Global Studies | Q&As π
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| Credit: FASS News (https://blog.nus.edu.sg/fassnews/2013/page/13/) |
First, a brief background run:
- Global Studies is a NUS FASS major, formally coded as GL. - At this point in time (i.e. 2016), I am a sophomore GL major.
- My specialized track consists of: Population & Migration (theme), East Asia (region), Korean/Hangul (language).
As the title goes, this page is set up for all GL-related questions and answers I've received and responded to over the years. Since my responses to all queries about my major and the relevant modules I read to fulfil major requirements are scattered all over (i.e. replies over emails, twitter, facebook, different module review posts), I've decided this cannot go on any longer.
Please note that although I try to be as helpful as I can, I am not a divine being and am not all-knowing so take the information here with a pinch of salt. Also, the GL website (click: here) is actually very informative and easy to navigate around so I will not be including general information that can be easily gleaned from there. That being said, please feel free to send in any queries if you need help when the research is overwhelming or if you want a different perspective or opinion on the major or related issues. I don't bite!
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Q. Academic rigors of a GL major?
A. Being a GL major (to me) is tough, tedious, yet fulfilling. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, we have to compete with students from other majors (i.e. apart from the handful of GL core modules, most of the available modules we can read come from other majors), many of whom are just straight up brilliant and acclimated to their particular field of study and its expectations. Having to adjust quickly to a new learning environment while not lagging behind in progress can be tiring. That being said, it can be fulfilling if you find yourself doing well in conquering that.
The academic rigor each GL major faces vary according to the permutation of their specific study plan (i.e. combination of selected modules). Depending on that, assigned readings vary in difficulty and quantity, as with term assignments, so I can't really tell you much about that. Just be prepared to...read and write a lot. For information on GL core modules, look up the module reviews on my page (search bar on the right). Do keep in mind that GL majors have to accumulate more academic credits for graduation as compared to the other FASS majors.
Q. Do GL modules require a lot of essay writing?
A. I'm assuming we're only talking about the core GL-coded modules here and not inclusive of other major modules that we also have to take. I'm not sure how much is 'a lot' but on an average we have at least one term paper for each GL core module. If you're taking FASS modules, I doubt you can escape from term papers anyway - learning to juggle the workload will come naturally to you, and there will be plenty of us to accompany you on your torturous journey in meeting term paper deadlines. I kid. Maybe. You'll see. XD
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A. Being a GL major (to me) is tough, tedious, yet fulfilling. Because of its multidisciplinary nature, we have to compete with students from other majors (i.e. apart from the handful of GL core modules, most of the available modules we can read come from other majors), many of whom are just straight up brilliant and acclimated to their particular field of study and its expectations. Having to adjust quickly to a new learning environment while not lagging behind in progress can be tiring. That being said, it can be fulfilling if you find yourself doing well in conquering that.
The academic rigor each GL major faces vary according to the permutation of their specific study plan (i.e. combination of selected modules). Depending on that, assigned readings vary in difficulty and quantity, as with term assignments, so I can't really tell you much about that. Just be prepared to...read and write a lot. For information on GL core modules, look up the module reviews on my page (search bar on the right). Do keep in mind that GL majors have to accumulate more academic credits for graduation as compared to the other FASS majors.
Q. Do GL modules require a lot of essay writing?
A. I'm assuming we're only talking about the core GL-coded modules here and not inclusive of other major modules that we also have to take. I'm not sure how much is 'a lot' but on an average we have at least one term paper for each GL core module. If you're taking FASS modules, I doubt you can escape from term papers anyway - learning to juggle the workload will come naturally to you, and there will be plenty of us to accompany you on your torturous journey in meeting term paper deadlines. I kid. Maybe. You'll see. XD
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Q. Is being a GL major realistic? Is GL a 'recognized' major? Many of [anonymous's] JC classmates were quite negative about it seeing it is a 'new' major which isn't quite recognized as the other FASS majors.
A. If you're asking if the stuff we do under GL can be applied to the real-world, my answer is a definite yes, especially the core modules. For other non-core modules, that depends on whether the module you choose is a good or average module. And a whole load of other factors that come with the module like content, profs and stuff. The module is critical to whether what you're studying is applicable.To put things in perspective, think about it: we take modules across the faculty so if you're saying you don't get anything applicable out of GL or that GL isn't 'realistic', doesn't this also implies that the other majors under which we read modules from are also 'unrealistic' to a certain extent (when we take said module into consideration)? That isn't true so why should you think so about GL? So my (pretty useless) advice would be to try and pick modules that are more applicable to what you want to do/interested to learn.
One of the reasons why I chose GL was because I could absorb stuff across the faculty for a broad-based coverage of knowledge. Your mentality is most important, as with the choice of specialization. How you choose to see what you study is important. GL IS a young major and outsiders to the major might not understand what is it about so yes it is less 'recognized' in that sense.
Q. How are the job prospects like for a GL major? What is the employment rate?
A. As taken from the GL website, "The skills gained in Global Studies can be helpful for careers in diplomacy, civil service, international business, law, social enterprise, education, and other exciting fields." As for actual stats, I can't help as I'm equally clueless. Do drop an email to the GL dept if it's a burning question that you really need to know. :)
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Q. Is there a high chance of going on exchange or is the competition very stiff among GL majors?
A. Disclaimer: do note that I'm NOT going on SEP so I can't give you information on the actual process and experience of applying for it.
The criteria for exchange opportunities are not based on majors. I feel that NUS provides ample opportunities for students to go on exchange - A LOT of my friends are going away/are on exchange. GL majors are highly encouraged to go on SEP. From the experience of my friends who are on SEPs, whether your SEP application is successful depends on largely: 1. whether the university you're applying to is popular - this will affect competition for available capacity to be selected; 2. your grades; 3. if you're able to map your modules properly; 4. pass both internal and partnership university selection.
Q. Should GL majors not use their Unrestricted Electives (UEs) outside of language modules so as to use the remaining ones during SEP?
A. I'm not clear on SEP requirements since I've not done much research so I asked a friend.
Audrey: It's not necessary to not use UEs it's just easier to map if you leave them for SEP. However if you're going to a uni that has relevant modules to your theme or region, then you won't have to use your UEs at all. Basically if you're worried that you won't be able to find major modules to map over, the 3 UEs will make your job a lot easier.
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