Humanities Online Talks

5 March, Wednesday

Join us online to understand the College of Humanities and Sciences (CHS)' curriculum and learning opportunities. Attend talks of CHS’ academic programmes and a student sharing session where you will hear firsthand from our students about their diverse learning experiences, in campus and beyond.

11 am - 12 pm

Cross-Disciplinary Programme
Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Technology, Labour, and Inequality

Research by several economists have found that the share of employment in occupations in the middle of the skill distribution has declined rapidly in the U.S. and Europe. At the same time, the share of employment in the upper and lower ends of the occupational skill distribution has increased substantially. This phenomenon has been termed “job polarisation”. In this sharing, I will discuss the challenges posed by job polarisation, focusing on both mature and developing economies. Specifically, I will show how to properly understand the nature and challenges posed by job polarisation, we need to integrate insights from Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. I then examine how job polarization presents potential opportunities for state and private actors to strengthen investments in education, skills upgrading, and training.

1 - 2 pm

Communications and New Media
Ask Me Anything: What is Communications and New Media?

Ever wondered what life is like as a CNM student? What are courses here like? Which industries can I go into as a CNM major? Do we have internships? Join Senior Lecturer Dr Jinna Tay and current CNM students as they answer your burning questions about Communications and New Media at NUS, from course selection to student life and beyond.

Global Studies
Understanding how we are all connected

In this talk, Dr George Radics and Dr Josh Watkins will discuss the importance of having a global perspective in our ever changing and increasingly polarised world.

Sociology and Anthropology
What Your Doctor Doesn't Tell You: The Social Side of Health and Illness

Medicine often focuses on biology, but what about the social forces shaping health and illness? In this interactive online session for NUS Open House, join our speakers as they explore how insights from sociology and anthropology reveal the ways culture, inequality, and institutions influence health outcomes, medical practices, and patient experiences. They will share research perspectives, discuss key debates in the field, and answer your questions about studying health through a social science lens. Whether you’re curious about global health, medical anthropology, or the sociology of healthcare, this session offers a fresh perspective beyond the clinic.

2 - 3 pm

English, Linguistics and Theatre Studies
Exploring the Power of Language and Performance: A Journey through Linguistics, Literature and Theatre Studies

English Language & Linguistics (Associate Professor Mie Hiramoto):
During the session, attendees will gain insights into the foundational theories and methodologies that define the field of linguistics. Learn about the cutting-edge research our faculty are engaged in. Our program not only emphasizes theoretical knowledge but also provides practical, hands-on experiences that prepare students for a wide range of careers, technology, publishing and more.

English Literature (Dr Gilbert Yeoh):
In the Literature section of the talk, we will look at the poetry of American modernist poet William Carlos Williams as well as a sample of critical theory by the theorist Mikhail Bakhtin. These examples give us a sense of the joy and pleasure of studying literature and an idea of what studying literature at the tertiary level involves. There will also be a brief look at the Literature curriculum.

Theatre & Performance Studies (Associate Professor Liang Peilin):
At the NUS Theatre and Performance Studies programme, we study theatre and performance as a practice and as a discourse for understanding a world that has become increasingly complex and performative. The programme specialises in several areas, including Asian Shakespeare, performance ethnography, theatre and fiction, applied theatre, performer training, as well as theatre and performance's intersection with disciplines such as technology, cognitive science, and healthcare. Students acquire a broad base arts training with transferrable skills that are of value to a wide range of career paths.

Political Science
The Importance of Political Science

What has Political Science as a discipline remained relevant for the last few thousand of years? This is because of what it has to offer in terms of information, power of analysis and the continued turbulent world we live in.

3 - 4 pm

Economics
Thinking Like An Economist

Why would your teacher cheat? Which factors cause crime rates to go down? Do you really love your parents? In this lecture, we use the tools of economic analysis to answer such questions and challenge everything and everyone around us, including ourselves.

Geography
What can you do with a Geography degree?

Ever wondered what you can do with a Geography degree? This talk will address the diverse career options that are available/open to a geography graduate. The talk will also highlight some of the key themes and issues that are being taught at NUS Geography and their wider relevance and value.

Philosophy
Are We Always selfish?

Many people believe that our overwhelming motivation in any situation, at least if we are acting rationally, is to do whatever we perceive to be most in our own interest. If true, this would be of fundamental importance for organising society, but also for our self-understanding and the orientation of our lives. But it is not true - indeed in some ways it is the opposite of the truth - and the proof of this provides a brilliant example of the power of philosophical thinking. So if you are tempted by the cynical thought that everyone is selfish, or believe that self-interest is the only rational motive, then you might find that this talk can make a real difference to your life!

4 - 5 pm

Centre for Language Studies
Multilingualism and Intercultural Competence as your 21st Century Assets

An introduction to Japanese Studies, the Department and the major, and its value to the world at large.

Japanese Studies
Japanese Studies: The Path Less Travelled

An introduction to Japanese Studies, the Department and the major, and its value to the world at large.

Psychology
Mysteries of Psychology

Mysteries of Psychology: What are psychologists trying to understand about the world? Which questions remain unanswered?