| Program Code | SISP 1706 |
| Program Period | July 20 – 27, 2026 (8 Days) |
| Level of Study | S4 - S5 / Year 11 - 12 / Grade 10 - 11 |
| Credit | 1 Credit |
| Accommodation | Optional - Residential Package (Aged ≥16) Check In Date: July 19, 2026 Check Out Date: July 28, 2026 |
| Application Fee | HKD 250 |
| Program Fee | HKD 8,000 |
| Application Deadline | |
| • April 10, 2026 (23:59 HKT) - For non-local students and those who are not eligible to study in Hong Kong. • May 31, 2026 (23:59 HKT) - For Local Students and those eligible to study in Hong Kong | |
The course will help you to appreciate how sociology can help us understand ourselves and the society in which we live. How can we better understand different cultures? How are we influenced by those around us? Why do people break rules? Why is there so much inequality in Hong Kong? How is family life changing?
- Understanding Culture
- Socialization
- The Power of Groups
- Thinking about Poverty and Inequality
- Thinking about Gender
- The Changing Family
- In-class participation (15%)
- Quizzes x2 (10%)
- Group Presentation (20%)
- Final Examination (55%)
[Topics and grading schemes are subject to change as deemed appropriate. Students will receive information and guidelines in class on how they will be assessed for the course.]
Attendance is expected and required. The minimum attendance required is 70%. Attendance for the assessment activities [e.g. group presentation and final exam] is mandatory.
Originally from the UK, Prof. Groves graduated with a Master's Degree and Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has taught at HKUST for over 20 years and has published numerous articles in academic journals on migrant domestic workers, youth, social work, and education in Hong Kong. He offers courses in sociology, gender, education, Hong Kong society and social research methods. Prof. Groves first offered SISP 1706 for the HKUST Summer Institute in 2012, and it has since then become one of the most popular courses in the program. Prof. Groves is also one of the most beloved course instructors in the Summer Institute; he has consistently received remarkable ratings as evaluated by the Summer Institute participants.
Before submitting your application, please read the HKUST Pre‑University Program Notes carefully for details on entry requirements, fees, residential package, visa, attendance and other program guidelines.
The content above is subject to change without notice. Students should regularly check the website and their email for any updates.