Unveiling the Ancient and Modern: Exploring the Rich History of the Department of History at NUS

Introduction

The Department of History at the National University of Singapore (NUS) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, renowned for its groundbreaking research and exceptional teaching. Its history is intertwined with the evolution of the university, tracing its roots back to the Raffles College era in the 1920s. This article delves into the rich history and diverse offerings of the department, highlighting its contributions to historical scholarship and the intellectual landscape of Singapore.

Establishment and Early Years (1920s-1940s)

The beginnings of the Department of History can be traced back to the humble beginnings of Raffles College, which was established in 1928. The college offered courses in history as part of its liberal arts curriculum, with a focus on British and Southeast Asian history. In 1949, Raffles College became the University of Malaya, and the Department of History gained greater autonomy and expanded its course offerings.

Growth and Development (1950s-1980s)

The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a период rapid growth and development for the department. The university's move to a new campus in Kent Ridge in 1959 provided the department with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The period saw the appointment of distinguished scholars, including Professor Wang Gungwu, who later became the first Director of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS). The department also introduced new research areas, such as Southeast Asian archaeology and the history of China and Japan.

Excellence in Research and Teaching (1990s-present)

In the 1990s, the Department of History achieved international recognition for its research and teaching. The department's faculty members published groundbreaking monographs and articles in leading academic journals, and its graduate students won prestigious fellowships and awards. The department also launched several research initiatives, such as the NUS-ISEAS Asian History Project, which fostered collaboration between historians from Singapore and other parts of the world.

Today, the Department of History remains one of the leading history departments in the Asia-Pacific region. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, covering historical themes from ancient civilizations to contemporary issues. The department's faculty members are actively involved in major research projects, and its students benefit from a vibrant intellectual community and access to world-renowned scholars.

Key Figures and Milestones

• 1928: Establishment of Raffles College, which offered courses in history.
• 1949: Raffles College becomes the University of Malaya, and the Department of History gains greater autonomy.
• 1959: University of Malaya moves to a new campus in Kent Ridge.
• 1968: Appointment of Professor Wang Gungwu as Head of the Department of History.
• 1970: Launch of the NUS-ISEAS Asian History Project.
• 1990s: Department of History achieves international recognition for its research and teaching.
• 2010: Establishment of the NUS Centre for Asian Studies.

Research Focus and Strengths

The Department of History at NUS is home to a diverse group of scholars with expertise in a wide range of historical periods and regions. The department's research focuses on:

• Southeast Asian History
• Chinese History
• Japanese History
• Ancient Civilizations
• Global History
• Intellectual History

The department's research strengths include:

• Interdisciplinary Approaches: Historians at NUS collaborate with scholars from他の disciplines, such as archaeology, anthropology, and political science, to gain a deeper understanding of the past.
• Digital History: The department is a leader in the use of digital technologies to enhance historical research and teaching.
• Public History: Department members are actively involved in public outreach initiatives, including exhibitions, workshops, and lectures.

Educational Offerings

The Department of History offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:

Undergraduate Programs:

• Bachelor of Arts (History)
• Bachelor of Arts (Double Major in History and Another Subject)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (History)
• Bachelor of Social Sciences (Double Major in History and Another Subject)

Graduate Programs:

• Master of Arts in History
• Master of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies
• PhD in History

The department's undergraduate programs provide students with a solid foundation in historical methods and a broad understanding of world history. Graduate students have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of interest and conduct original research under the supervision of renowned scholars.

Faculty and Students

The Department of History is home to a distinguished faculty of over 30 full-time and part-time members. The faculty's research interests span a wide range of historical periods and regions, and they are actively involved in teaching, research, and public outreach.

The department's student body is equally diverse, with students from Singapore and around the world. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and have the opportunity to interact with leading historians and scholars.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the Department of History are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, government, business, and non-profit organizations. They possess strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are highly valued in today's job market.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students and researchers working in the field of history should be aware of some common mistakes to avoid:

• Over-reliance on Secondary Sources: While secondary sources can provide valuable information, it is important to consult primary sources whenever possible to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the past.
• Ignoring Context: Historical events and figures should be examined within their broader context, taking into account the social, political, and cultural factors that shaped them.
• Presentism: Historians should avoid interpreting the past through the lens of the present. It is important to understand the values, beliefs, and motivations of historical actors in their own time.
• Bias and Subjectivity: While it is impossible to be completely objective, historians should strive to present a balanced and unbiased account of the past, acknowledging different perspectives and interpretations.

How to Approach Historical Research and Writing

Conducting historical research and writing requires a systematic and rigorous approach. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Define Your Research Question: Clearly identify the question or topic that you want to explore.
2. Gather Sources: Consult a variety of primary and secondary sources to gather information about your topic.
3. Analyze the Evidence: Carefully examine the sources to identify the most relevant and reliable information.
4. Construct an Argument: Develop a logical and well-supported argument that answers your research question.
5. Write Your Paper: Organize your findings into a coherent and engaging narrative.
6. Revise and Edit: Carefully review your paper for errors and make any necessary revisions.

Comparing History Departments

When comparing history departments, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Faculty Strength: The quality of the faculty is a key indicator of the department's academic excellence.
• Research Output: The department's research output, as measured by publications in leading academic journals, is another important factor to consider.
• Educational Offerings: The range and quality of the department's undergraduate and graduate programs should be evaluated.
• Student Support: The department's commitment to student support, including advising, mentoring, and career services, is an important consideration.
• Location and Resources: The department's location, library resources, and other facilities should be taken into account.

Call to Action

The Department of History at NUS is a vibrant and dynamic community of scholars, students, and staff. If you are passionate about history and seeking a world-class education, we invite you to explore our programs and join our community of historians.

Conclusion

The Department of History at NUS has played a pivotal role in the development of historical scholarship in Singapore and beyond. With its distinguished faculty, innovative research initiatives, and comprehensive educational offerings, the department continues to shape the understanding of the past and inspire future generations of historians.

Tables

Table 1: Undergraduate Programs

Table 2: Graduate Programs

Table 3: Faculty Research Strengths