EDITOR’S NOTE
ABOUTUS
editor’s note
ABOUT US
The 43rd Management Committee of the NUS Sociology Society
It took me a long time to try to come up with something witty to start of the very first issue of NUS’ Sociology Magazine but it’s not working and so I’ve decided to just write whatever that comes to my mind. Firstly, I would like to thank the NUS Sociology Society for putting in so much effort to contribute to this pilot issue amidst their busy schedules. Secondly, I would like to thank the sub-editors and the designers for bearing with my nagging and my requests to edit or change even the nitty gritty details.
EDITORIAL TEAM Publication Director Cheryl Leow Sub-Editors Eric Heung Tan Wei Zheng Designers Trendy Tan Wee Yew King Writers Eng Tze Hao Avril Yeo Kua Shu En Vicki Lim Pamela Ng Foo Chao Kiat Natania Leow
So to start of this pilot issue, we’ll introduce our 43rd Management Committee and provide a Socioguide written by Sociology majors to give an insight into the types of modules offered. We also go up close and personal with Associate Professor Tan Ern Ser in Socioscoop. Additionally, you’ll be able to take a look at the fun stuff we did at our biggest event of the year – Sociology Camp 2010 – Heroes vs. Villians. In this issue, we also talk to ex-Sociology major, Wekie Tay in The DNA of Success to give us tips on how to survive our stint in NUS!
PRESIDENT Eric Heung
We do welcome any suggestions to improve on this magazine and we’re also looking for contributors to the following issues of Sociologic.
ORGANIZING CELL Toh Shinni (Director) Pamela Ng Foo Chao Kiat Kua Shu En Natania Leow
Not in photo: Muhd. Ruzaini Photographed by Daisy Koh
VICE-PRESIDENT Tan Wei Zheng HON GEN SECRETARY Vicki Lim Weiqi TREASURER Eng Tze Hao
MARKETING CELL Muhd. Ruzaini (Director) Yeo Wen Pei Avril
Have lots of fun in school and don’t let the mugging wear you out! (:
PUBLICITY CELL Ng Mun Chee (Director) Cheryl Leow Wee Yew King Tan Tse Teng Trendy
Cheryl Leow Publication Director 2
The NUS Sociology Society represents the student body of the Department of Sociology. The society’s two main missions are to promote Sociology to the student body of NUS, as well as work for the welfare of the current batch of Sociology students. In order to achieve these aims, capable students are elected at the beginning of each academic year during the Annual General Meeting to be committee members of the Society. Throughout the year, the Sociology Society organizes various activities including field trips, bazaars, modular seminars and movie screenings with the aim of fostering closer ties between the student body and the Department. One of the major events held by Sociology Society is the annual Freshmen Orientation Camp which is an exciting 4D3N affair that hopes to introduce the new batch of Freshmen to campus life. Through fun-filled activities, students who are prospective Sociology majors will have a chance to interact with each other (and find their future lecture buddies!), but the best part is, they will be able to communicate with their direct seniors who will be more than willing to answer any doubts they might have about Sociology, or NUS life in general! The Sociology Society also takes part in faculty activities such as the NUS Open House and FASS Open House cum Exhibition at the Department of Sociology. As always, the Sociology Society hopes to establish closer ties between the Department and its past, present and future members. For more information, please stay tuned to our website or Facebook page.
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SOCIOGUIDE
SOCIOGUIDE
SOCIOGUIDE Sociology Module Guide
SC2217 - Sociology of Tourism
SC1101E - Making Sense of Society
Ever wondered how society works? This is the module for you! SC1101E provides a brief introduction to the topics that are covered in Sociology, such as Family, Religion, Deviance, Culture, etc. It also provides a brief idea of what Sociology is and what a Sociology major can expect in the next few years of their studies. Basically you will study about society’s behaviors and patterns and see various phenomena from different perspectives. Thankfully, this is not a memorize-and-regurgitate module (phew~) because there is no fixed answer to a social phenomenon! Textbook and coursepack are most useful especially when you need more examples and explanations of certain theories and concepts. There is 1 midterm and 1 term project both of which are quite manageable should one attend lectures and discussion groups. Discussion groups are informal sessions where students discuss the application of theories learnt during the lectures on real life examples.
