NUS2 - Animals and the City
26 June 2017 – 21 July 2017
Hosted by the National University of Singapore
With a focus on Asia, this four-week intensive summer program draws on a diverse range of literature (history, anthropology, animal activism) to contextualise 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 market surveys.
Field Trip
Students on a fieldtrip to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in the summer of 2016 where they cozied up to reptiles.
The following fieldtrips were conducted in the summer of 2016 and may subject to change for 2017.
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.
Singapore Zoo and Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve
Objectives: (1) To observe the visitors as well as the zoo animals (2) To compare zoos and nature reserves (3) 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.
Jurong Bird Park and A Bee Conservation Site
Objectives: (1) To understand captive birds in an urban setting (3) To study local bee conservation efforts.
Hay Dairies Goat Farm, Jurong Frog Farm, Bollywood Veggies, and Qian Hu Fish Farm
Objectives: To become acquainted with 'rural' Singapore and its few animal farms.
Target Audience
Bachelor students
Further specifications
This course is designed with undergraduates in-mind. Nonetheless, graduate students are welcome to take this course on a non-credit basis.
Prerequisites
This program is open to students from all IARU universities, regardless of academic majors.
Non-NUS students will be assessed based on recruitment criteria and procedures administered by each participating residential college/university in consultation with the NUS Tembusu College.
There is no requirement to have prior background in Asia, Asian Studies, or Asian 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 undergraduate and graduate students at any level.
Delivery Method & Learning Outcomes
Lectures and tutorials to be supplemented by field trips and market surveys.
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
4 NUS Modular Credits per module
Equivalent to a 3-credit hour course under the North American credits or 6 ECTS.
36 total contact hours (classroom + plenaries) + 4 days of field trips (TBC) (excluding self-study hours)
Weekday evenings and weekends are usually kept free for optional social activities in the summer school or self-study. However, some course related local field trips may be arranged on certain weekday evenings or Saturdays.
Lecturer(s) / Tutor(s)
Dr. Liz P.Y. Chee
There will be other guest lecturers.
Accommodation
Students will stay on-campus in 6-bedroom apartments at the NUS University Town residential colleges. Each bedroom comes furnished, and is 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 environment 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.
Costs
Figures are estimates only. Click on each item for details.
-
Tuition Fees
SGD 1,295
Mandatory Miscellaneous Fees:
Approximately SGD 60 (payable by all exchange & non-exchange international students. Cost subject to change.) -
Accommodation
SGD 850 (for 27 nights' on-campus accommodation. Cost subject to change.) -
Field Trip
Included in tuition fees -
Textbooks
Not applicable -
Living Expenses
SGD 600–800 (for on-campus meals over 4 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 programme.
Further Information
Detailed course profile:
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.