Taught by: Dr David Merry
Name: Deng Guoyao Steve Eric
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The course readings were more philosophical at the start, possibly to provide a fundamental understanding of future readings (much like setting up the playing field). It then evolved to examine specific solutions such as community intervention and conservationism, before introducing counter-arguments such as resistance to moral thought.
I would say that this course is mostly structured as there are required readings for each week, with the flexibility being dependent on students' experiences as well as if they read the optional readings.
Manageability of Workload: 4
I would dare say that this course has one of the lowest workloads for any NTW, because it only has two major papers. There are also at least two reviews (one peer + one consult) before every major submission. Of course, the peak workload moment comes when writing the research essay as that tests your ability to come up with new content.
Seminar preparation is also very manageable as Prof David only goes through specific parts of readings during class.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
I would say that Prof David tends towards the liberal side in terms of handing out good grades, but up till A-.
From what I can tell, only one or two students get As for their assignments. Personally, I feel that a deep understanding of the readings and arguments is needed to get an A (which means a lot of time used, something undergrads generally fight for).
However, an A- is really achievable with some effort as Prof David gives specific feedback and helps you to clarify your thought processes. Over time, all of my classmates' grades improved, with the median score improving for each assignment.
B+ tends to be the standard grade for this course if you are average.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
This definitely exposed me to new skills such as writing research proposals and essays, and gaining new perspectives about the topic of sustainability through philosophical arguments, etc.
About the Instructor:
I felt Prof David was fantastic and made NTW a more bearable subject. He had deep knowledge and expertise of the subject, and was able to challenge our thinking by proposing new perspectives. He also tried to use other ways to teach us, for example by bringing us to the museum and the Ventus garden. ("break open the classroom" lol)
However, one minor criticism I have of Prof David is that sometimes he can be overly optimistic, such that you may not understand the severity of your writing problems.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Although Prof is not offering this course next sem (24/25 Sem 2), I would encourage people to try his new NTW! Prof David is really an awesome professor and he is always willing to stay back and help if needed. As long as you put in the effort, you can rest assured Prof David tries to enable you to succeed.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
The syllabus was very organised, prof gives us an overview of what will be covered and what needs to be submitted weekly since the start of the semester so you're not bombarded with any new tasks. In addition, he sends out an email weekly to remind us of what homework is due and provides us with extra readings and optional exercises. Prof also allows us to use any related readings not from his list for our assignments, so if you find something intriguing online and want to work on that he's chill with it!
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
I think that just general knowledge about the world is enough to understand this mod. I had extra background in A level geography which only helped me with my general knowledge on the mod in general, but not on the readings. So if you're coming in with no knowledge at all, fret not!
Manageability of Workload: 3
I think like all NTW courses, this one also has a high workload. We have submissions weekly but prof giving us a heads-up since the first lesson is extremely useful in planning your weekly workload. Readings are sometimes very heavy and very long but they're extremely useful in your submissions and it is very obvious if you don't do it because prof asks questions in class to everyone.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
I think it is relatively easy to get a B+ to A- in this course. Meeting prof for consults and working on his feedback is a sure way to improve. I ended up with an A for my final paper after working on all his feedback. He also returns you the marked assignments with rubrics and personalised feedback so you know that he is not unfair and very, very transparent with his grading.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
I think this course made me understand sustainability much more from all points of view and that it is not as straightforward as everyone going vegan or recycling. The philosophical concepts taught also made me appreciate and evaluate life (things I do, buy, etc.) in many different ways.
About the Instructor:
Prof is extremely knowledgeable in both domains of sustainability and philosophy. He can answer most questions posted to him but if he does not, he will search it up and discuss it with the class. He also explains concepts very well, often also using games, discussions, analogies, etc. to ensure we understand it better.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
I picked this mod because I just had an interest in sustainability and I thought having a background in geography would help. Honestly, I lucked into getting Prof David as my prof as he was the kindest and most understanding prof who was very open to both giving and receiving feedback from us. I thoroughly enjoyed his lessons.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
The course has a clear structure with themes and units, indicating that much planning was done by the professor. At the same time, the structure and schedule was more receptive to mid-sem feedback, and saw some changes in the second half based on students' feedback.
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
Someone with no or little background in philosophy will struggle as we are 'thrown' into readings with heavy theoretical concepts. Iit was difficult for me to understand the first readings without prior knowledge. The professor could have 'spoon fed' more in the first few classes by explaining the reading more, given the difficult nature of the topics to ease the transition before allowing students to be more independent as the course progresses.
