2022 Modules

Behavioural Economics: where Economics meets Psychology! | E101

Classical economics assumed all economic agents will make rational decisions that maximise their net benefit. Yet, these agents are often making seemingly irrational decisions in a systematic manner. Behavioural economics takes a closer look at some of the 'irrational' cognitive biases and the psychology driving human behaviour.

By Ms Tee Lay Hoon

Contentious or Contented: Democracy, Separation of Powers & Civil Society in Singapore | S101

What is “democracy”? Often envisioned as an egalitarian platform for different groups in society to express their needs and aspirations, many may associate democracy with the visible forms of voting, parliamentary debates and even protests. But Singapore seems to occupy a unique position: for instance, despite being a long-standing economic and military partner of the US, Singapore was notably excluded from the US-led Summit For Democracy in 2021. Yet, against claims about Singapore’s lack of democracy, the high quality of life and welfare here expected from the prioritisation of people’s collective interests surpasses many other countries, including nations that espouse liberal democracy. 

This module thereby aims to explore common conceptions of democracy, and investigate the merits and drawbacks of Singapore’s take on how democracy should function. We will also provide a pluralist overview of Singapore’s political landscape and the institutions and actors involved, taking a closer look at what the Constitution is and how constitutionalism is practised in Singapore, before evaluating historical examples of local activism and pragmatic resistance. 

By Alumni from Yale NUS [EXTERNAL]

Shots and Cuts: Semiosis in Film | F101

This module explores the use of cinematography and editing techniques in order to convey meaning in a film's narrative. Each week, students will watch movies of varying genres and explore how directorial decisions on camera angles and cuts help to develop the film thematically.

By Mr Christian Russell De La Cruz

Bioethics | B101

A course on the moral and ethical perspectives in conflict as presented by the advances of technology. The consideration of legal implications and the complications of mismatched international laws will also be brought into play. Knowledge of biology is not necessary.

By Mr William Wee

Nature Journaling | N101

Art, science, and poetry come together in this module that is less about aesthetics than it is about opening your mind’s eye and learning to see by creating a journal entry of your own. A scientific-minded teacher, Mr Azmi, is joining forces with Ms Ann Ang, a published writer of two books, to bring you a truly interdisciplinary module.  

By Mr Azmi Mohammed & Ms Ann Ang [EXTERNAL]

Advancing Gender Equality Project | EX101

The project strives to aid in understanding gender norms ad stereotypes, identify social issues relating to gender, and develop skills in analysing community issues related to gender, as well as that in research methodology and instruments.

By UWS [EXTERNAL]

Water Security in Singapore | TE101

As temperatures continue their unrelenting rise, and vast swathes of the planet becoming arid desert, how can we continue to access potable water? In this module, we would attempt to devise an integrated, effective and cost-efficient roadmap to meet the nation’s water needs.

By TESLA x HSSLA

Pandemic Narratives by Crystal Goh | EX201

We live according to the narratives we construct and communicate. This module serves as a guide to observing and gaining awareness of how we are communicating narratives about our personal identities in the shifting and accelerating virtual world and to consider how that affects our wellbeing in personal ways.

The emphasis isn’t just on understanding how we make and express narratives about ourselves in the virtual world, but also on exploring how we can tap on the intuitive and speculative nature of creativity to relate to the difficulties within the virtual world and to create new meaning together.

By Crystal Goh [EXTERNAL]

Order! - A Peak into Singapore's Judicial System | SL201

Is justice really blind? Are the scales for judgement really balanced? How can we better understand the legal process and how do we reconcile sentences that do not seem to match our expectations?

This module will equip you with a basic understanding of the legal process by using case studies of high-profile cases in Singapore to illustrate why and how particular outcomes were derived. We will also consider how crimes are committed by people of different social status to study the justification and accessibility of the Singapore legal system.

By Wenting, Yuqi, Chernoa, and Ee Zen; mentored by Mr William Wee

Predicting Human Behaviour - Behavioral Finance and Game Theory | SL202

Ever wanted to find out why humans behave the way they do, or what affects the decision making process people undertake? Psychology can be influential towards how people, investors, economies and markets behave, and Systematic errors and biases recur predictably in certain circumstances, and mathematical modelling can be used to study the strategic interactions between rational agents. Explore more about the real life applications of behavioural finance and game theory in this module!

By Chloe, Trish, and Kia Ying; mentored by Ms Tee Lay Hoon

“Just The Weigh You Are” – Body Positivity in Singapore and its Impact on Adolescent Identity Formation | SL203

What’s the link between body positivity and identity formation of adolescents in Singapore? The Body Positivity Movement (BPM) began around 2012 to promote confidence and acceptance of all body shapes. While Western countries have been pushing for body positivity, the movement is less prevalent in Singapore. Despite that, since the BPM has been very prominent on social media, adolescents are becoming more exposed to it. This module will look into how adolescent identity could be formed by beauty standards in Singapore, social media, peer comparison, amongst other factors, and how body positivity has helped shape their identity. Yet, are all impacts of the BPM indeed positive?

