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]