Manageability of Workload: 2
Very high workload due to final assignment being a long essay, with outlines and drafts in the lead-up. Readings are longer than for the average NUSC Making Connections course.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
As with most writing-heavy courses, it is difficult to score an A if you are not an excellent writer. Nevertheless, I felt that the professor's grading standards is generally on par with most NUSC professors.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
The writing skills of this course definitely helped students improve their writing, particularly those with writing-heavy degree programmes. The content may be more applicable to those interested in environmental topics, or embarking on related projects or careers.
About the Instructor:
The professor is very receptive to feedback. In the first run of the course in AY22/23 Sem 2, the class provided feedback in the mid-sem juncture that there should be more out-of-classroom learning experiences, given the course class covers environmental topics. The professor responded by re-arranging the second half's schedule and included trips to Ventus garden and SDE's garden, giving us an idea of class concepts in practice.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
I would regard this as on the more difficult and heavier workload course. I would advise potential students to be interested in environmental philosophy and environmental topics, as this interest would certainly make the difference as it allows one to be more passionate about the course and readings.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
Clear learning outcomes and syllabus is outlined well.
Clear reading materials and what is to be expected of us each lesson. Provides us a lesson handout before each lesson so we have an idea of how class will be conducted/ what will be covered which I think is really helpful.
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
Accessible because Prof really does a good job in breaking down difficult concepts into bite sized ones. Plentiful discussions which crafts your perspective and train of thought.
Manageability of Workload: 2
Heavy because of the nature of the course being one that requires alot of writing. Readings (10 pages per lesson) which I think is okay. I spend about 1 hour on readings before each lesson.4
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Not an easy course to get an A in given the difficulty of the learning material, but not to say that it is impossible. I think that Prof is fair in the gradings that he gives, and I really value his feedback in being very helpful and tailored to my writing. He really provides insightful comments which, if taken into account and if one is mindful of that in their next writing attempt, I am sure that improvements in grades will be made.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Great!
About the Instructor:
Very knowledgeable and passionate towards the course materials! He is always very enthusiastic in leading class discussions and creates a very safe and comfortable space for every one of us to share our thoughts; something which I think is critical given the complexity of the environmental philosophy content. I used to shy away from philosophical debate due to its daunting nature, but now I am much more confident in expressing my thoughts.
His slides are also helpful and he puts across his lesson material in a very clear way.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Go for it :) I personally really enjoyed myself because Prof made the content so much more accessible and digestible, despite it seeming very difficult at first.
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The content is greatly varied, it lets us see and understand environmental problems from multiple author's perspectives.
Accessibility and Assessment: 3
I know nothing about any environmental writers and academic writing before this course. I was really struggling with it at the beginning. I have to admit, some of the readings are still quite complex, like the reading on deep ecology by guha and simple living concept by Thoreau. The intrinsic value argument is quite complex due to how abstract the concept of value things for their own sake. The paper are quite philosophical in nature, however, prof is willing to meet up and explain to u the concepts if ur willing to find him in ur own time.
Manageability of Workload: 2
Heavy workload. I take 12 hours and more for the essay assignments at times. And it takes about 1 to 2 hours to read each reading (2 readings per week)
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Not really easy. Things like language and the complexity of ur thinking cannot be developed to the same level as ur well read, well-spoken peers, however, the grading is reasonable, you can do alright if you spend time trying to analyse the questions and also talking to prof to clarify doubts.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
I think quite useful for the writing and doing research. though the environmental evaluations may not be as applicable to my major, I think it can still be applied to my daily live to some extent.
About the Instructor:
The prof is friendly and approachable, and he really tries to enhance our thinking and writing
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Writer's Centre can only help you to read through ur work, helping with structure for this course. The concepts are quite difficult and prof has a slightly different type of expectation, so the people at writer's centre cant really help u to develop your arguments. Best way to improve is to ask the prof directly.
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The learning outcomes were not very clear at the start when I was applying for this course. However, after attending this course personally, the learning outcomes became clearer due to my professor's explanations.
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
This course is really easy to pick up as a beginner, though a certain level of passion is required to be able to fully appreciate this course.
Manageability of Workload: 3
This course is really feasible, though a little heavier than other courses due to the amount of time I spent on writing essays. It is about 1.5 times the workload of NGN (Bart Van class)
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
It is pretty achievable as long as we heed David's advice in class, and put in consistent effort in attaining good grades.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
It is really mind blowing to be in his class, as I was introduced to certain environmental concepts and ethics which I really enjoy. I would miss this class thoroughly.