By Ting Ying, Vanessa, and Kyra; mentored by Ms Christiyani

Criminal Psychology | SL204

Have you ever wondered why criminals commit crimes? The module we will be conducting will provide an overview of how psychological theories can be applied to practices of crime and to criminal offenders. It covers a wide field of psychology to address the complexity of crime and offending across the world and within the unique socio-political and cultural context of Singapore. References and case studies will also be made to well-known criminal offenders, such as the BTK serial killer. We will be examining how theories and concepts in psychology are applied in law enforcement and change in offenders both across the world and in Singapore.

By Joanna, Vera, and Zi Rui; mentored by Ms Amanlia Toh 

The Art of Human Communication | SL205

How often do we contemplate the way humans interact with each other? Did you know that the language(s) you converse in influence how one perceives you? Language and culture play an integral part in shaping human identity and are intertwined with politics, social standing and economic imperatives. From exploring the history and evolution of various languages, to contemplating the use of the seemingly mundane Singlish, this module will prove to be enriching for all who seek to understand how language influences lives in ways you never realised. 

By Nancy and Jiaxuan; mentored by Mr Eugene Sng

#KimKardashian, #GrumpyCat, #DonaldTrump - Celebrity and Internet Activity | SL206

The internet has become something unavoidable in our daily lives, and we rely on it heavily for so many different things, be it communication, information or entertainment. With the advent of the internet, what makes a celebrity? Why can’t everyone become celebrities? Does the form and practice of celebrity change or remain constant even after the advent of the internet? And more importantly, how does this impact the media that they produce?

By understanding the relationship between celebrity culture and the internet, students will be equipped with tools to view celebrity activity with an analytical lens. This allows students to learn more about celebrity culture and gain a better understanding of how the celebrities we now know and love have changed over time. Students will also be able to better navigate the internet, and hopefully utilise their newfound knowledge to predict future developments of the relationship between celebrities and the internet.

By Valencia, Cadence, and Yu Han; mentored by Mrs Yap Huilin

Contemporary Propaganda in Films | SL207

A quote from 1984 by George Orwell, “Power is in tearing human minds to pieces and putting them together again in new shapes of your own choosing." From historical times to today, films have proven to be an especially effective medium to transmit propagandist ideas. However, as the public grows increasingly resistant towards blatant imposition of such ideologies, propaganda movies now take on a new form to remain successful in projecting the nations’ influences on its people and beyond. In this module, we will be exploring different categories of contemporary propaganda films, and how it evolved into what it is today.

By Shannon, Anna, and Song Zhuo; mentored by Ms Candida Ho

Progress or Conservation? | SL208

Where lies the boundary of sacrificing social and environmental considerations for our economy? The use of animals in scientific research is essential in the development of drugs and treatments, as well as higher quality products but this raises concerns about animal welfare. Tangible and intangible heritage and traditions may be lost in the pursuit of economic progress. Did you know? Latest inventions like the block chain technology and war technology do take a significant toll on the environment. So how do we reach that perfect middle ground and what goes behind a policy decision?  

By Eunice, Zi Tian, and Qinyuan; mentored by Mr Eugene Sng

Power and Philosophy | SL209

Power is the ability or capacity to do something. Throughout human history, there have existed countless stories and myths about families being torn apart, and wars being sparked between nations by people thirsting for ever greater power. Has the concept of power changed with modern times, or do some things truly stay the same forever? In this module, we will be exploring the five bases of power, their implications on human morality and how we can use power to make a positive impact on our society.

By Yu Xuan and Donovan; mentored by Mrs Yap Huilin

Disinformation: The Danger You Don't See | SL210

Power is the ability or capacity to do something. Throughout human history, there have existed countless stories and myths about families being torn apart, and wars being sparked between nations by people thirsting for ever greater power. Has the concept of power changed with modern times, or do some things truly stay the same forever? In this module, we will be exploring the five bases of power, their implications on human morality and how we can use power to make a positive impact on our society.

By Ching Ting and Hengli; mentored by Ms Amanlia Toh

DeFining the Future of Finance | SL211

Since the turn of the decade, the explosive growth of DeFi has given rise to the rapid prominence of new communities, technology, talent and capital. Surely you have heard of technologies such as NFTs and Cryptocurrencies? However, DeFi is not just a niche alternative currency, but instead can serve to enhance, empower, and the economies and people around us, which entails a lot more interesting topics, such as GameFi. While nascent, many governments, individuals and organisations have come around to agree that we are on the cusp of a new era, and the implications that arise may be for the better or for the worse. By attending this module, attendees will not only gain a better grasp of the benefits and detriments of such a new technology, and also be better informed when it comes to DeFi, through interactive presentations and discourse. Hence, at the end of this module, we wish to equip module attendees with the appropriate skills and knowledge to navigate and perhaps capitalise off this new sector. 

By Rei Yew and Fang Hong; mentored by Mr Christian Russell De La Cruz