in protecting the right to the freedom of opinion and expression as well as narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong. Students should also realise the importance of these efforts on the pursuit of fairness and freedom in Hong Kong, and to be responsible for the upholding of these core values.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC03
“Right to Freedom of Opinion &
Expression” and
“Narrowing the Gap between the Rich & the Poor”
(5 lessons)
- Protection of and constraints to the right to freedom of opinion and expression
- Degree of importance accorded to the freedom of opinion and expression by the government, political and social groups, non-governmental organizations, the media and individuals
- Indicators measuring the gap between the rich and the poor in Hong Kong as well as changes in the trend of the gap
- Impact of the magnitude of the gap between the rich and the poor on Hong Kong society
- Efforts of the government, non-governmental organizations and individuals in narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor as well as the constraints
- In view of the huge gap between the rich and the poor, can social stability in Hong Kong be maintained?
- What is my view on Voltaire’s well-known saying ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it’?
fairness, freedom and liberty, equal opportunities, plurality, open-minded, clean, honesty and integrity, with a respect for different ways of life
48
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and Attitudes EP
SSC 03-X
“Diversity &
Inclusiveness”
and “Clean, Honesty &
Integrity”
- Level of “diversity & inclusiveness” and “clean, honesty & integrity” in Hong Kong
- Ways and measures to safeguard and promote
“diversity & inclusiveness” and “clean, honesty &
integrity”
- Importance of “diversity & inclusiveness” and
“clean, honesty & integrity” to the pursuit of fairness, freedom and liberty
- Is Hong Kong a “barrier-free city”?
- ‘Corruption is the main factor leading to poor economic performance and also the key barrier to reduction of poverty and development.’ Is the saying valid?
49
Core Module (24): Life of Chinese Nationals
Recognising the similarity and difference between rural and urban areas and the passing of traditional culture is important for an understanding of our enormous country. The study of the work, consumption, leisure and entertainment, clothing, accommodation and food and beverage habits of Chinese residents, provides students with an understanding of their lifestyles. Students will also explore traditional culture as demonstrated by the daily life of Chinese residents and how it has been influenced by social changes. In the extended part, students will explore the influences of modernization on the lives of minority nationalities, which gives a more comprehensive picture of our country as a united multi-ethnic nation.
After completing this module, students should have a basic understanding of the everyday life of the rural and urban population as well as the interactions between traditional culture and modern life, and be concerned about the life of Chinese nationals.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC04
Everyday Life in Rural and Urban Areas
(4 lessons)
- Lifestyle of the following as illustrated through work, social relations, consumption, leisure &
entertainment, clothing, accommodation, food &
beverage, etc.
y lifestyle of Chinese residents in urban areas
y lifestyle of Chinese residents in rural areas - Traditional culture as demonstrated by the lifestyle
of Chinese residents and how it has been influenced by social changes
- Is it common for Chinese families on the mainland to pursue private car, house, work, travel and overseas study?
- What are the continuity and change illustrated by traditional festivals, and concepts and system of the family in the urban and rural areas nowadays?
EP SSC 04-X
Life of Minority Nationalities
- Importance of maintaining the uniqueness of minority nationalities to our country
- Impact of modernization on the life of minority nationalities
- What traditional festivals and celebrations have been retained by minority nationalities in our country? What changes have occurred?
- What is life like for minority nationalities nowadays? What national policies apply to them?
How do these policies affect their life?
respect for different ways of life, kindness, benevolence, love, care and concerned, plurality, culture and civilisation heritage
50
Core Module (25): Chinese Political System
There is a close relationship between our country’s development and the life of Hong Kong residents. With more and more integration, it is believed that Hong Kong graduates will increasingly work and live on the mainland. Therefore, students should learn about the Chinese political system, such as the functions and powers of major organs of the state (including National People’s Congress (NPC), President, State Council, people’s courts and people’s procuratorates), the leadership role of the Communist Party of China (CPC), roles performed by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and people’s supervision of the government. In the extended part, students will also learn about the functions and roles of other organs of the state including local people’s congresses and local people’s governments at different levels.
After completing this module, students should have an understanding of the political system of our country, including the functions and powers of major organs of the state, people’s supervision of the government, and the leadership role of the CPC in the political system. Students should have a concern for the future development of our country.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC05
An Overview of the Political System (4 lessons)
- Functions and powers of the following organs of the state
y NPC y President y State Council
y People’s courts and people’s procuratorates - Leadership role of the CPC
- Roles performed by the CPPCC
- Channels for people’s supervision of the government
- What characterises the meetings of the NPC and the National Committee of the CPPCC each year?
- Besides deputies elected from the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, it is stipulated in the Constitution of the PRC that all minority nationalities and deputies elected from the armed forces are entitled to appropriate representation at the NPC. Why?
- What are the main daily tasks of state leaders?
- What is System of People’s Assessors?
- What is the difference in status and role between the President of the state and the General Secretary of the CPC?
- Why do people have to supervise the government?
