Welcome to the History Department of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Our department is committed to the study of history: transmitting knowledge of the past, understanding human experiences, preserving collective memories, and analyzing and interpreting the process of evolution and development of communities and civilizations.

Why study history?

The study of history unlocks the mysteries of the past and encourages an informed citizenry. Its many lessons equip us with a historical perspective to analyze, assess and solve today’s problems. In an increasingly globalized world, history helps us learn and appreciate the diversity and the homogeneity, the differences and similarities, the past and the future of our world’s societies. And with a more comprehensive understanding of the world, others and ourselves we increase our capacity not only to foster, but to build the hope for a better future. Finally, history is filled with excitement – the study of it involves a mix of challenge, discovery and intellectual stimulation for any scholar or historian.

The History Department at CUHK has a balanced, wide-ranging curriculum covering both Chinese history and world history. We offer a variety of interesting courses including socio-economic history, cultural history and comparative history for students to choose. Our distinguished professors are well trained in cross-cultural and historical research and teaching. In additional to our regular teaching staff, we have over two dozen adjunct professors who are specialists and professionals in their particular field of public history.

Welcome to History, and the fascinating world of the past!

Professor Leung Yuen Sang
Department Chairman