A/P Maribeth Erb is teaching this module which looks at the development of tourism through times and its place in society. If you are attracted to different cultures, this module will interest you as there are a great variety of examples provided to convey a point. This module does not require much theoretical understanding but one needs to be able to draw from personal experiences and observations in many of the topics discussed. Personal thoughts: The fact that the lectures are webcasted and the module usually only costs 1 point are sufficient reason to take it. Although lectures can get a bit dry, this module has exciting topics and exam questions are easy to spot.
Personal thoughts: It is a fun and interesting module, which constantly gives you new and different perspectives to look at society! Just have to know your theories and examples!
SC2212 - Sociology of Deviance
This module is only available during semester 2 and is taught by A/P Ganapathy. In this module, you will understand the formation of deviance and crimes and theories developed by Sociologists over the years. Who defines what is a deviant act? Does society stimulate criminal behavior? Why do gangsters go around stabbing people mindlessly? If you are interested in the above questions or have an interest in issues of social order and social control, you will find this course attractive. The term assignment is a research paper which can be done individually or in a group and students are encouraged to apply theories learnt by conducting primary or secondary research.
SC2220 - Gender Studies
The concept of gender is so taken for granted but this module will give you a different perspective (definitely sociological!) in relation to other concepts such as biology, nature, nurture and culture. The concepts are not overly complicated and are very relatable to everyday life. There are various readings for one to draw upon for fuller understanding, and being involved in tutorial discussions are definitely helpful as it aids in preparing you for the final exam.
Personal thoughts: This is a very interesting module because it deals with deviance- a taboo topic which more often than not we don’t usually discuss in depth about it. The lecturer is very engaging and often provides many examples that will either intrigue you or keep you laughing about it. A must take module for all students!
Personal thoughts: Understanding and applying the concepts learnt is generally easy but being able to formulate an essay thesis would require one to be able to relate topics to each other. It is an interesting module that is not heavy on the workload.
SC2214 - Mass Media & Culture
SC3103 - Social Thought and Social Theory
This module deals with dissemination and proliferation by the mass media. As much as the module title states that this is about the sociological perspectives of mass media, the curriculum actually involves a fair bit of politics. Therefore, for those of you who are interested in the relationship between politics and the mass media, this would be the perfect module for you. Also you will learn about who creates the media and who consumes it globally. Since this is a module about the mass media, be prepared to watch documentaries and Youtube videos in every lecture (yay!). This module is taught by Dr. Elfick and she does not give lecture notes beforehand therefore you have to take down whatever you think it’s important. Also, there are many readings for this module, so it would be good if you read them constantly or master the skill of speed-reading (which I did during her tutorial - Disclaimer: As a hardworking student of NUS, this behavior is not encouraged!) There is only 1 mid term paper throughout the whole semester hence more weightage is placed on tutorial participation and the final exam.
A compulsory module for all Sociology Majors, this module focuses mainly on the founding fathers of Sociology – Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim and Max Weber. Their theories are discussed in great depth and one will be able to build a good foundation for understanding wider sociological concepts. One would not only learn about their theories, but also why they were chosen as the “founding fathers”, flaws within their theories and how those flaws can be addressed. A/P Vineeta Sinha will be teaching this module and she provides concise lecture notes. Guest lecturers are invited to lecture on their pet topics which are useful and it helps to keep things fresh. Although some students might find the lectures slightly dry due to its abstract and theoretical nature, it is a compulsory module for all Sociology students as Sociology was built upon the theoretical knowledge of the 3 founding fathers. It is also interesting to discover how theories formed at the beginning of industrialism can still be applied to modern societies. Personal thoughts: Be sure to get a good foundation of the basic concepts as the readings are heavy and understanding what is taught can be a bit of a struggle due to the amount of information given.
Personal thoughts: It is easy to apply and relate the theories you have learnt to daily examples but in order to score well, you have to read her readings and be well-read on mass media-related issues.
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SOCIOSCOOP
SOCIOSCOOP THE MAN BEHIND THE MOUSTACHE :}D An Interview with
A/P Tan Ern Ser
Confident and articulate, A/P Tan Ern Ser makes Sociology sound so easy in his introductory classes. A self-confessed minimalist, Prof Tan admits that he prefers to teach without any notes except for the basic powerpoint slides. His taste for simplicity may be due to his impoverished childhood. In our short interview, we find out more about his bumpy road to success, as well as his alternative career… A singer.
