General education module to be 'more focused' from next year

Freshmen starting school at the National University of Singapore (NUS) in August next year will undergo a revamped general education curriculum.

Currently, students must take two general education modules, which include topics such as logic, global environmental issues and reporting statistics in the media, plus another course in Singapore studies.

These modules, which fall outside of a student's chosen specialisation, were introduced to provide students with a broader understanding of issues around them and to help them make connections across disciplines.

NUS provost Tan Eng Chye said there is currently "too much choice for students" which is why the university is putting in place a more "focused curriculum".

Starting next year, students must take four compulsory general education modules, one each from "pillars" such as thinking and expression, quantitative reasoning, human cultures and endeavours, and Singapore studies. What the students learn in these four modules will then be integrated into a further course which will be taught in small groups.

The "pillars" are aspects that are essential for a broad-based education, said Professor Tan, adding: "We are a Singapore university, so it's important to have a good grounding of the local context."

NUS is currently reviewing the list of general education modules available for students.

This article was published on May 14 in The Straits Times.

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