LIST OF SINGAPORE STUDIES MODULES (By Faculty/School)

1. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences SSA1201 Singapore Society Offered by Department of Sociology Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): SS1202SC Cross-listing(s): Nil This module introduces students to critical developments in the development of Singapore as a society and nation-state. It enables students to develop skills in understanding and making sense of Singapore society. It also encourages them to develop alternative interpretations of the development of Singapore society. The topics include: the origins of Singapore, ideology and identity, ethnic relations, industrialisation, family, gender, religion, the state and civil society. This is a Singapore Studies module and open to students from all faculties. SSA1202 Southeast Asia: A Changing Region Offered by Southeast Asian Studies Programme Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-4-3 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): GEK1008, GEM1008K, SE1101E, SS1203SE, Students majoring in SE are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): GEK1008, SE1101E Southeast Asia has been described as one of the crossroads of the world a place where people from many cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds meet. The intermingling of people, the exchange of ideas and international commerce have been part of Southeast Asian life for centuries. This module surveys the broad currents of conflict, change and continuity across the region from a multidisciplinary perspective. It looks at how Southeast Asian societies and political systems have changed over time in response to the pressures of ecology, colonialism, nationalism, urbanisation and globalisation. The module also looks at the way ethnic, religious, national and regional identities have been constructed, used and altered over time. The overall objective is to provide students with an introduction to different ways of exploring Southeast Asia and different experiences of living in the region. SSA1203: Singapore, Asia and American Power Offered by Southeast Asian Studies Programme Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-4-3 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): Nil Cross-listing(s): Nil Singapore is a small city-state, the U.S. a continental superpower. There seems to be a huge power imbalance between the two countries, but are things always the way they seem? This module introduces various dimensions of American global power such as cultural power (Hollywood, for example, or American democracy as an inspirational model), military might and economic size. We

investigate how U.S. power affects Singapore and its relations with its Asian neighbours. We also look at how Singapore and the region respond to the global projection of American power, and the ways they may exert power despite apparent imbalances. SSA1206 Representing Singapore Offered by Department of English Language and Literature Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-0-7 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): SSA2201, EN3263, GEK1040 Cross-listing(s): Nil While drawing on methodologies and approaches used in literary studies, this module moves beyond the traditional confines of Singapore Literature. We will thus examine the representation of Singapore, and of contemporary issues of importance in Singapore, in a variety of different popular media. After an initial introduction to the critical reading of cultural representation, we will explore traditional genres such as poetry and drama, as well as more popular ones such as television, film, and popular autobiography. The module is open to all students. SSA2202 Changing Landscapes of Singapore Offered by Department of Geography Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): SS2202GE, GE2207, SE2241, GEK2001, GEM2001K. Cross-listing(s): GEK2001 This module attempts to understand the rationale of changes in Singapores urban landscape. It places these changes within a framework that considers Singapores efforts to globalise and examines how policies are formulated with the idea of sustaining an economy that has integral links subregionally with Southeast Asia while developing new spatial linkages that will strengthen its position in the global network. Emphasis is also given to recent discussions about how diversity and difference in the perception and use of space pose a challenge to the utilitarian and functional definition adopted by the state. SSA2203 Chinese Businesses in Singapore & Beyond Offered by Department of History Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): HY2239. Students majoring in HY are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): HY2239 This module provides a broad survey of Chinese business development in Singapore from the premodern era (pre-1819) through to current times. It traces the evolution of the Chinese business community and examines the growth and expansion of their networks in East and Southeast Asia. It also examines the roles played by colonial authorities and the China connection in the development of these business networks. Specific case studies are drawn on to allow a closer understanding of the way Chinese businesses were established and how they developed. The social, economic and cultural aspects closely associated with the Chinese business community of Singapore, such as early Chinese migration, dialect organisations, guilds, occupational structure, Chinese merchant culture, as well as the transformation and globalisation of Chinese businesses will also be discussed. This module is open to all students in NUS interested in Singapore history/studies.

