NUS2 - Animals in the city
27 June 2016 – 22 July 2016
Hosted by the National University of Singapore
With a focus on Asia, this four-week intensive summer program draws on a diverse range of litteratures (history, anthropology, psychology, animal activism) to contextualize the dynamics and conflicts between humans and animals.
Southeast Asia is one of the last regions in the world with extensive rain forest habitat for wild animals, but these creatures are threatened by burgeoning urbanization and agriculture. We will also look at 'urban animals' such as pets and farm animals, and other topics that are salient to this part of the world.
Seminar-style classes will be supplemented with field trips and plenary discussions.
Field Trip
The course includes three field trips:
I. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
Objectives: To deepen understanding of how museums and their work of collecting and classification have influenced our perception of animals.
II. Singapore Zoo and Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve
Objectives:
(a) To observe the visitors as well as the zoo animals
(b) To compare zoos and nature reserves
(c) To understand what zoos are attempting to do through exhibiting animals in this way, and gauge the public's understanding, or resistance to, this mission.
III. Hay Dairies Goat Farm, Jurong Frog Farm, Bollywood Veggies, and ACRES (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society)
Objectives: To become acquainted with 'rural' Singapore and its few animal farms.
Target Audience
Bachelor students
This program is open to students from participating IARU universities.
NUS undergraduates should have a minimum CAP of 3.0 on a 5-point scale.
Non-NUS students will be assessed based on recruitment criteria and procedures administered by each participating residential college/university in consultation with NUS Tembusu College.
There is no requirement to have prior background in Asia, Asian Studies, or Asia languages. Ideally, students in this class will be in their second or third year of a four-year undergraduate program, but in general we will accept undergraduates at any level.
Delivery Method & Learning Outcomes
Lectures and tutorials to be supplemented by plenaries and field trips.
At the end of the module, students will be able to:
- Identify the historical and cultural dimensions of presently observed dynamics and conflicts between human city dwellers and animals, especially in Southeast Asia.
- Explain the drivers for, and threats to, animal conservation that have emerged in modern cities like Singapore.
- Develop a sensitivity for how our own actions and choices affect the wildlife population.
- Provide reasoned views on the future of human-animal relations in the city.
- Appreciate the challenges and rewards of engaging in animal conservation work today.
Assessment
100% continuing assessment through class participation, presentations and essays.
Credit Equivalent at Host University & Contact Hours
Information about credits awarded by NUS will be made available at a later date.
36 total contact hours (classroom + plenaries) + 3 days of field trips (excluding self-study hours)
Lecturer(s) / Tutor(s)
Dr Liz Chee Pui Yee, NUS
Dr Chris Shepherd, NUS
Accommodation
Students will stay on-campus in 6-bedroom apartments at the NUS University Town residential colleges. Each bedroom comes furnished, and are equipped with air-conditioning and internet access, while the apartment has a common living area with a dining table and sofas. In addition, each residential college has shared facilities within the building such as kitchenettes, laundry rooms and student lounges to create a living enivronment that encourages social, educational and cultural interaction. The residential colleges are also located within walking proximity to classrooms, study clusters and sports facilities, as well as a wide array of dining and retail options on-campus.
http://utown.nus.edu.sg/about-university-town/residential-colleges/
Costs
Figures are estimates only. Click on each item for details.
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Tuition Fees
To be announced at a later stage (cost in 2015 was SGD 2,590)
Mandatory Miscellaneous Fees:
Approximately SGD 50 (payable by all exchange & non-exchange international students. Cost subject to change.)
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Accommodation
Estimated SGD 1,250 (5 weeks on-campus accommodation. Cost subject to change.) -
Textbooks
Indicatively SGD 50-100,00 -
Living Expenses
SGD 600–800 (for on-campus meals over 5 weeks). Does not include personal expenses such as toiletries, clothing, groceries, entertainment etc.
Estimated Student’s Pass & Multiple Entry Visa Fees: SGD 90-120
Estimated local transportation costs: SGD 100-150 (based on 4 weeks travel by public buses / trains only)
Required and / or Recommended Insurance(s)
Travel insurance and medical insurance from student’s home country recommended for international students for the program.
Further Information
Housing facilities:
http://utown.nus.edu.sg/about-university-town/residential-colleges/
Tembusu College (course organiser): http://tembusu.nus.edu.sg/index.php
Please contact the following:
For academic-related matters:
Dr Liz Chee – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For housing and payment matters:
Mr Foo Junhong – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.