Taught by: Dr David Merry
Content (Structure/Organization): 5
The syllabus is divided into three parts: (1) happiness, money and effective altruism; (2) universal basic income; and (3) limitarianism. Through this course, you think about issues ranging from philosophy, economics, psychology and politics. Every week, you might be presented with a different perspective that challenges your priors. The course is meaningful not only in terms of content, but also *how* you view issues and make sense of them. Maybe you won't be able to answer whether there is a limit to money, but you would be better equipped, or at least more curious, to think about what money can or can't do, from spending to fulfil capabilities or to send international aid; distinguishing between gaining sufficiency and fulfilling basic needs; and think how money is justly acquired (or not).
This course definitely has clearly-defined learning outcomes and flow. Prof David is clearly experienced and enthusiastic about his course, and that shows in the discussions every seminar—made better if you participate and be challenged academically. Eventually, in your final paper, students will have a relatively good amount of autonomy in deciding what to write after all the learning in 13 weeks. It's a good mix of structure and freedom, in that sense.
Manageability of Workload: 2
NTW2040 is rather demanding, requiring you to approach different disciplines and if you do your due diligence, consolidate across seminars and challenge your own thought processes. As a FASS major, I think I am rather privileged to cross-reference my courses in my home faculty, and I notice some peers struggle with (1) reading philosophy and (2) understanding them. I empathise with these struggles, but I think with Prof's guidance and some grit, it is doable. Prof encourages the use of LLMs to assist (and not handicap) your learning, so if that is something you are comfortable with, you could try that out for this NTW.
I would say, in terms of time, for the average newbie to reading philosophy, expect 1 hour per text if you are just reading it, 2 hours if you try understanding it. It's a meaningful use of time, given that anyways, you're expected to spend 10 hours a week per 4 unit course. Some peers take it as a recourse (or distraction) from mathematics or coding. I think that puts into perspective that readings can be, well, enjoyable.
Assessments-wise, they are quite frequent and somewhat intense. For the first half of the semester, short assignments are due every week. They are meant to build on one another, though. Grading is also more flexible, where the higher of grades in one component is recorded in the final grade. I took this module in a 28 unit workload as a first-year. I won't advise it, but it is doable. Having friends to do this module with you definitely helps with making time pass better and share quirky ideas. Sharing synergies with your friends can help make class participation more fun too.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Achievable! Prof David comes with immense knowledge, so spend time talking to him and discussing your ideas. Specifically for your papers, this will help bounce off ideas and see what works well and what can be done better. To achieve a decent grade, say B+, your paper is average with some errors. If your paper is meaningful, maybe an A-. But if your paper is significant, in that it addresses something important, is clearly articulated, and accounts for potential challenges, your paper is well-positioned for an A. I can't speak for Prof and the grading system, and I don't think whether the Prof is harsh/liberal should be a factor for consideration, though. I think if you afford time and interest, it will show regardless.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Very, very, very meaningful.
About the Instructor:
Prof David is extremely knowledgable. As a teacher, he guides your thinking, adjusts to your pace, and provides constructive feedback. To make the best of your time, find time to talk about your feedback or ideas; not only are they important for your assessments, for instance, but also your thinking and ability to respond to challenges. That is something I found most helpful through NTW2040.
As for writing skills, Prof David provides equally good feedback too. Throughout the seminars, writing techniques and good practices are taught, with ample opportunities to try themselves out through short assignments and class exercises. You can maximise these seminars through some pre-class preparation as the class "worksheets" are released beforehand.
Additional remarks:
This course is rather competitive on CourseReg. If you successfully bid for it, go in with an open mind, enjoy, and be prepared to stretch your mind!
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The structure is very clearly laid out with all the readings put up on the class Canvas from the first week. Despite this, there is a decent amount of flexibility in the class discussions as long as they are centred around the broader topic.
Manageability of Workload: 4
Given that this is an NTW course, you need to spend more time than average on it but I think the prof spreads out the workload really well. Even though there will be submissions nearly every week, a lot of them will be relatively more chill (short writing assignments, etc)
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Prof David generally gives out decent grades and is quite fair with his marking. If you get a low grade, he will make it quite clear why that is so. Usually only 1-2 people get As but an A- is definitely achievable, especially if you show him that you worked on the feedback he gave you.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 2
I really enjoyed this course. If you are into philosophy and the philosophy of money you should definitely take it. By the end of the course I could definitely feel my personal position with respect to money changing. The readings are all very accessible and given the practical nature of the topic, it is very fun to discuss in class.
About the Instructor:
Prof David is wonderful! You could tell he was very passionate about the topic and loved hearing our thoughts on it. He is also very respectful of everyone in the class, especially since the topics covered in this course may be polarising.
He is also very approachable and willing to help/discuss topics from the class and the feedback you get is detailed and relevant.
Additional remarks:
Strongly recommend taking Prof David's classes! He baked us all cookies for the last class :)
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The content at start of the course is relatively boring, it gets better after half of the sem. The workload at start is quite overwhelming due to CNY.
Manageability of Workload: 2
The workload at certain week is very heavy, there may be 2 assignments due at a same week. The workload over time is getting more manageable. I think the word count for final essay should be reconsidered. I think the lower limit (2500 words) is fine, but the NTW team should reconsider a greater range of word count, i.e. increase the upper limit (e.g. 3500 words) so student[s] [are] able to decide how much content they wanted to include by themselves, not strictly restricted by the wordcount.
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
I think it is really hard to get an A. I think the prof should be more liberal in handing out good grades
Learning Value/Recommendation: 2
I think this course is useful in general, but the prof may consider the dark side of humanities as well. While the whole course is discussing about justice, the prof should also discuss why human refuse to practice such justice
About the Instructor:
The prof is great, no criticism on him