SOCIOSCOOP
as a young student. “I thought if I knew more about politics and power, I could do something about the world we live in,” he said. When he was an undergraduate, he discovered sociology, which, as a subject, is even broader than political science. In a way, Prof Tan is fortunate that he has found an occupation which he is also passionate about, despite having to make some sacrifices financially to his regret at times. However, he is very confident that he has made the right choice and is enjoying every minute of it now. “In terms of intrinsic rewards, I’m there. I’m not averse to having more money but I think life is a lot more than just making money.” “What can you work as after you graduate?”, “How much will you earn?” These are just some of the few questions my parents had for me when I decided to major in Sociology, and these questions should not sound unfamiliar to all Sociology majors out there. Working along the
“ Growing
up had not been easy for Prof Tan... Tough living conditions made Prof Tan determined to rise above his social class. ”
baby rats, and sharing a singular, almost sacred tap with 8 or 9 other families. And don’t forget, families were HUGE at that time. As compared to his childhood, it seems as if our generation is A/P Tan Ern Ser scarcely needs an introduction. practically swimming in laps of luxury. Probably a familiar face to Sociology majors, Prof Tan usually teaches the first batch of Such tough living conditions made Prof Tan freshmen interested in Sociology every year in determined to rise above his social class. Though his SC1101E course. Apart from his lecturing he eventually did, many of his peers did not even duties, Prof Tan is also the advisor to the NUS make it past PSLE. Such first-hand experiences Sociology Society, as well as the Vice- Dean of with poverty, and the influence of social theories OSA (Office of Student Affairs). Clearly, Prof such as the reproduction of classes makes the Tan has achieved the “博士” status as hoped for government’s advocation of meritocracy a pretty by his father, but it was definitely a steep way up. woolly concept. He explains, “Meritocracy tells you that it’s about ability and hard work, but Growing up had not been easy for Prof Tan. One actually it’s more than that. It’s about background, of the rare few who emerged with a university starting point.” Meritocracy might make us degree from his village, he had to struggle equals, but some are more equal than others. against the limitations of his environment. Living in a slum area meant having to cope Having been accustomed to poverty since his with leaking roofs, the occasional visit from youth, Prof Tan was very keen on political science 6
same lines, we asked Prof Tan what would he be if he was not a Sociologist. Prof Tan Ern Ser did not have any conventional aspirations as a child, instead he wanted to be a singer (gasp!) or an artist. “I think I would have made a good artist, most of my teachers said that I can draw pretty well,” he told us. How about being a singer? Most of us would pass out at the thought of him singing in lectures with his trademark moustache. He admits, “I don’t think I’ll be very successful in singing. It’s easier being a successful artist than singer.” Many of us cannot imagine Prof Tan giving Justin Bieber a run for his money, more so Prof Tan himself. “When I say singing, I don’t mean pop, I mean classical music of course.” With that said, I personally think that one of the ways to ensure more students enrol for Prof Tan’s lectures would be for him to start off every lecture with a song going Baby Baby Baby oohhh… Just kidding.
Professor Tan and our interviewers
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PAST EVENT
PAST EVENT
PAST EVENT: Soci Camp 2010
Heroes VS Villians However, we can promise that it will be a night you will NEVER forget.
of confusing bus routes and figuring out of exact locations allowed freshies to familiarize themselves with the huge campus! The station games were, of course, very challenging and required teamwork in order for teams to progress.
Our campus tour further involved collaboration with the NUS Central Library, whose staff gamely dressed up as CLIB (Central Library Investigation Bureau) agents and gave a short skit, requesting the campers’ help in searching for clues in the library.
Mascots with Project Director Eric
Day 2 started by putting our campers’ acting skills to test! All four groups had to put up a skit armed with only recycled materials like cardboard and magazines, and boy were they creative and definitely entertaining!