About the Instructor:
My professor is really helpful throughout the entire course. He was really receptive about our opinions and feedback, and really open to different perspectives. I really like the way he teach as it gave me a sense of comfort and confidence in how I express myself in class. I do not feel as tense and anxious in his class compared to the other classes I have taken, given that I am a novice writer who needs more help.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Take it if you are passionate in this course, or else it would be really dry for you.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
Prof Merry takes a lot of time to plan out the content of the course and does this well. Each unit builds on top of the other and no reading feels like it is included just for readings sake. The workload is higher than should be but I think this is characteristic of any NTW course. 10 hours/week is just not enough with the amount of writing, reading and presenting you should do.
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
Prof Merry takes a lot of time to keep things engaging with the content. The professor takes a lot of time to introduce every writing technique, philosophical concept, environmental conservation techniques. He uses content from the media to keep things fresh and interesting, and also demonstrate the relevancy of what we are studying.
Manageability of Workload: 4
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
I believe the professor is generally quite fair with the grading. It's definitely not easy to get an A, it takes a lot of consultation, work and effort. But it is definitely doable and not impossible. However, it is definitely not easy.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Although the content relating to environmental sustainability philosophies may not be directly related to my major, the writing and thinking skills that I learnt will be. Even the environmental philosophy topics was interesting and who knows, perhaps I will get to apply it some day.
About the Instructor:
Prof Merry is highly knowledgeable. I don't remember a question that I asked that he couldn't answer. He is highly effective in communicating the need for smart, thoughtful environmental philosophies and their relevance to the real world. Although classes can sometimes be awkward (especially near the beginning of the semester) he tries to get everyone to mix and be friends as much as possible. His excursions outside or in campus were simple yet so effective at putting our learning in front of us.
Name: Tan Wilbyn (@wilbynhood)
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
The course is well-structured, flowing from distinct narratives of environmental philosophy, priming the class with relevant perspectives before edging towards current affairs, different approaches and actions taken by whole governments, societies, and individuals. We first learn how mindsets amongst environmental literati and scholarship differ fundamentally before discussing salient topics like ethics, morality, the concept of 'simplicity' and more. This gave us great frameworks for our final research paper where we are able to practice how to write academically.
We are also given two field trip opportunities to Ventus Garden and around Potong Pasir to explore natural spaces, natural heritage and people's opinions regarding these topics. This form of gathering primary data and firsthand experiences is really beneficial. Not just for its learning value, but to show students that ultimately the mod wants us to really see things for ourselves, rather than depend on online resources, second-hand accounts, and non-personal data. This is really good education at its core - ethical, meaningful, and empowering self-directed learning.
I believe that a good writing mod will go beyond the content to focus towards the technicalities and skill sets behind writing well academically. This course does exactly that.
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
It is very possible for someone with no background knowledge to learn from this course. While having a passion and love for nature is helpful, it is not necessary in order to understand the course material. In fact, I am a History student, a FASS major, and I was still able to understand the concepts that were taught. There is no need for a pre-requisite in biology or environmental science. Just be open to learn!
Manageability of Workload: 2
Similar to other NTW courses, the workload is already expected to be high. However, assignments are relatively spread out and the purpose of each assignment is scaffolded to ensure proper learning of writing skills. The reading notes assignments are helpful as it allows for creativity and for students to practice distilling arguments. This is crucial for achieving objectivity and impartiality as much as possible in academic writing. The reading response, presentations and final paper are all necessary trials for students to sharpen their skills and evolve their skills over time. I would say, don't expect to enter a fundamental mod such as NTW with the hopes of getting the 'easy way out of things'. It most probably will not work in your favor and will not help you in your learning in the long run.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
The grading certainly is reasonable. Prof David was very clear with his expectations and he outlined what great and not so great assignments look like. He is firm but kind. Kind, not in the sense of leniency, but in the sense that he will provide proper, targeted, meaningful feedback. Principally, the NTW mod aims to sharpen ones critical thinking and academic writing. The grading is very much predicated on these things.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Very useful.
About the Instructor:
Prof David is very passionate and kind to his students. He will organize consultations and will find out more about students concerns with the course structure, content, and even teaching style. He does feedback sessions after almost every lesson, showing the extent he cares. His teaching methods range from classroom facilitation, group level discussions, videos, fieldtrips (because we are a course covering the environment, he purposefully included time to spend outdoors), and class-level debates. Prof David cares deeply, not about grades, but about the learning of his students. He emphasized repeatedly that writing is not an easy thing to do. In fact, most people spend their whole lives really learning to not struggle or find difficulty with writing. This made classes a safe space to share opinions.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
TLDR: Low barriers to entry, Better with passion for the environment, Prof is firm but kind, don't expect the easy way out of a writing mod, that is not it's purpose.
