Updated 10 September 2026. Check Blackboard and College email before every meeting; official announcements take priority if arrangements change.
Course at a glance
Learn with the community, then reflect with purpose.
GECC1132 combines three STOT class meetings with eight hours of service-learning. This section focuses on the labour community and the work of campus cleaners in partnership with the Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee.
2. Course Description
This is a student-oriented small group tutorial course. It provides opportunities for students to have a better understanding of themselves and cultivate their empathy towards others.
The course also facilitates students’ adaptation to campus life and active learning through implementing and evaluating their services for others. Through engaging in service-learning activities held outside the classroom, students are expected to reflect on their roles as university students and develop a sense of responsibility as citizens in a global context.
You will learn through discussion, debate, seminars and small-group exchanges. Work with your tutor to choose a topic connected to your service-learning experience. Depending on the activity, tutorials may include a Chung Chi campus walk or a meeting at Shen’s General Education Resource Centre beside the College library.
Students take this course in the first term of Year 1, alongside the 2-unit GECC1130 “Idea of a University” or GECC1230 “Learning of Life”.
3. Learning Outcomes
After taking this course, students will be able to:
- Adapt to university life and appreciate essential characteristics of university learning.
- Develop effective communication and critical thinking skills.
- Develop holistic and responsible world citizenship through service-learning.
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a team.
How we work
- Small-group discussion and shared inquiry
- Pre-service training and direct service
- Movie appreciation and guided discussion
- Group presentation and post-service reflection
Course syllabus and learning activities
- The transition from secondary school to university and adaptation to campus life.
- University life, social service and civic engagement: examine the roles of the university and its students.
- Citizenship and community service: consider global responsibilities and contemporary issues.
- Service-learning principles: prepare, design, implement and evaluate a service plan.
- Reflect on personal growth, service experience and the social issues encountered.
Service-learning comprises pre-service training, service experience and post-service reflection. Discussions may use open questions, debates or stakeholder role-play, with a chance for everyone to participate.
Term timeline
Confirmed meetings and service dates
Check the date and venue for each activity below. Bring any clothing or equipment specified on Blackboard.
-
18 SepFriday
STOT 1 · Course orientation
Class meeting -
25 SepFriday
Pre-service training · Talk and Human Library
Service-learning -
9 OctFriday
Direct service 1 · Campus cleaning
Service-learning -
16 OctFriday
Direct service 2 · Campus cleaning
Service-learning -
23 OctFriday
Direct service 3 · Campus cleaning
Service-learning -
30 OctFriday
No STOT class
No class -
6 NovFriday
STOT 2 · Team of Miracle: We Will Rock You (2009)
Class meeting -
20 NovFriday
STOT 3 · Group presentation and post-service reflection
Class meeting
Service project
Labour community · Campus cleaners
Community partner
Hong Kong Christian Industrial Committee (HKCIC)
Founded in 1968, HKCIC is a Christian faith-based non-profit organization supporting Hong Kong’s labour community. Its work aims to improve labour welfare and promote social justice, with attention to labour rights, work-related injuries and occupational mental health. Working alongside workers has shown that social injustices require more than remedies and relief.
This project explores the value and visibility of cleaning work through a workshop, Human Library, campus cleaning and reflection.
Typical direct-service session
- 2:30-2:45 pm · Briefing
- 2:45-4:00 pm · Cleaning service
- 4:00-4:15 pm · Debriefing
Safety: follow site instructions, use protective equipment where required, and obtain consent before taking photographs or recording others.
Applies on 9, 16 and 23 October. Venues: John Fulton Centre LG4 & LG5; Leung Fung Yee Building (Yoga & Gym); John Fulton Centre LG2 & LG3, respectively.
STOT 1 · First-class rundown
18 September · 2:30-4:15 pm · YIA 502
- Ice-breaking.
- Form groups of 4-5 students.
- Team building.
- Group sharing.
- Introduction to the service partner and activities.
- Learn about the grading criteria, class schedule and reflective-journal requirements.
Preparation for Direct Service · Talk & Human Library
25 September · 2:30-4:15 pm
LG1 Fook Wo and Laura Jee Li Theatre, Leung Fung Yee Building. Joint workshop for 48-60 students.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:30-2:45 | Introduction to HKCIC and its background. |
| 2:45-3:30 | Human Library with an experienced cleaner / cleaning-company representative. |
| 3:30-4:15 | Cleaners teach students cleaning skills, followed by questions and answers. |
STOT 2 · Team of Miracle: We Will Rock You (2009)
6 November 2026 (Friday) · 2:30–4:15 pm
LG1 Fook Wo and Laura Jee Li Theatre, Leung Fung Yee Building.
About the film
Directed by Adrian Kwan, this Hong Kong film follows social worker Tung as he brings together a football team of people experiencing homelessness. With fellow social worker Sunny, he helps the players train for the Homeless World Cup and rebuild confidence through teamwork and a shared goal.
