World Issues: A Singapore

Perspective

Ngee Ann Polytechnic School of Interdisciplinary Studies

April 2011

1. Learn about current GLOBAL issues and events.

2. Examine these issues in a LOCAL context and explore the challenges facing Singapore.

3. Discuss the concepts of sovereignty and citizenship.

What will we be doing in this module?

WISP Objectives1. To engage in active learning about world

events and global issues such as racism, terrorism and globalisation.

2. To gain a deeper understanding of these issues.

3. To see the relevance of world issues and events to the political, social and economic scenes in Singapore.

4. To develop competence in articulating and expressing thoughts and informed opinions.

Topics covered in WISP

1.Prejudice & Discrimination in a Globalising World

2.Conflicts around the World

3.Global Trends

How will you best learn in WISP?

5 Simple Steps …

READ magazines, newspapers (online or print), watch the news on television. Be aware and find out what is going on in our world!

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” (Marcel Proust)

Step 1

THINK … how do these issues and events affect our lives in Singapore?

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” (Martin Luther King)

Step 2

ASK questions and SHARE your views with your friends and tutor in class.

“It is not the answer that enlightens, but the question.” (Eugene Ionesco Decouvertes)

Step 3

RESPECT each other’s opinions. Not everyone might have the same beliefs and we need to learn to listen to views other than our own.

“The goal of education is to replace an empty mind with an open mind.” (Malcolm Forbes)

Step 4

TRY your best … that’s all anyone can ask of you!

“The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” (Lao Tzu)

Step 5

WISP Quick Facts!

1. In its 16th run. Classes are in small module groups (about 25 per class).

2. Prescribed module for ALL Level 3 students, hence the large cohort (approximately 2000 students this semester).

3. Available on MeL (http://mel.np.edu.sg)

4. 69.0% of Oct 2010 students obtained Bs and above (compared to 65.0% in Apr 10). 100 students obtained AD. Seven failed.

Assessments in WISPASSESSMENT 1 – Exploratory Paper on a Current Global Issue: Due 16 May, 5:00PM (Week 5)

20%

ASSESSMENT 2 – Group Google Maps & Investigative Report Submission (What in the World): Due 27 June, 5:00PM (Week 11)

40%

ASSESSMENT 3 – In-class Group Presentation (Home & Away): Due Weeks 13-14 (by 22 July 11)

30%

CLASS PARTICIPATION & ATTITUDE(Throughout the term)

10%

TOTAL 100%

Key Events

• Date: 20 January 2011 (Week 13)

• Venue: Block 5

• Time: 1:00-2:45PM

SAF Camp Visits