Money doesn't make the world go round, but it sure does make life a whole lot cushier.

I checked out the MOE website and the gross monthly salary for a General Education Officer 1 (which is what I'll start off as) is as follows:

During NIE training

Pass Degree - $1,929
Pass (Merit) Degree - $2,088
Honours - $2,406-$2,565

After NIE training

Pass Degree - $2,232
Pass (Merit) Degree - $2,409
Honours - $2,762-$2,939

As you can see, there's a significant difference in salary for a normal degree and an honours degree. Which is why I'm this close to kicking myself for having screwed up my CAP - from a 4.60 in my first semester to a 3.4ish at the end of my second year. To proceed for honours, I have to pull my cap up to 3.5, and if I want a second upper, I probably have to get it up to 4.0. I'd be banging my head against the wall right now if it weren't for the fact that I don't believe in moping over past mistakes.

I'll be taking six modules this coming semester, all in the name of higher pay. Sigh. The things I do for money. This is more for self-reference than anything else, so don't bother reading it unless you're really bored.



EL2101 - Structure of Sentences and Meanings

This module explores language structure, in particular, patterns of sentence structure (syntax) and of meaning (semantics) in English. Concepts to be discussed include: grammatical categories, grammatical functions, semantic relations, and their hierarchical composition in sentences; various other syntactic and semantic notions; and the relationship between grammar and meaning. A key feature of the module is its emphasis on the evidence and argumentation that bears upon the representation of structure and principles of grammar that we postulate. The module is obligatory for EL Majors, and provides the foundation for the study of advanced modules in syntax and semantics.

Open-book exam, 26 Nov PM.

EN2111 - Reading British/World Texts

Drawing from a variety of literary texts from Britain and the world over, this course will give students opportunities to carry out close critical readings of literary texts. How does a reader engage with any literary text? The course will introduce students to a variety of reading approaches that may include: interpreting texts for their aesthetic and ideological dimensions; relating individual works to the larger literary tradition; situating texts within their social and historical contexts. The course will also encourage students to write about literary texts with a view towards sharpening their skills in creating effective arguments.

Exam, 28 Nov AM.

HY2250: Introduction to Southeast Asian History

This module will introduce the highlights of the region's past with particular emphasis on the past 200 years. The goal of this course is to highlight and examine patterns of transitions - evolutionary as well as revolutionary - in the societies and cultures of Southeast Asia, laying particular emphasis on the development of the modern Southeast Asian worldview. Colonialism, both generally and specifically, receives considerable attention, but European activities, viewpoints, and materials are subordinated to Southeast Asian perspectives and sources. This will also hold true for the Japanese Occupation and subsequent period of independence.

Open-book exam, 23 Nov PM.

HY3234 - Comparative European Nationalisms

Where does nationalism come from, what does it mean and how long will it last? These are some of the questions we explore in this module. We begin with a consideration of the intellectual and political roots of the nation-state as well as disagreements among scholars about whether nations are new or old developments. The bulk of the module then takes up specific case studies of nationalism in countries such as France, Germany, Russia and Britain. Finally we conclude with a discussion of whether the process of European integration heralds the transcendence of nations and nationalism. This module is designed for all students at NUS interested in developing a deeper understanding of nationalism and nation-states in Europe.

Exam, 24 Nov Evening.

PH2110 - Logic

An introduction to the fundamentals of logic: the study of reasoning. Although logical reasoning is a characteristically human endeavour, a reflective grasp of fundamental logical concepts will take a student's ability to reason a clear level higher. By the end of the module, students will have a firm handle on the general process of logical reasoning, various well-established methods of reasoning, various common pitfalls of reasoning, and how to critically assess pieces of reasoning they may encounter in everyday life or in an academic setting.

Open-book exam, 24 Nov AM.

FNA2111 - Personal Finance

This is an introductory course on personal finance. We will be exploring areas like planning your personal finances, managing your personal finances, making purchasing decisions, insuring your resources, investing your resources and finally controlling your financial future. Some of the topics covered include developing a financial plan, financial aspects of career planning, managing savings and credit facilities, understanding different types of insurance, investing fundamentals, different types of investment vehicles, retirement and estate planning. At the end of the course, you should have a better perspective of what personal financial planning entails, how to get started, how to avoid common pitfalls in financial planning and how to achieve desired outcomes for your financial goals.

No exam.

ying @ 11:27 AM

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