| Faculty: | ARTS & SOCIAL SCIENCES | Academic Year: | 2004/2005 |
| Department: | HISTORY | Semester: | 1 |
| Module: | FILM AND HISTORY - HY2243 |
| Note: | Feedback on module in general |
| Qn | Items Evaluated | Module Avg Score | Nos Responded |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overall opinion of the module. | 4.259 | 255 |
| 2 | Grade likely to get for the module. | 3.896 | 249 |
| 3 | Difficulty level of the module. | 3.594 | 254 |
QN\SCORE | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Qn 1: Overall opinion of the module. | Excellent | Good | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory | Poor |
Qn 2: Grade likely to get for the module. | A | B | C | D | F |
Qn 3: Difficulty level of the module. | Very Difficult | Difficult | Average | Easy | Very Easy |
| Nos. of Respondents(% of Respondents) |
| | | ||||||
ITEM\SCORE | | | Excellent | Good | Satisfactory | Unsatisfactory | Poor |
| | | ||||||
Module | | | 103 (40.39%) | 120 (47.06%) | 29 (11.37%) | 1 (.39%) | 2 (.78%) |
Module at Same Level (Dept) | | | 314 (15.95%) | 907 (46.06%) | 644 (32.71%) | 66 (3.35%) | 38 (1.93%) |
Module at Same Level (Fac) | | | 1460 (16.02%) | 4412 (48.41%) | 2760 (30.29%) | 347 (3.81%) | 134 (1.47%) |
| Nos. of Respondents(% of Respondents) |
| | | ||||||
ITEM\SCORE | | | A | B | C | D | F |
| | | ||||||
Module | | | 24 (9.64%) | 178 (71.49%) | 45 (18.07%) | 1 (.40%) | 1 (.40%) |
Module at Same Level (Dept) | | | 185 (9.80%) | 1051 (55.70%) | 585 (31.00%) | 51 (2.70%) | 15 (.79%) |
Module at Same Level (Fac) | | | 1090 (12.27%) | 5311 (59.80%) | 2219 (24.98%) | 221 (2.49%) | 41 (.46%) |
| Nos. of Respondents(% of Respondents) |
| | | ||||||
ITEM\SCORE | | | Very Difficult | Difficult | Average | Easy | Very Easy |
| | | ||||||
Module | | | 16 (6.30%) | 123 (48.43%) | 112 (44.09%) | 2 (.79%) | 1 (.39%) |
Module at Same Level (Dept) | | | 279 (14.18%) | 881 (44.79%) | 782 (39.76%) | 21 (1.07%) | 4 (.20%) |
Module at Same Level (Fac) | | | 892 (9.79%) | 4015 (44.06%) | 4011 (44.01%) | 178 (1.95%) | 17 (.19%) |
| Q1. | Please comment on the strengths and weaknesses of the module, and suggest possible improvements. |
| 1. | Good timing at 4pm so that other faculty students and students with heavy timetables can take the module. Many interesting clips and pictures presented in lectures. Please keep it up. Need to define concepts in the lectures/projects more clearly. For instance, what is meant by "identity"? "nostalgia"? etc... |
| 2. | Very interesting, but a little diffecult to score |
| 3. | it is very interesting |
| 4. | There are far too much projects and not enough time is given to allow one to digest and contemplate ideas. |
| 5. | very interesting |
| 6. | Interesting module, but the subject is thrown at you. some exposition of key readings would be helpful. otherwise brilliant! |
| 7. | Critical thinking encouraged in the study of history. |
| 8. | nil |
| 9. | Some of the concepts are hard to grasp, tendency is just to examine feelings towards the film, not just the theme of it. |
| 10. | Very interesting module. |
| 11. | There was a lot of potential essay material in the last 3 movies, and maybe you could move a more difficult topic such as the second lot of movies to the back. |
| 12. | Would love to have had "physical" tutorials instead of online ones. |
| 13. | I think that the films shown are insightful, and so are the readings. However, its challenging in the sense that it requires one to think beyond what one "sees" on the screen. The discussion forum is useful in enablingme to see from different perspectives and further analyse my thoughts. |
| 14. | alot of students did not know that this module is more of historiography. some tough concepts to grasp |
| 15. | The films have been very interesting -- I've learnt so many issues I never thought were involved before. The module has definitely made me more aware of issues such as national identity through martial arts and sports. Although I felt that the Beatles movies were a drag. I guess it's a different era altogether. |
| 16. | Lectures given are relevent to lecture topic but needs more guidance for STUDENTS, on how to make lecture RELEVENT to essay topics... since this is an non-examinable module therefore every essay has high weightage.. Possible occasional guidance or comments on IVLE discussion forums so that students will know if on right track or not. |
| 17. | - |
| 18. | A fun way of learning about what i would consider a dead subject, history. |
| 19. | enhaces critical thinking of students throughout course |
| 20. | I enjoyed this module. If there was a part 2, i would definitely take it again. However, perhaps, more feedback can be given for each project and more guidelines to help us prepare for the essay. Also, it can be difficult to rent the videos in the central library, and expensive to do so outside of school. Perhaps more copies should be made available. |