SSA2204 Nation-Building in Singapore Offered by Department of History Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): HY2229, USE2304. Students majoring in HY or SE are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): HY2229 This module is about Singapores emergence from British colonial rule and merger with Malaysia to independence and nation-building. It covers political events, the economy, education, national service, ethnic relations, and culture and national identity. Students are encouraged to think through issues central to these topics. The module is tailored for students in all Faculties at all levels. SSA2205 Japan and Singapore Offered by Department of Japanese Studies Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): JS2224. Students majoring in JS are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): JS2224 This module aims to promote a better understanding of Japan-Singapore relations, combining historical, political, economic, social and cultural perspectives. Besides an examination of the activities of the Japanese in Singapore from the late 19th century to the present, the module also helps students grasp issues affecting Japan-Singapore in a wider context by considering Japans relations with other Southeast Asian countries and the ASEAN. Students are actively encouraged to use oral history, fieldwork and internet for their projects. SSA2206 Islam and Contemporary Malay Society Offered by Department of Malay Studies Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): MS2205. Students majoring in MS are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): MS2205 This module, targeted for FASS students, examines the dominant religious orientation that had evolved among the Malays of Southeast Asian and analyses the socio-historical factors that had influenced such orientation. How the religious orientation conditions their response to the modern world is then discussed. The module also looks at the phenomenon of the Islamic resurgence and its effects. It also deals with the style of thought of the religious elite and its impact on the Malays. Apart from these, factors that condition the image of Islam and the issues relating to Islam in a plural society will also be examined. SSA2207 Politics in Southeast Asia Offered by Southeast Asian Studies Programme Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-4-3 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): SE2213, SE2281, SS2207SE. Students majoring in SE are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): SE2213 Political systems in Southeast display a great variety of characteristics. Some, for example, are authoritarian while others are democratic. Some appear stable while others are subject to tumultuous

change. This module examines the historical background and the nature of political competition in different countries of the region: how various groups have succeeded or failed in gaining power, the institutions that structure political contests, and the ideas behind different political agendas. The aim is to provide a multidisciplinary understanding of politics in Southeast Asia with which we can revisit ongoing debates on such issues as democracy, legitimacy, stability and reform. SSA2208 Singapores Military History Offered by Department of History Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): HY2242. Students majoring in HY are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): HY2242 From its modern revival in 1819 Singapore was a central factor in the military history of the region, and sometimes played a role of even greater importance on a wider stage. An obvious reason for this was geography. But many other forces also played a part, including politics local, imperial and international, economics, and technology. On the other side of the coin, the military presence in and role of Singapore had important effects on the broader history of the island and its people. This module will explore the military dimension of the Singapore experience from both these perspectives: the military impact on Singapore and Singapore in broader military history. It will concentrate on the colonial period from the arrival of Raffles in 1819 to the withdrawal of British forces in the 1970s. This course is designed for students throughout NUS with an interest in history. SSA2209 Government and Politics of Singapore Offered by Department of Political Science Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): GEK2003, GEM2003K, PS1102, PS2101B, PS2101, PS2249, SS2209PS. Students majoring in PS are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): GEK2003, PS2249 This course examines a number of areas in Singapores domestic politics with the following objectives: identify the key determinants of Singapores politics; understand the key structuralfunctional aspects of Singapores domestic politics; examine the extent to which nation building has taken place in Singapore; and analyse the key challenges facing Singapore and its future as far as domestic politics is concerned. The course examines both the structural-functional aspects of domestic politics as well as issues related to nation building, state-society relations and the likely nature of future developments and challenges. SSA2211 The Evolution of a Global City-State Offered by Department of History Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): Nil Cross-listing(s): Nil The history of Singapore has traditionally been conceived along internal lines, based mainly, if not solely, on the traditional trajectories of administrative, political and national historical narratives. Yet, as we all know, the evolution of Singapore, from classical regional emporium to international port city and strategic naval base, has all along been defined by much larger regional and international forces. After its emergence as a sovereign state in 1965, Singapore continues to project itself as a global city-state. Our local society has an international make-up, being the product as it were of

