SSA1207: Singapore Literature in English: Selected Texts
2011-12, Second Semester

Course Lecturer: A/P Ismail S Talib

Course Tutors: Ms Denise Lee, Ms Christabel Sim

Modular Credits: 4 MCs

Who can do this module? This module is intended as a Singapore Studies module for students who are not English Language, English Literature or Theatre Studies majors.

Timetable: Lectures: Tuesday 2 pm (AS6 02-14); Tutorials: Tuesday: 9 & 10 am (AS5 03-09) Wednesday: 9 & 10 am (AS5 03-09).

Rationale

This is a dedicated Singapore Studies module for students who are not enrolled as major students in the Department of English Language and Literature, but who want to gain some exposure to Singapore literature in English. It will look at some of the literary achievements of Singapore writers in English. Some of the writers will be invited to give talks and readings to the students. It is hoped that students would develop a greater awareness of how these texts contribute to a better and more multi-faceted understanding of Singapore.

Module Description

This module will focus on Singapore literature in English. It will deal with selected texts in the three main genres: poetry, fiction and drama. There will also be opportunities to discuss the works with the writers. One of its main aims is to show how literature will help us gain a more comprehensive insight into our understanding of Singapore.

Workload

Lecture hours per week  2
Tutorial hours per week  1
Hours per week for projects and assignments  4
Hours per week for preparatory work  3
Total hours per week  10

Major Topics
(these are the topics to be covered this semester: for more details, see the programme for 2011-12)

1.  Introduction
2.  Some general observations on Singapore poetry
3.  Lee Tzu Pheng's “My Country and My People,” Alfian Sa’at's “Singapore You Are Not My Country” & Edwin Thumboo's “Ulysses by the Merlion”
4.  Cyril Wong's poetry in Writing Singapore
5.  Robert Yeo's poetry in Writing Singapore
6.  Introduction to Singapore drama
7.  Kuo Pao Kun's The Coffin Is Too Big for the Hole and Stella Kon's Emily of Emerald Hill
8.  Haresh Sharma's Good People
9.  Simon Tay's “Exiles”
10.  Discussion on Singapore fiction
11.  Goh Poh Seng's If We Dream Too Long
12.  Suchen Christine Lim's A Bit of Earth

Assessment

Tutorials  10%
IVLE participation  10%
Essay  30%
Project  20%
Total for CA  70%
Total for Final Examinations  30%
Total  100%
 

Textbooks


Last revised: 08 February 2012