| 21. | perhaps lecture could start earlier so that the students would not be too drained at the end of the lecture due to its duration |
| 22. | This module enables me to appreciate films in a different way. Films serve more than entertainment purposes. Interesting module! |
| 23. | This module enhanced my thinking ability and allows me to watch films in a more critical way. Some of the films watched are quite difficult to comprehend. |
| 24. | I didn't know history could be so interesting until I took this module. Great module, would recommend friends to take it. Powerpoint slides are short and sweet which meant we will listen to what the lecturers have to say. |
| 25. | this is a wonderful and enjoyable module. it is unlike regular lectures, the only visual is the powerpoint. a proper lecture was given before every film shown; adequate information about the movie is given. however, given the long lecture time (lec + screening), maybe long movies are not recommended unless truly great; Lagaan. the lecture timing of 4pm is like the 'switching off' time for most students. |
| 26. | NA |
| 27. | This is defintely a very very interesting module which allows students to gain alot of information. |
| 28. | nil |
| 29. | this module rocks. enjoyed it alot. though some movies were a bit too dry for my liking. i think they shld change the syllables more to match our contemporary culture. perhaps this wld help us relate film and history better with reference to our present generation and movies. |
| 30. | brilliant |
| 31. | Interesting contents and application in the learning of history, thought the lectures are sometimes too short and vague. |
| 32. | More useful readings to be given out, and pls do not give stduents the perception that this module do not need alot of readings and research, bcoz it does! |
| 33. | Strengths- very interesting module- unique and a lot more exciting than any other module I have taken.Its ingenious to have used film as a study material- Weaknesses- difficult to score coz u have to rise abt te rest through the essays. I tried my best for some of the essays but just kept getting a tick! was frustrating |
| 34. | its very interesting, very enjoyable module...i tink its very effective especially for arts modeules to not have exams but rather a regular short essays on topics..this reviews a students' understanding on the module better and it's less stressful for students..more effective learning... |
| 35. | the module is very enriching, open up my eyes when watching film rather than mistreated it as a form of escapism |
| 36. | interesting n relevant concepts thought for the critical analysis of films. could find films which are characteristic of important historical periods...thought the films din really reflect social/political concerns of eras...it was more about the possibilities of studying history through films n related issues |
| 37. | this is an interesting module however it is leaves little room for a student to improve as mistakes made in the essay or more importantly, the guidance to understand issues in deeper depth are not apparent. It is difficult to improve as no real suggestions are being taught on how to approach and look critically at certain issues. most remain stagnant of what they first began with. |
| 38. | Strength: Shows a different perspective of learning history Weakness: Would be best if more varieties of films are shown |
| 39. | Makes us aware that film as visual history is somehow similar to written history, as it is only a representation of the historical past. |
| 40. | Its strength is that it's film. Its weakness is that it's film. Sometimes the link between film and history is not so clear. The good thing was that if you'd missed a lecture, you didn't really miss much beyond the lecture; after all, it's the film that counts. Keep it exam-free!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| 41. | it is a very interesting module. |
| 42. | Real interesting... you should put more of the films up on the IVLE so people can watch it from the convenience of their homes.. |
| 43. | very fun module to take, relaxing, except when projects are due... |
| 44. | Very practical and insightful module! Method of teaching outside the textbook & inside the cinema is very effective. Visual medium is best for absorbing some of life's important lessons. Only complaint is there're always not enough seats for lectures. Maybe should charge movie prices for entry =) |
| 45. | very interesting and help improve me on the interpretation of movie |