historical and current diasporic trends. This module provides an international framework for a study of the history of Singapore, and seeks to examine the historical evolution of Singapore against the contexts of regional and international changes and developments from the 14th to the 20th century. This module is open to all students throughout NUS interested in Singapore history/studies. SSA2214 Singapore and India: Emerging Relations Offered by South Asian Studies Programme Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): Nil Cross-listing(s): Nil The module aims to examine the evolving economic linkages between Singapore and India in a postCold War setting and attempts to explain the factors that have led to their enhanced economic collaboration based on areas of complementarity. The module will use concepts like economic regionalism, Singapores regionalisation policy and Indias Look East policies to explain the confluence of national interests that has enhanced bilateral economic ties between both countries. In particular it will examine bilateral collaboration in infrastructure development (ports and telecommunications) and services (airline and tourism) industries to explain the success and problems of bilateral economic collaboration. The target audiences are students from various Faculties who would like to have a better understanding of Singapores evolving foreign economic policy in South Asia in an increasingly globalised economy. SSA2215 The Biophysical Environment of Singapore Offered by Department of Geography Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): GE2018. Students majoring in geography are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): GE2018 The module will focus on the functions of the biophysical environment of the city state of Singapore. The topics include geology, soils, river systems, water supply, natural reserves, green areas, land reclamation and coastal environments. The environmental problems that arise from the development of a large tropical city within a limited area, and the possible solutions for such problems will be examined. The module does not require an extensive science or mathematics background. SSA2218 Singapore Film: Performance of Identity Offered by Department of English Language and Literature Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-0-7 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): TS2238. Students who are majoring in TS, or intend to major in TS should not take SSA2218 Cross-listing(s): TS2238 This module is open to all students. It aims to introduce students to the history and development of film production in Singapore and its relationship with television, theatre and the internet. The module is structured to guide students to examine individual films as products of a specific period in the development of filmmaking in Singapore, as well as the ways that these texts perform and engage with the notion of a Singaporean activity.

SSA2219 South Asia in Singapore Offered by South Asian Studies Programme Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): Nil Cross-listing(s): Nil The South Asian presence in Singapore is an important part of Singapores multicultural society: in terms of the `Indian community and its economic and commercial influence; its religious and artistic impact; and its role in the everyday life of the nation (e.g. cuisine, sport and entertainment). Students will be provided the opportunity to understand the nature of South Asian migration to Singapore, the significance of the South Asian community and its contributions to Singapores development. Students will be provided with the necessary framework to study and analyse the historical and socioeconomic development of the community and South Asian identity and concerns. The module will develop critical and analytical skills guiding students in the process of social scientific enquiry. The target students are undergraduates from all Faculties. SSA2220 Global Economic Dimensions of Singapore Offered by Department of Economics Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): EC2202, EC2373 Cross-listing(s): EC2373 This course will introduce students to the dynamics of the world economy and the impact on Singapore in the last two centuries. It will demonstrate how Singapore grew through continual dependence on the rest of the world in different ways by focusing on major labour, capital and technological factors, in which threats are also seen as opportunities SSA3201 Singapore English-Language Theatre Offered by Department of English Language and Literature Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-5-2 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): TS3235. Students who are majoring in TS, or intend to major in TS should not take SSA3201. Cross-listing(s): TS3235 This module provides a grand overview of Singapore English Language Theatre as well as an indepth analysis of its canonical texts. It traces the development of Singapores cultural identity through her theatres shifting strategies of representation. Apart from contextualising the key texts within an awareness of Singapore cultural policy and social rubric, this module also focuses on an understanding of theoretical paradigms from postcolonialism, feminism, interculturalism and postmodernism. SSA3203 The Malays of Singapore Offered by Department of Malay Studies Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): MS3209. Students majoring in MS are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): MS3209 Who are the Malays of Singapore? How are they perceived and how do they perceive themselves?

