RECO3042
Faculty of Architecture
Course Planner for Academic Year 2023-24
Department of Real Estate and Construction
Course Handout
1. Course Details
1.1 Course Title: International Experience in Urban Development (6 credits)
1.2 Course Number: RECO3042
1.3 Course Teacher (Coordinator): Dr Conny Wang
1.4 Course Meeting: Semester 2
2. Course Description
The construction and real estate sectors are increasingly becoming more international. This
course targets professional practice(s) in urban development outside Hong Kong with the key
aim of investigating and critically reflecting on how, and why, these differ from local Hong
Kong practice. Through sharing of international experience in urban development, the
course gives students the opportunity to study in-depth how things work in other countries.
This in turn allows for reflection on the practice in Hong Kong. Key learning areas can
include:
-
Legal and administrative systems governing land and property.
Construction sector – e.g. procurement systems; contract strategies; project
management approaches; roles and responsibilities of surveyors.
Real estate sector – e.g. marketing strategies; leasing and sales markets; investment
and financing tools; roles and responsibilities of surveyors.
Technology affecting the whole life cycle of the land conversion process – e.g. green
buildings; building information management; dominant building technologies.
Policies on social and economic infrastructure – e.g. public housing; landfill sites;
cultural and recreational facilities; infrastructure investment programmes;
conservation policies.
3. Learning Outcomes
Alignment with Programme Learning
Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
1. Understanding of professional practice in
urban development in Hong Kong.
2. Understanding of how urban
development is undertaken in other
countr(ies)/ cit(ies) outside of Hong
Kong.
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically
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reflect on the differences between
different institutional contexts and how
these influence the urban development
sector.
4. Appreciate how and why the systems and
practices in urban development in the
countr(ies)/ cit(ies) outside Hong Kong
differ from that of Hong Kong.
4. Teaching & Learning Activities
Lectures, tutorials, and case studies.
5. Study Load
Activities
Number of hours
Lectures/ Tutorials/ Seminars
48
Case studies
10
Reading/ Self-study
60
Assessment
32
Total:
150
6. Assessment Tasks
Assessment Tasks
Weighting
Coursework
100%
7. Assessment
7.1 Assessment Standards
7.2 Departmental Level Grade Descriptors
Excellent
(A+, A, A-)
Demonstrate evidence of original thought, strong analytical and critical
abilities as well as a thorough grasp of the topic from background reading
and analysis; should demonstrate excellent professional, organizational,
presentational and problem solving skills.
Good
Demonstrate evidence of critical and analytical thinking but not necessarily
(B+, B, B-)
original in their thinking; show adequate grasp of the topic from
background reading and analysis; should demonstrate strong professional,
organizational, presentational and problem solving skills.
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Satisfactory
(C+, C, C-)
Demonstrate evidence of a reasonable grasp of their subject but most of
their information is derivative, with rather little evidence of critical
thinking; should demonstrate fair professional, organizational,
presentational and problem solving skills.
Pass
(D+, D)
Demonstrate evidence of being able to assemble the bare minimum of
information, poorly digested and not very well organized in
presentation. There is no evidence of critical thinking.
Fail
(F)
Demonstrate evidence of poor knowledge and understanding of the
subjects, a lack of coherence, organization or referencing, and answers are
largely irrelevant. Work fails to reach undergraduate/master level.
7.3 Departmental Level Assessment Rubric – Written Assignment
Grade
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT
Depth and breadth of coverage, critical elements, structure, language and
conventions
Excellent All aspects were addressed and researched in great depth.
(A+, A, A-) Demonstrates a clear understanding of and the ability to apply and theory,
concepts and issues relating to the topic.
Able to clearly identify the most critical aspects of the task and adopt a
critical and professional perspective.
Excellent development of argument and offers a logically consistent and
well-articulated analysis and insight into the subject.
Draws widely from the academic literature, professional practices and
elsewhere whilst maintaining relevance.
All aspects conform to an excellent academic / professional standard.
Good
Most aspects were addressed and researched in depth.
(B+, B, B-) Demonstrates a good understanding and some application of the theory and
issues relating to the topic.
Able to identify critical aspects of the task and adopt a critical perspective.
Some evidence of analysis, supported by logical argument and insight into
the subject.
Draws on relevant academic literature, professional practices and other
materials.
Most aspects conform to a high academic / professional standard.
Satisfactory Most aspects were addressed and researched adequately.
(C+, C, C-) Demonstrates a good understanding of the theory, concepts and issues
relating to the topic but limited application relating to the topic.
Some argument presented showing some insight but not always consistent
and logical.
Draws upon an adequate range of academic literature, professional practices
and other materials.
Most aspects conform to an acceptable academic / professional standard.
Pass
(D+, D)
Basic aspects were addressed and researched adequately.
Demonstrates mainly description, showing basic understanding of the topic
but no application.
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Little evidence of analysis but no clear and logical argument relating to the
subject.
Draws primarily upon textbook materials.
Limited aspects conform to academic / professional standards.
Fail
(F)
Basic aspects were superficial, inadequate or absent.
Demonstrates limited understanding of the topic and draws conclusions
unrelated to the topic.
The written work is not of an academic / professional standard.
Copying another person’s work without acknowledgement.
8. Reading list
The reading list will be created to reflect the choice of countr(ies)/cit(ies) of the year.
9. Teachers’ contact details
Course co-ordinator:
Dr Conny Wang
Office location:
KB712, 7/F Knowles Building,
HKU Contact phone number: 3917 4451
Contact email: mwcwang@hku.hk
A Note on Referencing and Plagiarism
Other people's work should be referenced properly. The preferred system is the Harvard
system of referencing. Other standard systems, such as the APA 6th and Chicago system, are
also acceptable.
The absence of proper referencing may result in plagiarism, which is unacceptable in your
coursework.
The University guidelines on plagiarism are available at:
http://www.hku.hk/plagiarism/page2s.htm and http://www4.caes.hku.hk/plagiarism/
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