| 46. | its fun! a little tedious to work with at times, due to the frequency of the short projects. BUT I like the module |
| 47. | NA |
| 48. | it is very interesting. |
| 49. | films chosen could be better |
| 50. | na |
| 51. | na |
| 52. | the content is very interesting and using films to teach is a wonderful and creative way to go about it. but a weekly tutorial would be more beneficial than online participation because people can actually sit down face to face and discuss which i find is more effective. |
| 53. | too many papers. maybe you should try cutting it down to 5 papers.but great choice of films. wonderland is a personal favourite. but overall it was great. i liked writing the papers (surprise) 'cos its interesting but sometimes there's too little time and you can't produce something excellent. thats a shame. e forum is actaully a good idea but sometimes e members are too unresponsive. maybe you could have lesser ppl in a forum? 7? maybe it would be better. 'cos ther r too many ppl airing too many views n no solid discussions takes place. |
| 54. | really enjoyed the module... though i find it hard at times to really link what the lecturers want at times... n still not sure what they want from it for some of the projects.>! is it possible to post some model essay after the course is over...? curious about what you guys really want...! |
| 55. | it is a very interesting module. |
| 56. | i love it cause the lectures are enjoyable. although this is a history module, we learn that we can learn history not only through history films. furthermore, this module is non-examinable. instead of studying for one final exam, i get to earn my marks consistently through out the semester. |
| 57. | The module is fun! Good selection of movies, though assignments are difficult to write! Perhaps more time could be allocated to how the films can be applied to history. Overall, the lectures are engaging and sometimes funny as well. However, the last assignment cuts abit too close to the exams. |
| 58. | It is interesting and gave me insight on the impact of history on film. |
| 59. | This module is very informative and enriching and i have learnt a lot. More of such modules should be introduced. |
| 60. | Great way of learning and to think of ideas. |
| 61. | should have more of this type of modules!!! ;) |
| 62. | Definitely a good class after a long day of long and boring lectures! |
| 63. | this module teaches us how to evaluate the relevance of film in the study of history. perhaps more time should be spent on teaching us how to "read" the cinematography, plot and characters like a text. |
| 64. | Very interesting and thought-provoking module. Although there is no final exam, the projects can be quite time-consuming. Lecturers are very entertaining. |
| 65. | it's a fantastic module. one of the most enriching ones i've taken yet. |
| 66. | -NA- |
| 67. | very very interesting module whoch really hones my thinking abilities and gave me a different appraoach to looking at movies. |
| 68. | interesting module |
| 69. | Too many essays, too little guidance on term paper |
| 70. | i am able to have a deeper understanding of the relationship between history and films. Also, made me pay more attention to the details of the films. |
| 71. | NA |
| 72. | It is really interesting to explore how films can relate to history. In adddition, it is one of the less stressful module, except for the 2000 word eassy. The grading system for the 5 reports is unique and I really appreciate the feedbacks (as in it shows what it means when we got a tick or double tick). |
| 73. | Very interesting and provides a good deal of analytical opportunities in everyday things such as films we are exposed too very often. |
| 74. | Exceptionally entertaining, my most highly anticipated moduile of the week! Continual assessment makes it all the more enjoyable. The lecturers are all very on the ball, very dynamic |
| 75. | i don't know what do i learn from this module. |
| 76. | I think the module is pretty difficult, but it is very interesting and teaches us how to think much deeper into things. |
| 77. | too much work |
| 78. | A very interesting module that differs from the rest. Would be better if criteria for forum participation was announced. |
| 79. | Strengths: A useful insight on how to view films as a 'text' rather than just a flim and how to link them to History as an academic discipline. The 'no-exam' content is also productive as it ensures that students keep up to date with the module proper through reports, forum discussions and the term essay. Weakness: I believe that there are some who are still unable to fully grapple with the techniques on how to link films to History as an academic discipline. A slightly more thorough insight on this (not spoon-feeding though) would be beneficial generally. |