For this course, consider how service can support dignity, belonging and participation, and reflect on your own assumptions about people facing social exclusion.
Film information from the producer
Viewing and discussion prompts
- How does the film challenge your assumptions about people experiencing homelessness?
- What roles do listening, trust and teamwork play in supporting the players?
- In our service with campus cleaners, how can we respect others’ choices and avoid making assumptions about their needs?
Keep these questions in mind as you watch. Note examples from the film to share in groups of 3–5.
No eating or drinking in the theatre seating area.
STOT 3 · Presentation and reflection rundown
20 November · 2:30-4:15 pm · YIA 502
- Group presentation: 15 minutes per group.
- Questions and answers: 5 minutes per group.
- Post-service reflection and conclusion, with teacher feedback.
- Organize your service notes and prepare your reflective journal.
Complete at least eight hours of service-learning. Attend the preparation workshop and all three direct-service sessions punctually.
Assessment
Participation, presentation and reflection
Service-learning participation
Attendance, attitude, social skills and transfer of knowledge to the topic.
Group presentation and discussion
Content, presentation skills and contribution to class discussion.
Written reflective journal
Depth of reflection, use of evidence and quality of writing.
A zero mark in any assessment component prevents a passing grade for the course.
| Grade | Overall course performance |
|---|---|
| Distinction | Examine the topic using a novel approach and multiple perspectives; contribute quality, constructive discussion; participate actively, consistently and responsibly in service-learning; demonstrate outstanding performance in almost all learning outcomes. |
| Pass | Examine the topic using a routine approach and familiar perspectives; contribute constructively in discussions; participate substantially and responsibly in service-learning; demonstrate good performance in most learning outcomes. |
| Failure | Fail to present a topic meeting assessment requirements; contribute very little to discussion; be unable to participate in service-learning; show unsatisfactory performance in most learning outcomes. |
Suggested assessment rubrics · all ten dimensions
Each dimension is scored from 0 to 10 (100 points total). The first four dimensions form service participation (40%), the next three presentation and discussion (30%), and the last three the reflective journal (30%). These are the College’s suggested rubrics.
| Dimension | Failure · 0-4 | Pass · 5-7 | Distinction · 8-10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attendance | No or very low attendance. | Regular or high attendance. | Full attendance and always punctual. |
| Attitude | No or very low participation. | Adequate or minimal initiative, motivation and involvement. | High initiative, motivation and involvement. |
| Social soft skills | Unable to communicate with service recipients and the community organization. | Effective communication with recipients and the organization. | Excellent communication with recipients and the organization. |
| Knowledge transfer to topic | Unable to identify relevant social issues. | Basic knowledge of social issues relevant to the service field. | Deep academic and general knowledge; critical analysis of the significance of relevant social issues. |
| Presentation content | Irrelevant or inaccurate content; little or mixed engagement with the topic. | Clear purpose and subject supported by examples, facts or statistics; evidence supports conclusions and raises audience awareness. | Very clear purpose; pertinent examples and evidence justify conclusions and significantly increase audience understanding. |
| Presentation skills | Illogical organization, poor delivery and failure to work as a team. | Understandable, confident delivery using posture, gesture, eye contact and voice; general teamwork. | Compelling, polished and confident delivery; excellent teamwork. |
| Class participation | No discussion participation; lacks responsibility for class participation. | Contributes to discussion; feedback is partly rational and constructive. | Connects others’ sharing with personal experience; feedback is fully rational and constructive. |
| Depth of reflection | Only description or limited reflection; does not address the topic or reflects very shallowly. | Addresses the topic with adequate observation or insight; some reflection and self-awareness. | Clearly addresses the topic with sophisticated observation and insight into inner change; deep reflection and self-awareness. |
| Evidence | No integration of relevant facts, relationships and personal experience. | Attempts to integrate facts, relationships and the student’s self. | Clearly integrates facts, relationships and the student’s self; synthesizes them into conclusions. |
| Writing | Poor organization; inappropriate language, tone and style. | Quite organized; appropriate language, tone and style. | Well organized, clear and concise; excellent language, tone and style. |
Written assignment and submission
Reflective journal · 30%
Each student submits a journal on service-learning at the end of the term. Reflect on service experience (including the integration of disciplinary knowledge), social issues observed and/or personal development.
- Length: 1,000-1,500 words in Chinese or 800-1,200 words in English.
- Due date: 11 December 2026, unless otherwise specified by the teacher.
- Submission: check Blackboard and course email for submission instructions.
Late submission and extensions
- Late written assignments incur a 20% mark deduction. Work received more than five days after the deadline will not be marked.
- Email extension requests to the course teacher at least one week before the deadline, with justifiable reasons and supporting documents. Extensions are limited to unexpected or exceptional circumstances beyond the student’s control.