EP SSC 05-X
Local Organs of State Power and their Executive Bodies
- Composition, roles and functions of local people’s congresses at different levels as well as their relationship with respective local people’s governments
- Roles and functions of local people’s governments at different levels
- The country stipulates an appropriate number of female representatives to be included in the people’s congresses at different levels. Why?
solidarity, sense of belonging, patriotism, human rights and
responsibilities, due process of law, respect for the rule of law
51
Core Module (26): China’s Step Forward to the World
China is a great developing country which has stepped forward to the world and linked up with it at many levels, and this step has significantly affected the life of people and the development of the country. Students need to understand our country’s perception of current international relations and the responses of the world to China. Students are invited to explore the opportunities and challenges facing China by investigating China’s participation in international affairs, investment in overseas markets and promotion of cultural exchanges. In the extended part, students investigate the foreign policies of China, so as to realise the necessary considerations and inevitable limitations of China when connecting to the world. This study is compatible with the curriculum of Chinese History and complements it.
After completing this module, students should have an understanding of the ways China participates in international affairs and the world’s responses, which can facilitate the students to explore the impact on China and arouses their awareness of the latest development of its external relations.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC06
Participation in International Affairs (4 lessons)
- Positioning our country on the international scene today
- Perception of China’s step forward to the world by some major countries and regions
- Opportunities and challenges brought by our country’s participation in international affairs, foreign investment, and strategies of cultural exchange and dissemination with reference to foreign relations
- What is the impact on China as it becomes a member of the World Trade Organization?
- Why does China desire to organize worldwide events and conferences?
- Why do some countries urge China ‘to understand the greater responsibilities borne by it in the international system’?
EP SSC 06-X
Foreign Policies - The goals of our country’s foreign policies y path of peaceful development y win-win strategy of opening-up y building a harmonious world
y developing friendly relations and cooperation with all countries
y taking part to address global and hotspot issues
- What are the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence? Why does our country emphasise these principles when developing friendly relations and cooperation with other countries?
- How does China react, in terms of foreign policies, to global issues such as the safety and security of its citizens, the environment, energy and public hygiene?
solidarity, sense of belonging, patriotism, interdependence, betterment of humankind, with a respect for different ways of life
52
Core Module (27): “Global City”
The emergence of change in ‘global cities’ is closely related to globalization, and studying the social characteristics of ‘global cities’ is one of the paths to understanding it. Taking students’ surroundings in Hong Kong as a starting point, the transnational mobilisation of people clearly illustrates the impact of globalization on the local society. The study complements ‘Hong Kong as an international financial centre’ under the area of ‘global economy’. In the extended part, students can further study the social characteristics of other global cities, learning the impact and implications of globalization on these ‘global cities’.
After completing this module, students should be able to recognise the social characteristics of “global cities” and evaluate Hong Kong accordingly. This opens up students’ international horizons.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC07
Social
Characteristics of “Global City”
as demonstrated by Hong Kong (3 lessons)
- Degree of openness of Hong Kong (as illustrated by the aspects of capital, media, information, human resources and culture, etc.)
- The “push and pull” drive of Hong Kong to transnational business people, professionals, executives and labour
- Do I agree that Hong Kong is a ‘global city’?
EP SSC 07-X
Social
Characteristics of “Global City”
as Demonstrated by other “Global Cities”
- Degree of openness of other “global cities” (as illustrated by the aspects of capital, media, information, human resources and culture, etc.) - The “push and pull” drive of these “global cities”
to transnational business people, professionals, executives and labour
- Why do more people consider New York and London ‘global cities’? What characteristics do these cities possess?
with a respect for different ways of life, plurality, open-minded, sense of belonging, solidarity, interdependence
53
Core Module (28): International Politics
There is no global government in the world but a certain level of world order does exist. The evolution of such an order becomes an irresistible force to the development of the world. In order to widen students’ horizon and equip oneself to become a global citizen, students need to understand the inter-dependent and mutual restraining relationships, especially the relations between great powers and that of the developed and developing countries. In the extended part, students can further explore the discussion on the maintenance of world peace. The study complements the curriculum of History.
After completing this module, students should possess knowledge of world order and its evolution, and the major players and the moving forces involved, and be concerned for the betterment of all humankind.
Topics Learning Points Suggested Introductory Questions Values and
Attitudes FP
SSC08
An Overview of World Order (3 lessons)
- World order without a global government
- Influences of the United Nations (UN) and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, the constraints and challenges
- The influences of other important international political organizations, constraints and challenges (as illustrated by case studies)
- Interrelationship between developed and developing countries
- Why can’t the UN be a global government? Is the United States of America the only leader in the world?
EP SSC 08-X
Maintenance of World Peace
- Current major conflicts of the international political arena and their impact
- Influences on world peace by the existing world order
- Efforts made by organizations in maintaining world peace and the constraints
- Can the UN Peacekeeping Force, which has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, maintain world peace?
interdependence, betterment of humankind, justice, with a respect for life, cooperative, equal opportunities
54