| 80. | To score high,we must learn how to integrate the readings into assignments properly. |
| 81. | very interesting. an eye-opener. |
| 82. | A really 'unconventional' history module that is interesting yet 'depressing' because you never know how you would really fare in your project because the grade you are going to get depends solely on the marker. The module was also beyond my expectation because I expected to be looking at 'historical films' rather than looking at 'historical approaches' in films. Nevertheless, it's really a wonderful learning experience taking this module. |
| 83. | Mostly interesting films. Should not have screened movies in which quality is poor and audio is dubbed (ie. Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury). Extremely disappointing and creates a false impression of such films. Show korean films next time. (eg. Shiri, Joint Security Area) |
| 84. | does not quite define itself properly. Students are confused whether it is a module dealing with historiography or whether it is simply a module designed for sociology |
| 85. | I like the fact that all lecturers/teaching assistants are present for all of the lectures, as it shows unity and we are assured that since they were there, they know what is going on and what has been said and hence, we can approach any one of them. Some films that I could recommend are: (For sports and identity) A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, (For nostalgia and LA) PRETTY WOMAN, |
| 86. | Lectures are entertaining and it provides a whole new view of history. |
| 87. | 5 POPCORNS!! Great module. Tough but very fresh.. I can't believe I took this module.. so sad its over.. |
| 88. | less historically abstract themes would help student better relate films and history some themes explored were quite difficult eg. martial arts... |
| 89. | the lectures are slightly vague thus leaving interpretations open to students. But then, when it comes to assignments, the lecturers have a strict idea of what is an A... Thus, if there is something they're looking for, the lectures should be structured such that we are led in the right direction. |
| 90. | nil |
| 91. | The module has a very different approach from the norm which makes it very likeable. |
| 92. | Very interesting way to study history. |
| 93. | The strengths of the module lies in providing another alternative in studying history rather than the usual texts or primary sources. It is an interesting approach. It may seems easy by the term'Films' but it is a very difficult module. |
| 94. | allows critical thinking...but workload is not as light as thought...still a worth to take modules. allows student to appreciate films more!!! |
| 95. | interesting, something different from normal history modules. |
| 96. | I thorougly enjoyed the module. The lectures were both entertaining and thought provoking. The workload was just right and ensured that I kept thinking about the themes presented in the module. |
| 97. | I feel that the last film project was too late. it kind of hinder us when we want to start revise. But overall, an entertaining module which makes me start looking deeper into the meaning when watching the films. |
| 98. | pretty interesting way of bringing together media and history |
| 99. | Longer word limit on Projects pls. Perhaps an assignment of lesser movies for each project, limit to 2? never thought modern film and history could be seen in the same light.. |
| 100. | Interesting and enriching module. Began to see films in a differnt light. Encourages critical thinking. |
| 101. | This module is quite interesting and the movies are quite enjoyable. The workload is also not very heavy. But the lecturers should give us more detailed guidelines as to what we should write about in the projects. |
| 102. | Interesting module which stimulates lots of thought processing. Lectures are enjoyable and stimulating. |
| 103. | extremely interesting module and the films shown are of worldwide interest. the lecturers are very very humorous and are knowledgeable about the topic. the themes dealt with are also though provoking, and through research, i have gained a new perspective on history besides the traditional view that it is a dead subject. |
| 104. | i enjoyed myself tremendously and have learnt to better appreciate movies more now.. |
| 105. | strength: module is taught in an innovative way. |
| 106. | it is very different from all other modules because the main teaching material is visual media,it makes learning so much more interesting. However, perhaps we should be taught on how to view the film critically. |
| 107. | Make use of films to learn and see history in a different perspective. |
