Module Review 2

Hey guys!

I'm here with more reviews for NUS modules.

6. GEK2204 Reading Visual Images
Semester: 1
Type: Arts GEM
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial (alternate week)

Description: It's an architecture module but there is nothing related to that. It's one of those modules in which you would catch no ball and scold yourself for taking it. The lectures were all pictures of the topics to be covered - Buddha, Hindu god, Muslim calligraphy and art pieces during the French Renaissance. I felt that this module is very subjective and the descriptions given by the lecturer were more of his own opinions. So, I really didn't know how to express myself in this module, especially in the quizzes. However, it did met one of my objectives of taking this module - the French Renaissance topic covered a lot of artistic styles such as cubism. As for tutorial, it was quite chill; the first few were mini lectures while the following tutorials are presentations by students.

Assessment: There were two quizzes of 4 short questions each, whereby you need to name the titles, artists and years published of the 4 pictures shown and describe them, an individual project of a specific art genre and an essay of a given topic. No final exam. Other assessment components will include class participation etc.

Grade: B-/S (I was expecting a C actually)

7. SSA1201 Singapore Society
Semester: 1
Type: SS
Difficulty level: 4/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial (alternate week)

Description: As the name suggests, it's everything about Singapore - history, gender, religions, pop culture, art, class... This module is not like those secondary history or social studies lessons; these topics are being looked at with a sociologist's perspective. You will learn to be more critical about issues of Singapore. There was one reading each week, which was rather insightful; you are expected to read it before and discuss them during tutorials. For students who are not familiar with sociology, this module may not be easy to understand at first albeit there's only one concept - sociological imagination. Also, since it's a sociology module, essays are inevitable. Although I'm not fond of essays, I don't regret taking this module because it really broadened my knowledge and made me see Singapore in a different way.

Assessment: There's an essay mid term test, a group project of a given topic and a final exam of essays. Other assessment components will include class participation.

Grade: B-/S

8. ACC1002X Financial Accounting
Semester: 2
Type: Breadth, UE
Difficulty level: 3/5
Interesting factor: 2/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 1h tutorial

Description: I think this module is something similar to Principles of Accounting. Basically, you need to know the accounting terms such as debit, credit, asset, liabilities and equity. There are also different financial statements and account names that you will learn throughout the semester. It's somewhat similar to mathematics where the answers are rather structured, in the sense that they all circle around these few concepts. However, the calculations involved are very simple addition and subtractions. The tutorials are very useful in bridging the gaps that formed during lectures.

Assessment: Continuous assessment includes tutorial participation (tutorial question presentation), online assignments, a mid term test of MCQs and final exam of MCQs and short answer questions.

Grade: B+ (expected an A but I guess the bell curve is rather steep since it's a -X module; it's supposed to be easy)

9. MKT1003X Principles of Marketing
Semester: 2
Type: Breadth, UE
Difficulty level: 3/5
Interesting factor: 3/5
Workload: 1 x 2h lecture, 1 x 2h tutorial

Description: This modules was based on the Asian context when I took it and I liked it; some other semesters were focused on the global context. This module is very interesting and I totally recommend non-business students to take it. Marketing reminded me of sales and so, I thought it was boring and all but it's not! Marketing is about how a company or an entity  portray itself to potential customers to gain their interest. So, instead of being very sales-y, it's more of creativity. The lecturer used a lot of actual advertisements and marketing strategies to enlighten our narrow minds and the lecture was full of laughter and fun. The questions gone through in tutorials and the group project allowed us to apply the concepts and analysis that we learnt. It's very enjoyable despite the rather heavy workload.

Assessment: A group project on a real life case study, an individual essay assignment, and a final exam of MCQs. Other components will include class participation, subject pool participation etc.

Grade: A

Don't see that I obtained quite good grades for my UEs, they merely neutralised the bad grades of my core modules. :/ Anyways, enjoy what you do and naturally, you will do well. And as I mentioned in the description of Singapore Society, some modules can be disgustingly difficult to score but they may be very insightful and useful. Don't focus so much on scoring an A; what's most important is to broaden your horizon and enjoy any sh*t the module has to offer. You will do well.

Lots Of Love (LOL),
Jensylee