Students should embrace ‘liberal studies’

HK Opinion
H03 China Daily Hong Kong Edition Victor Fung Keung
2012-05-05


Students should embrace ‘liberal studies’


Hong Kong high-school leavers took an examination in “liberal studies” for the first time in early April. Despite apprehension about possible failure in one of the questions asked, the subject proves it’s worthwhile to have made it a compulsory course.

My gut feeling is that “liberal studies” will be the subject with the highest passing rate among all subjects since it’s very hard to say that students’ arguments are wrong. Examiners may differ over students’ opinions of certain issues, but they shouldn’t lower their grades simply because students don’t agree with them.

At the heart of the controversy is an exam question seeking students’ views on local party politics. Some candidates expressed fears their liberal views may not go well with conservative adjudicators.

The government has assured students and parents that papers in “liberal studies” will be marked by two examiners. If they differ sharply in their evaluations, a third marker will be brought in to see where the contrast lies and whether it makes sense. Candidates should put their hearts at ease and trust that the marking system is fair and open. I’m sure it will be.

The subject is aimed at testing students’ knowledge of what’s happening around them, such as issues on the environment, technology, personal growth and politics, as well as their critical thinking process. These are useful tools to possess if one wants to excel in university education and future career.

In Paper One in “liberal studies” examination, candidates had to show their knowledge and express their views on Hong Kong’s population policy, tobacco control policy and party politics. In Paper Two, they could choose to answer one of three questions on “Hong Kong’s third airport runway”, “the impact of globalization on Chinese culture” and “abortion and DNA tests on fetuses”. I can’t see how one can fail in these questions. They are not about rocket science.

Many teachers and students have complained, in particular, about the question on party politics. I don’t agree. I think all Hong Kong people, young and old, should learn party politics and at least can tell the difference between the Democratic Party and the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong. They share the word “democratic” but their stands on political issues are often on the opposite sides of the spectrum.

The more young people express their views on party politics the better. Politics is about people’s livelihood. Students’ critical thinking abilities and practices will help shape a better Hong Kong and enhance our competitiveness. Students’ views on certain parties don’t really matter as long as their analysis is logical and original. Have faith in the system, and have faith in your teachers.

The author is director of the MA program in international journalism at Hong Kong Baptist University.