| 108. | It's a very interesting module & i have no negative comments |
| 109. | The movies watched were really interesting and the lectures were thought provoking. |
| 110. | it exposes me to more films and also to read into films shown to us. makes me realise that there are more to films than just purely entertainment. this module takes up too much of students time. it will be gd if lecturers can shorten the lecture |
| 111. | interesting. assessment by forum participation and essays are efficient and appropriate for the nature of the module--discussing films. however, discussions are sometimes not rounded up, so some questions are left unanswered. having a tutor give a final comment to round-up would perhaps be good :) |
| 112. | Films such as Swingers had low cognitive value and should be removed from the course. When We Were Kings and Ong Bak were excellent for talking about Asian identity. The questions for the projects should be more specific. Ultimately, I don't get a sense of what the lecturers expect from us in the projects or essays. |
| 113. | Interesting with a wide range of movies. Not boring and dreary. |
| 114. | Exremely interesting themes and lecturers! Presented in a unique and creative style. |
| 115. | Try to guide the students in the initial part of the module, the expectations of the essay pertaining to the movie and its themes. |
| 116. | strengths: good, varied genres of films explored in the relation to history. weaknesses: some films seem to be in bad taste. e.g. backbeat,wonderland improvements:leave out explicit films. |
| 117. | too many projects. workload is too much. do not really know what is expected of us in our projects. |
| 118. | no linkage with any tutors and lecturers cos we dun have contact sessions, thus we donnot know who to approach if we have problems. |
| 119. | very interesting way of putting the relationship of films and history across |
| 120. | The inability to make consultations available for students rendered me to a state of feeling lost and useless in improving my grade. |
| 121. | - an interesting and fun module that encourages students to know more about films and how it relates to history - reduce the number of project assignments / not have a final paper at the end of the semester |
| 122. | An extremely interesting module! |
| 123. | strengths: interesting way of studying history weakness: too many projects. can cut down by just one? |
| 124. | the films were good but lectures should have tried to show the necessary approaches in tackling the questions as i felt that i often did not know how to approach the questions |
| 125. | Lectures should focus more on the link between film and history rather than on the background information of the films shown/ |
| 126. | A very intriguing module. It taught us how to look beyond the superficial level of films and view it with a critical mind. I've learnt alot of historical events linking to the films and also some of the objectives of the films. Basically, a mind-boggling module. Not an easy one to score as well. |
| 127. | Sometimes seem rather abstract and hard to understand what is really expected. |
| 128. | This is a really interesting module and I enjoyed every single lecture. It would be better to provide a short description of the film that we are going to watch beforehand so that we have an idea what to expect before the lecture. |
| 129. | The module was very interesting,it would be nice if there were more such modules offered |
| 130. | the lecture styles as delivered by the two lecturers have made the module so much enjoyable, entertaining, and more significantly, informational. the reading materials are helpful too, in obtaining a deeper understanding of the issues concerned. |
| 131. | the most interesting module in NUS! not as relaxed as it seems with the number of assignments, but overall, it is a good module to take because of the interesting things you learn and you get out of watching films. |
| 132. | to have more detailed notes before the lecture and to inform students about the rationale of having a maximum 500 word limit. i found it abit difficult to express my thoughts fully.to also give more personal feedback on each essay as many times i didn't know what was wrong with my essay. but i do think that this module was really interesting on a whole! |
| 133. | change the lecture time to earlier time slot |
| 134. | It is very informative, difficult but I do learn a lot from this module. films will no longer be simply films, but more like texts with layers of hidden meanings. |
| 135. | NIL |
| 136. | The films shown are interesting. |
| 137. | lively and colourful module |
