Struggling to decide which elective to take? Here are some recommendations from your NTU seniors who have been there, done that
by Chia Kun Liang
1. FASHION & DESIGN: WEARABLE ART AS A SECOND SKIN
National Institute of Education
Take this course if… you want to design and construct your next #OOTD that doubles as art.
Expect… to dabble with experimental designs once you have learnt the basic techniques of apparel making. As third-year Chinese major Desmond Toh puts it: “The best design is found when we are adventurous enough!” You also become more aware of how to identify a good piece of garment, and realise that almost anyone can pick up fashion design.
TIP: Don’t be daunted by your lack of sewing skills. This course is beginner-friendly. If you already know how to sew, you’ll be creatively challenged out of your comfort zone.
“Using unisex colours and playing with textures can create a more rugged vibe that makes flowers suitable on menswear.”
– Desmond Toh
2. E-STARTUPS & SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIES
Nanyang Technopreneurship Centre
Take this course if… you want a foot into the start-up scene.
Expect… generous insider tips from industry experts and entrepreneurs on what it takes to start your own business in this digital age. Aside from learning about social media marketing and social media tools, you will also get the opportunity to do elevator pitches and present your own business venture. “This course has helped me to build up my confidence to speak to a large group of people comfortably,” says Shanna Ng, a final-year communication student.
TIP: If you don’t plan to launch a start-up but are naturally inquisitive and open to meeting new people, this course will be right up your alley.
3. GENDER AND DIVERSITY STUDIES
School of Humanities
Take this course if… you are keen to understand gender and sexuality.
Expect… intense conversations about gender and inclusivity that will encourage you to develop your own thoughts on the subject. Says final-year communication student Lauren Elizabeth Lim: “It pushed me to think further and more critically about these topics and helped me to empathise with people of different sexualities or genders.
TIP: Put aside your preconceived notions about this topic and get up to speed with topics in gendered identity and the debates about diversity.
4. THAI LANGUAGE LEVEL 1
School of Humanities
Take this course if… you aspire to watch Thai dramas without subtitles and order street food like a pro at Chatuchak Weekend Market when borders reopen.
Expect… a virtual cultural immersion. Says final-year mathematical sciences student Celine Chan: “On top of teaching us the language, Dr Sureenate Jaratjarungkiat also taught us to appreciate the culture through the language of food. She even provided us with ingredients and hosted a live broadcast to teach us how to cook Thai cuisine.”
TIP: Flatten the steep learning curve a little by taking the class with a friend whom you can regularly practise the language with.
5. DISCOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THERAPEUTIC ANTIBODIES
School of Biological Sciences
Take this course if… you want a front-row seat to the latest developments in the field of antibody therapies.
Expect… engaging and clear lectures on the topic from Dr Ignacio Asial, who leads a biopharmaceutical company that specialises in developing next-gen antibody therapies. “The module also helped me to better understand the news on the development of COVID-19 therapies globally,” says Gladys Koh, a third-year biological sciences student.
TIP: This module will also provide you with a plum opportunity to hone your skills in presenting scientific concepts.
6. SCIENCE FICTION FILM
Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information
Take this course if… watching and analysing sci-fi films is your thing.
Expect… sci-fi films across a diverse range of topics such as feminism and artificial intelligence, and the interactive discussions that follow. Third-year physics student Ong Rui Xun says: “Even though the older sci-fi films may be anachronistic to the point of being outdated, they have helped me to understand how far we’ve come as a society and civilisation.”
TIP: Make friends in the class early on so you have someone to watch the films with – you may make a film buddy for life!
HEY! STUDENT WRITER
When Kun Liang is not writing, he works closely with young children of diverse abilities as a volunteer. He hopes to leverage his communication skills and knowledge in early childhood education to advocate for progress on inclusion in Singapore.
This story was published in the Oct-Dec 2021 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.