These and other related questions will be raised in this module. To answer these questions we will discuss the Malays in the socio-economic and political context they live in. The module is divided into five topics: Topic 1 looks at the socio-history of the Malays. Topic 2 introduces approaches in studying Malays of Singapore. Topics 3, 4 and 5 look at different dimensions of their life in Singapore i.e. as Singapore citizens, as part of the Malay community and as members of Malay families. SSA3205 Singapores Foreign Policy Offered by Department of Political Science Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): PS3219B, SS3205PS, PS3249. Students majoring in PS are precluded from taking this module. Cross-listing(s): PS3249 This module analyses Singapores outlook towards the world with particular reference to countries in the West and Asia. It examines the following key issues affecting Singapores foreign policy: problems of a small state, factors influencing the worldview, the key foreign policy principles and precepts, the operationalisation of relations towards different countries; and the key differences in outlook towards the world in the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. The course is mounted for students throughout NUS with interest in Singapore and particularly its foreign policy. 2. School of Business SSB1204 Labour Laws in Singapore Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 The course introduces students to the development of industrial relations and labour laws in Singapore. Students can thus understand why labour relations are the way they are in Singapore. In addition, the course is not purely historical. A substantial part of the course is also aimed at looking at the current legal problems faced by employees and employers in Singapore. This course will be of general relevance to all as students are in all likelihood going to be employees or employers some day. SSB2212 Singapore Legal System: Implications for Business Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-2(fortnightly)-0-0-6 Preclusion(s): Students from Faculty of Law, B.B.A. and B.B.A. (Hons.) Singapores legal system pervades everyday life. It affects the daily lives of Singapores inhabitants as much as it does commercial activities. This module seeks to provide a broad understanding of the Singapore legal system and its impact on business activities, an awareness of the importance of conducting business within the law, and that of real world issues through case studies. At the end of the module, students will gain a better understanding of the workings of the Singapore legal system in relation to commercial dealings and an exposure to legal analysis, reasoning, application, evaluation, argument and communication. The module is targeted at all students seeking a broad understanding of the workings of Singapores legal system, particularly in relation to commercial activities. SSB2216 Employee Management in Singapore Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 3(sectional)-0-0-4-3 Prerequisite(s): Nil

Preclusion(s): MNO2302 This course aims to provide insights into the different approaches in employee management adopted by organisations in Singapore. The relationship between organisation structures, cultures and human resource practices will be explored. Some contemporary issues and challenges, such as the changing demographic and its implications for the workplace will also be examined. Students reading this course will be able to gain insights into the intricacies of employee management in Singapore, and hence be able to understand the implications for and impact of such practices on their roles in the workplace. 3. School of Design and Environment SSD1203 Real Estate Development and Investment Law Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-3-4 Preclusion(s): BSP1004A, BSP1004B, GEK1009, SSB2212; Students from School of Design and Environment and Faculty of Law are precluded from taking this module. Comments: Offered only in Semester Two This Module introduces students to the law pertaining to real estate development and investment in Singapore. Students will acquire an understanding and appreciation of the policies, circumstances and legal principles which underpin and shape the law on the availability, ownership, development and usage of real estate in Singapore. Students will also gain insight into legal analysis and modes of legal reasoning. This module is targeted at all students across Faculties who have had no exposure to Real Estate Law and wish to acquire a broad understanding of the multiple legal issues that pertain to the built environment. SSD2210 Managing Singapores Built Environment Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-4-3 Preclusion(s): Students from Department of Building and students who have read RE1180 or RE1803. This module introduces students to the rationale for, and process of, the emergence and growth of Singapores built environment from a third-world country to a world-class city. It enables students to have an understanding and appreciation of the economic and social aspects and implications of how properties and infrastructure are developed and managed, given the constraints that Singapore faces. It also encourages them to develop alternative views on how the built environment can help Singapore continue to prosper and remain relevant in the region. This module is open to all undergraduates who are interested in Singapores physical development. SSD2213 Singapore Urban History and Architecture Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-2-5 This module introduces the urban history and architecture of Singapore from an inter-disciplinary perspective. It covers the period from its beginnings as an ancient market and settlement of Tanmahsi or Singapura, to its foundation and development as a colonial trading post, to its independence and formation as a nation. This module aims to stimulate intellectual discourse and critical thinking by drawing upon these recent pasts, using inter-disciplinary approaches, to frame and cast the contemporary issues of the nation, its city and its architecture.

4. Faculty of Science SSS1207 Natural Heritage of Singapore Modular Credits: 4 Workload: 2-1-0-4-3 Prerequisite(s): Nil Preclusion(s): Nil Cross-listing(s): Nil Located within one of the global centres of biodiversity, Singapore is endowed with a rich natural heritage that is impacted by expanding urbanisation. Development poses a great challenge to nature conservation and Singapore is an excellent model to study how a balance can be achieved. Students will be introduced to the countrys natural heritage, its historical, scientific and potential economic value. Students will have the opportunity to explore important habitats and to think critically about the issues of sustainable development as well as the nations responsibility to posterity and to regional and international conventions related to biodiversity conservation. Students are expected to undertake field trips on their own, in their own time, within the semester; and are encouraged to be independent learners. A special website with information on the places to visit and their significance serves as a semi-interactive IT resource. Suggested trails and what can be observed are on the website. The students independence and experiential learning aspects are strongly encouraged.

[As at July 2009]