SSA2204/GES1010: NATION-BUILDING IN SINGAPORE

CA2: RESEARCH ESSAY

QUESTION
The Singapore Story, as presented through National Education, is based on a historical
narrative of struggle against the odds for survival and success. The present version of this
module presents Singapore’s nation-building history as one of managing differences. Are
both interpretations mutually exclusive or do they overlap?
Whichever position you decide on, your response must be based on a clear, detailed, and
substantiated understanding of both interpretations. You may also suggest other
interpretations of Singapore’s nation-building history, which similarly must also be
explained and substantiated.
Guidance
Based on the themes and issues presented in this module, as well as your personal exposure
to public presentations of Singapore history (e.g. Singapore history and Social Studies in
schools, public exhibitions etc.), we are essentially asking for an informed examination of
how Singapore’s nation-building history has been presented, to get you to formulate a
position on the topic via research, and finally to articulate it in written form.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. We are testing your ability to research
and to write a coherent, substantiated, and persuasive response to the question posed.
For general reference to how the Singapore Story was originally conceptualized and critically
engaged, see the following:

 Lee Hsien Loong’s 1997 speech launching National Education:

https://www.moe.gov.sg/media/speeches/1997/170597.htm
 The National Library of Singapore’s online resource, HistorySG (with additional
references in the article): http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/history/events/44fa0306-
ddfe-41bc-8bde-8778ff198640
 Loh Kah Seng’s critique of this supposed State narrative “Within The Singapore Story:
The Use and Narrative of History in Singapore”, Crossroads: An Interdisciplinary
Journal of Southeast Asian Studies, Vol. 12, No. 2 (1998), pp. 1-21
Word-limit: 1,500 words maximum (inclusive of footnotes, exclude bibliography).
You are free to use the reading list provided in the syllabus and / or from other sources,
primary or secondary. All sources used must be properly cited in the essay using the Chicago
style. (Tutorial 3 covers this aspect of essay-writing).

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INSTRUCTIONS
You have 4 Nov, 1700hrs to submit the hardcopy and softcopy versions of your paper (so
you can enjoy your weekend or use it to complete another assignment).

 You will write out and submit your responses in .doc format (Microsoft Word or
similar word processers).
 A slight change from CA1. Please follow this order for the file title: tutorial group,
family name and initials, and CA2, e.g. “GO1-HOCT-CA2”.
 You are required to upload the file in the IVLE folder labelled “Research Essay-CA2
(TURNITIN)”. You are also required to upload a copy into your Tutorial Group folder.
 You are required to submit a hardcopy at the Department of History. A designated
mailbox will be set aside to collect your papers. The mailbox can be found next to
the General Office at AS1, Level 5. (From the entrance, turn left and walk to the end
to find the mailboxes).
 The word limit will be strictly enforced. 1 point will be deducted for every extra 10
words or part thereof.
 Essay must include both footnotes and a bibliography. Please use the Chicago style.
For general reference, go to
http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html. Incomplete citation
styles may be subjected to a grade penalty. Absence of footnotes and bibliography
may lose the paper at least half a grade.
 Late submissions, that is after 4 Nov, 1700hrs, will be subjected to a points penalty. If
you have trouble meeting the deadline, please let your tutor know.
 Academic Offences: Plagiarism is a serious academic offence. Please review the
section on Plagiarism in the following URL:
http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/ac/launch.htm. Generally speaking, plagiarism refers to
authors using information but not acknowledging its source (and hence passing it off,
intentionally or otherwise, as his / her own). Related, partial or full lifting of
sentences even if credited with a footnote (except for direct quotes), is considered
cheating.

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