Taught by: Dr Mustafa Izzuddin
Content (Structure/Organization): 2
Every week, [the] prof covers a new segment and I wouldnt say that the content learnt is cumulative. Each lesson can be treated as a standalone segment-the topics are not connected to the previous lesson's content and each lesson goes into something new, I think because of the nature of this class, breadth is emphasised over depth
Manageability of Workload: 5
Very light workload, just need to do reflections and a midterm essay and final essay, and the final essay is released around mid sem so have ample time to work on it (if you dont procrastinate)
Ease/Difficulty of attaining grades:
I think getting a A- is really acheivable, just have to make sure you do a decent job at the midterm and finals essay, i think prof really values analysis so spending some time on the assignment would be good
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
I really got to learn a lot from this course!!
About the Instructor:
Prof is really chill, he is quite knowledgeable and is happy to answer any questions, mostly the lessons are more of a presentation than discussion
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Def would recommend esp for the field trips, was a class i looked forward to :)
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
Prof brings us through different lenses on the Indian community in Singapore, but they are more of a loose collection of topics as opposed to a structured progression. The field trips cover Indian-focused organisations in Singapore that allow us to understand the worldviews of very specific Indian communities (e.g. Dawoodi Bohra) experience. The guest talks may be loosely tied to the theme of Indians in Singapore, but they are really great, general talks from well-established Indian figures in Singapore society. Food is 10/10 i.e. Mutarbark, Bryiani.
Manageability of Workload: 5
Low workload, unless you have to rush through the final paper.
Ease/Difficulty of attaining grades:
B+ is within reach if you attend all field trips.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Useful in understanding the richness of the Indian community.
About the Instructor:
Chill, understanding and relatable professor.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Do it.
Content (Structure/Organization): 3
Honestly I don't understand the logic of the course structure lol... the only links I can see are when the content taught relates to an external speaker, the mid-term essay or a field trip. In fact, Prof Mustafa moved the course content around to better accommodate and scaffold speakers and field trips. Not that it's a bad thing, personally I think this course doesn't really need a strict syllabus and structure lol, every unit can kinda exist as its own independent lesson.
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
Generally, the course content is quite beginner friendly. You can easily understand most of the content without background in social sciences, or probably even if you have no prior interaction with the Indian community (no judgement here). Sometimes Prof Mustafa gets a bit carried away talking about IR theory though, so just watch out for that lol... Generally, a lot of the content is just "for information", and your final essay can touch on anything related to Indians in Singapore, whether it's related to class content or not.
Manageability of Workload: 4
The main workload of the course is the 2 essays, which took me a week each to write (I think?). There are also short reflections after each field trip, but they can be completed really fast (if you're feeling ups u can probably complete it on the bus ride back).
Ease/Difficulty of attaining grades:
You don't need a lot of effort to get A-, but as far as I know, Prof Mustafa does not give A or A+, so if you're looking to pad a FCH, this is not the course for u.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
I think this course is really eye-opening, especially for someone who does not have a lot of experience with the different aspects of the Indian community. Even if you're Indian or have a lot of experience working with the community, this course may still offer something that you haven't had the chance to experience before.
About the Instructor:
Prof Mustafa is very knowledgable and very well connected, but he does go into monologue sometimes.
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
If possible, try not to have a class right before this, because you might miss the bus for field trips if your previous class drags on, then you have to cab to the location (usually around Little India)
Content (Structure/Organization): 4
The syllabus seems to have some sort of logic behind it, but honestly it is quite lost on me. For the most part, the only logic that really stood out to me was covering specific topics related to a guest speaker or field trip. Other than that, there isn't really a very memorable organisation of the course syllabus.
To be fair, the specific syllabus organisation is not so important anyway. The main value proposition of this course is to generate interest in the Indian community in Singapore by introducing us to various aspects of Indians in Singapore. I think to that end, the course is very successful. But its really dependent on what Prof Mustafa wants to talk about, and where he manages to get field trips to, so your experience will vary slightly.