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
It’s nicely structured with constant consideration of our feedback
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
Yes he introduces the topics well
Manageability of Workload: 3
4hr-5hr reading
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Most people get A-
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Tremendously helpful
About the Instructor:
He is the most intelligent prof I have ever met in the way that he can modify the course to meet the need of individuals, while managing the overall flow.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Don’t miss this learning opportunity. He is a true teacher
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
Wasn't a biggest fan of the environmental philo early on
Accessibility and Assessment: 3
Philo concepts were difficult to grasp
Manageability of Workload: 1
Submission almost every weekend 2359
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Need to know what the Prof is looking out for. If you ask/thru consults/his comments, you will know.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
Helped solidify my writing skills. Arguments came out much more organised and succinct.
About the Instructor:
Prof is super open to any topic you're interested in. For me that meant ditching philo all together and writing about environmental econs, which did well. Prof allows for many discussions which makes classes extremely fun! I look forward to NTW for discussions whereby it has a good mix of depth & light-hearted qns.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Prof is really encouraging with his comments which helps alot when you feel demoralised by the initial grade. While there maybe many components, it means there are many opportunities to pull ur grade up towards the end. NTW is always gonna be difficult, so why not choose a Prof who tries to be encouraging!
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The course has three different units: environmental values, individual lifestyles and collective action. The environmental values unit contains a bit of philosophy which is a bit hard to digest. However, I think the sequence of units and readings is effective. The learning outcomes are clearly defined- at the start of sem, we are given the syllabus with all the readings and deadlines.
Accessibility and Assessment: 3
In my opinion, having background knowledge of environmental issues would be helpful in boosting class participation and making the process of choosing a research topic for the final essay easier. However, the assignments are definitely manageable even without environmental background as it ultimately boils down to your ability to engage with the text materials.
Manageability of Workload: 2
The assignments consist of:
500 word ungraded essay about why we chose the course
500 word exposition essay
1.2k word comparative essay
Final research essay (about 3k words)- a few weeks of extensive planning and presentations before working on the actual essay
6 sets of reading notes over the sem
Personally, I would consider the workload quite heavy. There are submissions every week and we usually work on the essays and reading notes concurrently.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Prof is not too harsh with grading, generally B+ or A- is quite achievable.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
I think the content is very applicable to our everyday lives, especially the reflection on our individual responsibilities to save the environment and the ethical implications of current conservation strategies. It made me more interested in learning about environmental issues.
About the Instructor:
Prof explains writing techniques and presentation skills well. Despite being relatively liberal with grading, he offers constructive feedback on the essay drafts.
Content (Structure/Organization): -
The structure of the course mainly focuses on one particular event involving a few philosophers, which has not been beneficial in helping the class grasp the broader objectives of the course or develop their own perspectives on the issue. This lack of flexibility has also made it challenging to apply the course material in the final assignment. It seems that the current format of the course has left many students feeling confused and unable to fully comprehend its purpose.
Accessibility and Assessment: 1
It was quite challenging for most students in the class during the first half, and this sentiment was expressed in the mid-semester review. The modifications made by the professor somehow just further complicate the course and hinder students' comprehension.
Manageability of Workload: 1
More on the heavier side. Some students taking other courses within the same program have expressed that our class seemed more challenging compared to their class. The expectations set by the professor were unclear, which made the grading process confusing for the entire class. Additionally, the assigned readings, although dense, didn't seem directly relevant to the in-class discussions or assignments. As a result, many students felt that the readings were pointless, even though they were required to complete graded reading notes in a very specific manner, despite not finding the methods particularly helpful for their learning.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
pretty difficult to get an A. most get a B/B+ for assignments.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 1
The course did not contribute to the improvement of my writing skills, instead left me feeling unsure and lacking confidence in my abilities.
About the Instructor:
The professor demonstrates interest for the subject matter, but there appears to be a gap in effectively delivering and communicating the material to the students. It would greatly benefit the course if there were improvements in the organization and selection of topics, ensuring they are more comprehensive and up-to-date. This would provide students with a better understanding of the subject matter and help them complete assignments with more clarity and relevance.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
very philosophical module which many people didn't expect. education and environmental aspect lacks a bit than expected