A. Eligibility
1Q: Who can join this Cantonese course?
1A: These classes are launched exclusively for School of Chinese (SoC) Master of Arts Programme students, namely MA in the Field of Chinese Language and Literature (MACLL), Chinese Historical Studies (MACHS), Translation (MAT) and Hong Kong Cultural Studies (MAHKCS). If you are not from these programmes, please check with your home unit for other Cantonese learning possibilities, and/ or refer your home unit to consider CLC’s Cantonese Commissioned Course.
2Q: How are the seats allocated for the Cantonese courses?
2A: The available seats for the Cantonese courses are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. MACLL and MAHKCS Cantonese courses are for their respective students only, while MACHS and MAT students may select the Cantonese course schedule from the options offered by both programmes.
B. About the course
1Q: What is the course duration?
1A: The Fundamental Cantonese Language Courses for School of Chinese Master of Arts Students are offered from September to December, while the Fundamental Cantonese Language Courses II are held from January to April. Each course consists of 24 contact hours (2 hours/ week x 12 weeks). Click the "Course Schedule" tab to view the course schedule.
2Q: What will be taught in this Cantonese course? What is the scope of the assessment?
2A : Please refer to the "Course Outline" tab.
3Q: What is the deadline for course applications?
3A: Please refer to the "Important Dates" tab.
4Q: Do I need to buy textbooks for this course?
4A: The course fee for the Fundamental Cantonese Language Courses has covered the cost of a textbook for lesson use and self-study. It will be distributed during the lesson.
5Q: How many students are there in one class?
5A: Around 20-25 students.
C. Course fee and payment
1Q: What is the course fee?
1A: Students have to pay the full course fee of HKD1,800 first. Upon satisfactory attendance and assessment, a maximum refund of HKD1,422 (equivalent to 80% of the course fee, less a 1% bank charge/application fee) will be issued.
2Q: How do I make the payment for the course fee?
2A: Successful applicants will receive a payment notification email, containing a link for online payment.
3Q: What is the deadline for payment of the course fee?
3A: The deadline for payment of the course fee is within one week of the email notification date or by the payment deadline listed under the "Important Dates" tab, whichever is earlier.
D. Attendance and reimbursement
1Q: What are the requirements for the course fee reimbursement?
1A: A student must attain 80% attendance and satisfactory assessment to be eligible for the reimbursement. A teacher will take attendance in class. Leave of absence and withdrawal for whatever reason will be counted towards attendance and construed as incompletion of course requirement. The course fee will not be reimbursed or refunded.
2Q: How will the course fee be reimbursed?
2A: The University’s Finance Office will refund a net amount of HKD 1,422 to the student’s Hong Kong bank account (equivalent to 80% of the course fee, less a 1% bank charge/application fee).
3Q: To minimize absence and enhance my learning, can I swap whole or part of the lessons with another class ?
3A: No, swapping lessons with other classes is not allowed.
E. About the Certificate
1Q: Will I receive a certificate upon completion of the course?
1A: Yes, students who meet 80% attendance AND a minimum passing grade on the assessment will receive a completion certificate. Please refer to the "Important Dates" tab for the schedule.
2Q: When will students receive their completion certificate and reimbursement, if applicable?
2A: Please refer to the "Important Dates" tab for the schedule.
3Q: Will there be any grading on the certificate?
3A: Pass or Pass+ or their equivalent will be printed on the certificate.
F. Others
1Q: How and when will students be informed about the lesson venue and other details?
1A: Students will receive a confirmation email with the lesson venue and other details on the dates listed on the "Important Dates" page, after acceptance and successful payment of the course fee. Therefore, students should ensure their email address is entered correctly and check their email regularly.
2Q: Will there be Cantonese classes of this kind in the new academic year?
2A: The launching of new classes is subject to demand and the available resources. Interested students may voice out during the course evaluation exercise or through the Staff-Student Consultation Committee meetings.
3Q. May I ask about the arrangement for students during Bad Weather?
3A: Please refer to the University’s guidelines for students by clicking HERE.
4Q: How can I contact the school for further inquiries about the Cantonese courses?
4A: You can send your inquiries through email at learn-cantonese@hku.hk or call at 3917-1199.