| 138. | The module introduced some really interesting historical concepts, and exposed us to some really interesting films. But I think we could've gotten more out of the module if lectures have been more focused, and if there were more connections between reading, lecture and film. Right now, the connections are a bit loose. Although this encourages our own critical analysis on the subject, we could've gone even deeper in the film analysis if we had better concepts to help back us up in regards to both history and film. So maybe, less films but going deeper into each? |
| 139. | Strength: there are many interesting films which are selectively chosen Weakness: lack of offline interaction amongst students and tutors. The tutors are there just to mark the papers, they even didn't say anything on the forum. |
| 140. | New, interesting, fun. All delivered fresh and unique. Am I writing for a film trailer here? |
| 141. | Simply Amazing... It showed us how we can actually study history from just about anything around us. It required us to think, reason and analyze movies not just in terms of history, but also in terms of the way it was made and how it represents history, or the concept of history. Not only were the lectures fun, but we there was a lot to be taken from each lecture at the end of the day. This module has clearly shown that learning and education is not necessarily only through books and texts. |
| 142. | Brought out a new concept in watching films.Watch films in a different light now...rather than just believing everything I see. The module was also pretty relaxing with the interactiveness, songs, etc...very different from other modules. |
| 143. | the movies are too boring. the lecturers uses too much vulgarities. |
| 144. | More asian films, can't relate to topics regarding American Identity. Good range of films, a different perspective oflooking at them. |
| 145. | Very interesting but challenging module as most of the time I did not understand what was required of me. Tried my best but got mediocre results. Quite frustrating at times. |
| 146. | Using films as a medium to teach was excellent but sometimes films choosen are not related to the topics |
| 147. | very innovative method of teaching history. makes something which is supposed to be boring very interesting |
| 148. | It's a very refreshing change from all the other modules and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Surprisingly, I really did manage to learn alot about history and the related issues pertaining to the films and yet have fun! It's an amazing module! |
| 149. | I really would prefer tutorial sessions! They provide very very useful chances to really interact with the tutors, as well as discussion. I don't really like online forum discussion as there are no non-verbal cues, and there is a time lag in responses. Since we're all in Singapore, it's quite ok to see each other! |
| 150. | I like this new method of 100% CA with the absence of tutorials classes and a final exam. |
| 151. | Excellent exoposure though it's probably better to have the lectures more focused on the projects. |
| 152. | It's timetable is very flexible, that's great! There's also a large variety of movies to cover different themes. It's a module that is truely enjoyable and at the same time thought-provoking and mind-broadening. |
| 153. | Interesting, unconventional method of learning. |
| 154. | nil |
| 155. | nil |
| 156. | I love this module because we can watch movies every week! |
| 157. | Very interesting and enjoyable. |
| 158. | Great module! Despite closely linked to history, it gives the student alot of creative space to think and analyse. |
| 159. | Interesting module and insightful way of looking at films but can be quite heavy despite being non-examinable. |
| 160. | Strength: It's good because you get to enjoy free movie every week. Weakness: background information on the movies are brief and you nedd to read alot. For busy students, its quite dfficult to find time to read. |
| 161. | it is rather difficult in a way that it requires certain general knowledge and inference skills. however, i feel that the module help us to understand the meanings of the different films and gave me a new concepts of the relationship between films and history. |
| 162. | discussion is limited to forums(dependent on the students), more infomation to tackle the questions beforehand could be provided |
| 163. | free and easy style makes it enjoyable to go for lectures. however, there is a complete lack of individual feedback from anyone, so it is difficult to improve and be motivated |
| 164. | At times, it is rather difficult to associate the topic of the essay with the films viewed. Also, sometimes the lecture are not really related to the theme- more often than not, it is simply background knowledge of the movie. |