2007-12-07

POLI0019 Exam

Thanks to all of you who came to the optional lecture this afternoon. If you have any questions at all, please do contact me.

Two students asked a very good question: Which is more important - what the guest speakers said in class or the readings? In tackling the exam questions, I hope that you would make reference to both. Perhaps I should say that the outstanding exam essays will make useful reference to both speakers and readings, as well as any other appropriate authorities. When I was in university, there were many classes in which the readings did not precisely correlate with the lectures, but you were meant to gain insights from both - and be responsible for both.

That said, I do accept that some of the readings were not exactly in-step with what we discussed in class. Still, key readings such as Yash Ghai's articles, Bill Overholt, Prof. Tang's essay, and others I highlighted in the blog are worth looking at again. I do, however, consider the lectures and the ideas and concepts we heard in class from our guests as the meat of the course.

The nature or style of the questions will not be unlike those that have been posted on the blog. As I mentioned earlier, posting a comment on the blog would be excellent practice for the exam. Another great way to prepare might be to sit down and pretend you are writing a letter in reply to somebody who asked you this: "How can Hong Kong secure its position as a competitive global city over the long term?" Consider that question in all its aspects. You might focus on some of the key issues or matters of debate that we have touched upon such as what makes Hong Kong competitive, education, rule of law, culture, political development, the role of business and corporate social responsibility, the role of the media, Hong Kong's role in the international financial system, public health and the spread of infectious diseases such as SARS, and the environment. In particular, you might consider the implications for Hong Kong's global status, given its relationship with the mainland, the limits of autonomy under the Basic Law, and the level of political development of the SAR.

Think big picture but also be prepared to discuss two or three of these issues more deeply - just like you have done on the blog - then I'm sure you will do fine.

The Leaflets Controversy

For those of you who may be interested in following the to-and-fro between Ms Lau and Mr Chan, I have uploaded all the relevant messages, letters and faxes to the WebCT course content area. All the correspondence except my e-mail messages to Mr Chan have been released to the media. (Ms Lau chose to make public my email to her without my permission.)

I leave it to you all to draw your own conclusions from this episode. I will only say this:

My main priority from the beginning has been to maintain the privacy of the participants in this class and prevent the course or the University from being drawn into what is clearly a personal feud. I will not entertain the suggestion that Ms Lau and Mr Chan debate in class and cross-examine the participants in front of reporters. This is in fact a straightforward matter that does not require a media spectacle to resolve. I will not permit a course and its participants to be used for what I consider to be petty personal ends of no academic value.

[Originally posted on 3 December; final paragaph added on 7 December, 7.30 pm]

2007-12-06

Stranger Than Fiction

Truth, even for those who don't deal in it or can't handle it, is sometimes stranger than fiction. I have just flown from Delhi to Singapore on a Singapore Airlines flight, having attended a conference in Delhi. I was in the back of the "bus" - there was a certain Mr Chan in the front. Alas, we did not meet. Then again, maybe it was good that we didn't.

2007-12-04

Now It's Math and Science Scores

Another news item on the strong performance of Hong Kong students - this time in Math and Science.

Optional Lecture and Review Session on Friday, 7 December

This is a reminder that I am offering an optional wrap-up lecture-cum-review session on Friday, 7 December, from 2 pm to 4 pm in Theatre 5, Meng Wah Complex. All are welcome, including IBGM students. No controversial guest speakers, I promise.