After the campus tour, campers headed back for speed dating! And while they were blindfolded and ‘match-made’, seniors sure had a lot of fun eavesdropping on the clueless juniors’ conversations. A game of Captain’s Ball played with fruits
Day 3 was Beach Day. Dressed in our Soci Camp 2010 shirt, we headed off to Sentosa, for a memorable day of fun and games. The finale of Beach Day was a massive war game played among all four OGs. And as always, the dunking begins…
Campers destroying another group’s fortress
Going crazy at a game
NUS Sociology Camp 2010 started off on 6th July with thrilling icebreakers and introductory games. With such an exciting start, all campers were eagerly anticipating what the next four days and three nights had in store for them!
Group Odin imitating a wrestling act
Attacking the PDs
Upon returning to school, campers were greeted with an amazing buffet spread for dinner. Satisfied, campers gathered for a round of Don’t Forget The Lyrics! Where everyone sang their hearts out, chilled and had fun after a physical day at the beach.
Next up, Project Shoot It. Campers had to travel around different parts of Singapore in their respective OGs and take photos in various different interesting poses!
After all the beach games CLIB agents explaining the search to Group C-C Group Singles ice breaking
Next up was our very own campus tour, which involved playing games at different parts of NUS. The explanation
At the end of our very exciting Day 1, we had one of Soci Camp’s highlights: Mystery Night! This was a night full of games which organizers gleefully carried out, and as for the exciting details… Well, as the name suggests, it wouldn’t be a mystery anymore if they were revealed here, wouldn’t it?
Playing Frisbee
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On the last day, campers met at the Central Forum for their last breakfast together. After a prize presentation ceremony and speeches by the President, Jacky, and Project Directors Eric and Fuzhi, all campers left for home. Our upcoming camp is guaranteed to be a blast too, so we at the NUS Sociology Society look forward to seeing you at Soci Camp 2011! Be sure to join us for an experience of a lifetime!
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PAST GRADUATE
PAST GRADUATE
THE DNA OF SUCCESS: Wekie Tay ‘Plan, Passion and Persistence’ - These are the three words that Wekie Tay, a Sociology graduate, would advise all Sociology students to remember. He emphasizes that the crucial ingredients to a successful life would be to create a plan, follow a passion, and to be persistent to live a dream! Wekie is not one to merely preach the words without following them. In secondary school, he had already seriously considered and made plans for his future. Having determined that his passion lay in understanding the way society works, he then set out to pursue this dream by taking the first step on this journey: entering FASS. His journey was a relatively unorthodox one. Instead of the usual junior college / polytechnic route, Wekie enrolled in FASS through his own self-studying during his National Service years. Eventually graduating from NUS in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Economics), Wekie is now an established regional public speaker, trainer, consultant as well as a published author. His expertise and topics include leadership management, mind mastery, interpersonal skills, public speaking as well as other essential professional skills, and he has given talks for hundreds of multi-national corporations, government agencies, organizations as well as school. These are just some of his many accolades. (For a thorough list of Wekie’s achievements, please visit his blog, www.wekie.com). Wekie credits studying Sociology in NUS for his current success. Sociology, he says, helped him acquire skills that range from understanding culture and social behavior to the historical philosophies that make people the way they are. He is also equipped with a better sense of how the future might be like through the
Carnival and Arts Faculty Rag and Flag. However, what was probably his biggest achievement in his NUS life (at least to us Sociology students) was that he initiated the Sociology Society Camp which has since then been carried out yearly to welcome freshmen to the fold.
appreciation and analysis of the social environment. He elaborates, “Learning Sociology further enhances my reflective, analytical and communication skills. These are necessities for excelling in the modern life, which I have utilized in getting to where I am now. Hence, studying Sociology has immensely benefited my clients and myself, professionally and personally. ”
Of course, his busy schedule meant that he could not have done everything that he wanted to. Wekie admitted that he would have liked to have more time to set up a Sociology Society alumni while he was still President of the Sociology Society, as well as to implement more outreach programs.
We questioned him about his favourite aspects of Sociology. “I selected every one of my modules with extreme care and after detailed thought. Those that stand out for my interests include: social psychology, sociology of education, sociology of work, sociology of science and technology as well as social theories” he explains. With these areas of interest, he further formulated, clarified, and sharpened his goals and strategies, resulting in an ongoing development and finetuning of my life strategies. Prof. Tan Ern Ser, Prof. Paulin Straughan and Prof. Ho Kong Chong are among some of the professors for their dedication and commitment to his learning and willingness to impart their knowledge.
had trained. He also successfully co-chaired and ran the inaugural Arts Freshmen Orientation Camp, Charity
However, he emphasizes that the above were simply preferences. He explains that as he enjoyed his time in NUS, there were no regrets. Perhaps that is an attitude that we can all take in our three to four years here in NUS!
