Arts, social sciences curriculum enhanced

Incoming Arts and Social Sciences students can look forward to a revised, more flexible curriculum from Academic Year 2016/17. Launched on 7 September, the modified curriculum aims to strengthen the foundation for first-year students, allow them more breadth to explore interests outside their major without delaying graduation, and still ensure depth and specialised training in the major disciplines.

The launch event was graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ong Ye Kung, Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education and Skills) and attended by some 300 NUS students, teachers, staff, alumni and prospective students.

The revised curriculum includes the introduction of two new compulsory modules — Writing Academically: Arts and Social Sciences, and Public Writing and Communication — to boost students’ skills in writing, expression, and communication. The restructured curriculum will give students greater flexibility to pursue a broad-based education and explore other interests, including double majors and overseas programmes. Students will have an option to take two more Unrestricted Electives to pursue non-major or cross-faculty modules. The minimum number of modules required for majors have been reduced to make space for the new compulsory modules and Unrestricted Electives. Additionally, internships will be formalised as part of the curriculum to encourage students to gain work-related experience before graduation.

The last major revision to the curriculum took place more than 10 years ago.

“Increasingly, many of our students are taking up a second major and signing up for internships under NUS Overseas Colleges and other programmes. Many of them have to extend their studies by six months to a year to take up these valuable opportunities. The revised curriculum will allow our students to pursue their interests and achieve a more all-rounded learning experience at NUS and also graduate on time,” Professor Brenda Yeoh, Dean of NUS Arts and Social Sciences said.

In his speech, Mr Ong stressed the importance of humanities and social science education in economy, public policy and the society. He pointed out the need to support young people to discover and pursue their interests and aspirations and fulfil their potential.

“This is a policy position that is pragmatic, because the jobs of the future need the humanities and social science perspective,” he said. “It is also inspired, because these are disciplines that inherently cultivate open-mindedness and an appreciation for multiple perspectives, which we will need to tackle the complex problems of today and tomorrow. Above all, it is based on a faith that people do best in what they are interested in.”

A roundtable discussion titled “The Value of a Humanities and Social Science Education” was held during the event. Panellists included notable alumni of NUS Arts and Social Sciences — Professor Kishore Mahbubani, Dean of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at NUS; Professor Wang Gungwu, University Professor at NUS Arts and Social Sciences and Chairman of the East Asian Institute at NUS; and Professor Chan Heng Chee, NUS Board Trustee, Chairman of the National Arts Council and Ambassador-at-Large with the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The discussion was moderated by Mr Paul Tan, Deputy Chief Executive Officer at the National Arts Council.

(From left) Mr Tan, Prof Chan, Prof Mahbubani and Prof Wang at the roundtable discussion

Through personal anecdotes, the panellists illustrated how qualities and skills they had gained from a broad-based education in the humanities and social sciences have impacted and helped their lives and careers. It helped shape their minds; developed their ability for critical thinking and analysis; provided a better social perspective and understanding to cope with ambiguity; and lastly, inculcated an affinity for language that enables effective and clear communication.

“At the end of the day, what you’re trying to get from the university education is not specific information about what Wittgenstein said or what Karl Marx said,” Professor Kishore shared. “What you’re trying to get is an ability to think, analyse (and) write well... And if you can acquire those skills, they are amazingly useful.”

The question and answer segment focused primarily on the idea of the humanities and social science education as “impractical” in the job market.

In response, the panellists called for a change in how education is perceived; instead of the singular focus on grades and jobs, it should be seen as a tool for enhancing character and gaining skills.

“Go for a good education and leave your minds open,” Prof Chan advised. “Turn to the job that helps you and you change the job with your education. Don’t be too hung up on what sort of job you want to do.”

A student posing a question to the panellists

See media release.