Taught by: Dr Alexandra Dalferro
Name: Lim Tze Ren, Ryan (Telegram Handle: @ryanlimm)
Content (Structure/Organization): -
I think you could just refer to the syllabus that should be linked to the module listing on the general breakdown of topics covered during the module. For individual classes, class discussion is typically centered around the reading(s) for that class with some of the readings being discussed through student presentations. Additionally, Prof Alexandra has regular mini-workshops to target specific writing practices--writing effective introductions/conclusions, referencing/citing other works, formulating thesis statements, etc.
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
"Due to the niche topic, the content covered and type of analysis required may initially seem daunting but I highly recommend this module even for people who are not familiar with environmental humanities or art.
Writing: Students who have taken classes in Literature or Art History are likely to be more comfortable with the formal analysis of artworks required in the module. That said, Prof Alexandra is quite open to individual writing styles as long as the analysis is well-substantiated. As someone with no prior experience with art analysis (in a class where almost everyone else is an artist or has studied art in some form), I really enjoyed learning from my peers and developing myself in a new subject area.
Content: Prof Alexandra has carefully curated texts centered on art and climate change in the context of Southeast Asia. As someone who was interested to study more about the region, I found the texts read in this module to be refreshingly unique and deeply insightful. Most of the texts are comprehensible though there are a few that require more careful reading as they build on more esoteric discussions in the environmental humanities. These texts are actually the most insightful but would require some personal research to understand them meaningfully. Discussion in class with Prof Alexandra helps to clarify difficult content and the module encourages multiplicity in interpretations."
Manageability of Workload: 4
"Generally 2 - 3 readings are assigned per week with the reading load being manageable. Typically, 1 - 2 forum posts per week usually due the night before class that concerns the readings of the next day class or some form of mini writing exercise.
A total of 3 graded assignments and 1 ungraded writing diagnostic. Assignment prompts are given in advance and Prof Alexandra is very reasonable and accommodative with her deadlines. Owing to it being an introductory writing module, assignment deliverables are also split up so that you would not have to write the entire assignment in one sitting."
Presence of Technical Learning:
Formal analysis of art
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
NIL
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
I really enjoyed what I learnt in this module. While the subject matter might seem uninteresting for those who are not inclined to learning about the environment, art or Southeast Asia, I hope that you would keep an open mind and take this module. This module encourages a more sensitively engagement with the world around us and I think that is important regardless of what major you are in.
About the Instructor:
Prof Alexandra is a very capable and nurturing professor. She has extensive domain expertise on art, the environment, and Southeast Asia (she is also one of the Impact Experience professors). However, she encourages her students to share their own interpretations of the text and intentionally fosters an open and inclusive learning environment. She also encourages learning outside the classroom and used class time for a visit to the museum where we spoke to the gallery curator and an interview/conversation with Arahmaiani, a pioneering Indonesian performance artist.