With regards to co-curricular activities, Wekie was a very active participant in various student organizations, holding leadership positions such as being the President of the Sociology Society and being in the NUS Students’ Arts and Social Sciences Club Management Committee. He was also involved in the NUS Toastmasters Club (he is the current mentor of NUS Toastmaster Club!), NUS Economics Society, NUS Rotaract Club, NUS Mentoring and Tutoring Society as well as serving as an Officer in The Boys’ Brigade. He was also already working regularly as a Trainer and Public Speaker. Given the multiple activities he was engaged in, he admits it was a challenge, though an exciting one, to juggle all the different activities like training work, CCAs family commitments and his studies. However, to him, the overall learning and sense of satisfaction made it all worthwhile. With so many activites besides studying in NUS, it is no wonder that Wekie has many achievements to speak of. Asked to name a few of his biggest achievements, Wekie includes representing NUS to take part in speech contests,
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PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION 2011 PEOPLE: LIFE BEHIND THE LENS The NUS Sociology Society held a photography competition on its Facebook page from 23 January 2011 to 7 February 2011. The theme of the competition was “People”. Users who submitted a photo that was picked won $50 each. Here are some of the submissions.
A TRIP TO THE HOUSE OF MR. ABDULLAH TURMUGI
During the December holidays, the EXCO of the NUS Sociology Society was honoured to be invited to the residence of Parliament Speaker, Mr. Abdullah Turmugi, along with other members of the pioneers of the society, for a dinner and get together.
fret not! The survey aims to inform graduating Sociology majors on the employment trend of the previous graduating batch. This will allow a better understanding of the job market, expectations, as well as major employers of Sociology majors.
It was the first time any one of us had ever visited an MP’s residence. Obviously we will not risk detention by the ISA to reveal the location here but we can say that we were very much impressed with having a personal security right outside one’s doorstep.
The “Sociology Alumni Award” This is a new award spear-headed by the NUS Sociology Society. We hope that this award would bring recognition to those who excelled in the study of Sociology and thereby bring about greater awareness of, as well as the standing of the discipline. This will undoubtedly be good news for all honours student and do look out for more information with regards to the award!
One would think that the massive generation gap between the “founding fathers” and the youthful EXCO (well, comparatively :p) may result in some awkward tensions in the exchange of opinions but there were none during the conversations exchanged over dinner. The EXCO shared with the founders of the society the ongoing projects as well as future direction of the society. A few of the new projects discussed were the employment survey of Sociology graduates as well as a new award for the most outstanding Sociology graduate from the honours classboth of which are currently in the works! The Sociology Graduates Survey “So, what are you going to do with a Sociology degree?”, asks a concerned friend or relative with a worrying expression following an uncomfortable silence would be an all too familiar scenario to any Sociology major. Well,
Overall, it was a warm and cosy affair with many intimate exchanges on what life was in school back then, as well as what to expect upon graduation. The fact that the alumni are made up of a diverse group of people including a politician, civil servant and accountant also provided us with insights on what are the possible prospects after graduation.
Winning Photo Title: Summer fun
The NUS Sociology Society would like to take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the founding members of the society for the guidance and support that they have provided thus far. In the future, we are confident that there would be more opportunities for future interaction.
Iran might be making a killing, but for the children there is only life and living. By: Kwok Jia-Xin FASS, CNM Year 1 12
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Winning Photo Title: Serenity Living in the hustle & bustle of everyday life, what’s best if we can just spend a little quiet moment with our loved ones, soaking in the moment as though time stood still. By: Koh Huimin Daisy
Title: Seeking Comfort While the parents were getting slightly soaked from the rain (sharing the same umbrella), they took great care to ensure the girl was contentedly dry. Even though it’s a simple gesture, it reminds us of the constant care and presence of our parents around us. By: Amy Ling Kai Xin FASS, Sociology Year 2
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