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
The course is not that deep dw. Some knowledge of Indians (in SG) would help with crafting the final essay topic, but its gonna be easy to follow even if its your first day in SG and youve never known an Indian in your life (its gonna be a lot harder to secure this course in coursereg if you fit this description tho)
Manageability of Workload: 4
I spent 1 week writing the film review and 1 week writing the essay, wrote the reflections in like spare pockets of time... Ive also heard of other ppl who have spent even less time and still did well
Ease/Difficulty of attaining grades:
literally, u can write your final essay 24hrs before the deadline and still get an A- trust
Learning Value/Recommendation: 3
its more useful if you dont already know a lot about the indian community (but lets be honest your probably taking this mod to eat food and clear Asian Studies) oh yes did I mention this mod clears Asian Studies!!!
About the Instructor:
Prof Mustafa is definitely knowledgeable and well-connected within the Indian community, just kinda monotonous sometimes
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
u will be overbidded by seniors.
Content (Structure/Organization): 3
The course is relatively structured, the syllabus shows you what topics will be focused on for each week and when to expect field trips, guest lectures, and so on. Expect this to change quite a bit though - there were several class cancellations and rescheduling of lessons throughout the term (at least 3-5 of the former). The learning outcomes are clear but as a result of the disruptions mentioned earlier, the flow of your learning might be quite jolted (this might chance, but at least this was the case for my round).
Accessibility and Assessment: 4
Really accessible, even to those who are not from Humanities or Social Science backgrounds. Dr Mustafa encourages students to bring their ideas from their own disciplines into the classroom. Assignments in the course naturally are writing and research intensive though, but Dr Mustafa does cover some key concepts you might need to tackle specific topic areas. No TA so you might want to consult group mates, class mates and the Dr himself if you need more direction.
Manageability of Workload: 4
Because of all the cancellations it felt like a 2MC course
Ease/Difficulty of attaining grades:
The marking scheme is a mystery and we only got back a single grade in the entire term (Dr seems to be a very busy man). But if you demonstrate interest and engage with the material, attend the field trips, choose a good research topic and actively participate this should not be too much of a problem.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 4
I loved it because I got to fulfil my Communities and Engagement pillar and learn more about a community that I have had little exposure to. I'd encourage people to do the same, especially because the field trips (we had about 5 or more I believe) and guest lectures brought the course to life and made it so interesting. You also get free food at the field trips FYI
About the Instructor:
The Dr is incredibly prominent in his field and is very accomplished. Sadly that might be what makes him so occupied. The seminars can be a bit dry because the Dr usually just sticks to his slides, but he is open to questions and discussions, so students should use that to their betterment. Once you get to know him he really is quite friendly and open to helping you (i.e. connecting you with other people in his field of expertise or other areas of society) and getting to know you.
Name: Ibrahim Sharul (@ibrahimisramos)
Content (Structure/Organization):
Field trips are the highlight of this module but this time the way all the field trips were grouped together was not ideal as it was in week 8 & 9. Could have been spread out nicely.
Also, having the lesson online did not give a proper experience to the module. Would have loved if the module was physical as I heard that food was provided for some special events. Hope to see that happen in the future.
Accessibility and Assessment: 5
Its simple to follow but the first few lessons might be a bit abstract for non-indians to appreciate
Manageability of Workload: 4
Very chill, reflections for field trips, 1 movie review and 1 term paper review.
Would have wished for the movie review to be due before recess week so that it would have been more spaced out
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades:
Hmm its easy to get a B+, A- is slightly harder but A is super hard. So its easy to get a decent grade but hard to excel. Till now I have no idea why I didn't get an A despite such good class part and honestly good essay.
Presence of Technical Learning:
Hmm learning the technicalities of sociology and anthropology in studying Indians was something I learnt for the first time as a Computing student.
Also this was my first module that I interviewed people and synthesised their content into a essay so was unique to me.
Learning Value/Recommendation: 5
Useful if you are interested to learn about indians and so on and it helps you clear your SS requirement
About the Instructor:
He is an expert but he can't teach properly. Mostly is frontloading the content and being online doesnt help. Its an information dump but honestly I learnt a lot, especially from the field trips. His connections made me open my worldview
Additional Comments/Word of Advice:
Come with an open mind and not worry about grades cause its a hit or miss for grades. Enjoy the fieldtrips and the friends made and its overall a good module, especially if you come with low expectations