Use of artificial intelligence
Approach 2 · Use only with prior permission
What is not permitted
In accordance with the University's Guidelines on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools in Teaching, Learning and Assessments (May 2025), Chung Chi College GE courses adopt Approach 2.
Students may not use generative AI tools to prepare or write any part of their written assignments.
Do not use AI-generated summaries or paraphrases as a substitute for close reading of core texts. Any teacher-directed interaction with GenAI must be under strict supervision.
Limited permitted use and checking
- Generative AI may be used solely for spelling and grammar checking.
- Use VeriGuide AWD to check the AI Index before submission.
- As a general rule, a higher AI Index indicates a lower level of student effort.
- If an assignment's AI Index exceeds 25%, the assignment may receive a failing grade.
When in doubt, ask the course teacher before using an AI tool.
You do not need to submit your personal reflective journal for the routine VeriGuide plagiarism check. Before submission, you must still check its AI Index using VeriGuide AWD. Work may be investigated using AI-content detection. Suspected AI misuse may be referred to the College Student Discipline Committee.
Expectations
Be prepared, reliable and reflective.
Your responsibilities
- Attend every scheduled class and service activity punctually.
- Tell the teacher promptly about an anticipated or unexpected absence and provide documents when requested.
- Contribute constructively to group planning, service and discussion.
- Keep brief notes after each activity to support your final reflection.
Official communication
- Blackboard and College email are the official channels.
- Submission instructions and deadlines will be announced there.
- Follow University academic-honesty requirements for all assessed work.
- Bad-weather and emergency changes will follow official University and College notices.
Absence and leave
Unexcused absence leads to deductions in assessments involving class activities. Email the teacher in advance for planned leave (normally at least one week ahead); report unexpected absence promptly. You may apply for leave for the following reasons:
- Sick leave.
- Scholarship interviews, especially College or University awards.
- Competing as an athlete representing the College, University or nation (not as a student helper).
- Required court or legal appearances.
- Bereavement leave.
Supporting documents are required for the first four categories; they may be waived for bereavement on compassionate grounds. Other cases and accommodations are at the teacher’s discretion. Leave exceeding one week also requires an application to the Registry’s Registration and Examinations Section.
Bad weather and service activities
- Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red / Black Rainstorm Warning: all service activities will be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Typhoon Signal No. 3 or an Amber Rainstorm Warning: outdoor service may be cancelled or rescheduled under the service partner’s guidelines.
- Check email for changes from the GE Office.
Academic honesty and course feedback
- Submit a signed academic-honesty declaration with each assignment; assignments without it will not be graded. Every member must sign for a group project, and all members remain responsible for plagiarized content.
- For text-based assignments that are submitted through VeriGuide, submit only the final version and use its declaration receipt. The personal-journal exemption and separate AWD check are explained above.
- Declare any reuse of work for another course or purpose and obtain the teachers’ agreement in advance; undeclared multiple submission is misconduct.
- CUHK teaching materials are for personal educational use. Obtain the teacher’s permission before sharing, copying or distributing them to third parties.
- Give feedback through the Course and Teaching Evaluation Survey, group representatives and email exchanges at the end of the course.
Readings and companion courses
Reading List · 94 items on Blackboard
Check Blackboard before class for assigned readings and recommendations. The Reading List has seven sections:
- Chung Chi College (10)
- Moral Judgement (8)
- Life Resilience (5)
- The Idea of a University and University Student (6)
- Service-Learning (2)
- Recommended Readings (7)
- Long Lasting Reference / Course Reserves (56)
Start with 《這一站：大學》, 《從服務中學習：跨領域服務-學習理論與實務》 and Learning Through Serving: A Student Guidebook for Service-Learning Across the Disciplines (Cress, Collier and Reitenauer, 2005). The complete reading list is linked below. Further GE readings are available at Shen’s GE Resource Centre and the General Education Collection on the ground floor of the College library.
GECC1130 / GECC1230 are the companion 2-unit courses, with their own timetable linked below. Their lecture schedule is separate from the GECC1132CH schedule above. In GECC1230, the Thursday class on 1 October moves to the combined Friday class on 2 October because of National Day.
Resources and contact
Course documents and official channels
Service-learning background
Course background and activity descriptions. Use the current timetable above for dates and times.
Blackboard
Announcements, current instructions and submission arrangements.
Chung Chi College GE
College General Education information and enquiries.
Course teacher
Prof. YAN Yangqian · Science Centre North Block, G9
Service schedule
Dates, venues and activity rundowns.
Suggested assessment rubrics
Grading guidance for all ten assessment dimensions.
GECC1130 / GECC1230 timetable
Companion-course lecture dates and topics.
Complete STOT Reading List
Browse all 94 reading-list items; access course readings through Blackboard.
Service coordination
Karen Ng · 3943 9643
College GE Office
2/F, Chung Chi Administration Building