A Comprehensive Guide to the History Department at NUS

Introduction

The History Department at the National University of Singapore (NUS) is a renowned center of historical scholarship and education in Southeast Asia. Established in 1929 as part of Raffles College, the history department has evolved into a vibrant and diverse academic community, offering a comprehensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This article provides a detailed overview of the History Department at NUS, its history, faculty, research, and educational offerings.

History and Development

The genesis of the History Department at NUS can be traced back to the establishment of Raffles College in 1929. Initially offering courses in British and Malayan history, the department gradually expanded its scope to encompass a wider range of historical fields. In 1949, Raffles College merged with the King Edward VII College of Medicine to form the University of Malaya, with the history department becoming part of the university's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

After Singapore's independence in 1965, the University of Malaya's Singapore campus became the University of Singapore. In 1980, the university was renamed the National University of Singapore (NUS). Throughout these institutional changes, the History Department continued to grow and develop, establishing itself as a leading center of historical research and teaching in the region.

Faculty and Research

The History Department at NUS is home to a distinguished faculty of over 30 scholars, specializing in a wide range of historical fields. These include Southeast Asian history, Chinese history, Indian history, Japanese history, European history, and American history. The faculty is actively engaged in cutting-edge research and has published extensively in leading academic journals and books.

Research Centers and Initiatives

In addition to its undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the History Department at NUS is also home to several research centers and initiatives that support scholarly research and engagement. These include:

• Asia Research Institute (ARI): A multidisciplinary research center that specializes in the study of Asia, including its history, politics, economics, and culture.
• Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS): A leading research center on Southeast Asia, offering a range of programs and initiatives for scholars and students.
• Institute of Asian Studies (IAS): A research institute dedicated to the study of Asian civilization and culture, with a focus on East Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Liu Institute for Global Issues (LIGI): A research institute that focuses on global issues, including climate change, water security, and energy security.

Educational Offerings

The History Department at NUS offers a comprehensive range of educational offerings at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Undergraduate Programs

The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History degree, which provides students with a solid foundation in historical knowledge, research skills, and critical thinking. Students can choose to specialize in one of the following areas:

• Southeast Asian History
• Chinese History
• Indian History
• Japanese History
• European History
• American History

Postgraduate Programs

The department also offers a range of postgraduate programs, including:

• Master of Arts (MA) in History
• Master of Arts (Research) in History
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History

These programs provide students with the opportunity to conduct in-depth research and specialize in a particular historical field.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the History Department at NUS are well-prepared for a wide range of careers in academia, government, journalism, law, education, and the private sector. The department's strong emphasis on research and critical thinking skills makes its graduates highly sought-after by employers who value these qualities.

Alumni Success Stories

The History Department at NUS has produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their respective fields. These include:

• Kishore Mahbubani: A former Singaporean diplomat and academic who served as President of the United Nations Security Council and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
• Lee Kuan Yew: The first Prime Minister of Singapore, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Singapore.
• Peter Lloyd: A former British journalist and academic who served as Director of the National Archives of the United Kingdom.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Attend lectures and tutorials regularly: This is the best way to stay up-to-date with the course material and engage with your instructors and classmates.
• Take advantage of office hours: Office hours are a great opportunity to get extra help from your instructors and to ask questions about the course material.
• Read the assigned readings: Reading the assigned readings is essential for understanding the course material and participating in class discussions.
• Write clear and concise essays: History essays require clear and concise writing. Make sure to organize your essays logically and to support your arguments with evidence.
• Get involved in research: Research is an important part of the history curriculum at NUS. Get involved in research projects with your instructors or through the department's research centers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the act of stealing someone else's work and passing it off as your own. This is a serious academic offense and will result in severe penalties.
• Citing sources incorrectly: Citing sources correctly is essential for academic integrity. Make sure to use a consistent citation style and to follow the guidelines provided by your instructors.
• Making unsupported claims: All claims in your essays must be supported by evidence. Do not make any claims that you cannot support with evidence.
• Writing in a passive voice: Passive voice can make your writing sound weak and unclear. Try to write in an active voice whenever possible.
• Using jargon: Jargon is a specialized language that is used by a particular group of people. Avoid using jargon in your essays unless you are certain that your readers will understand it.

How to Apply

Applications to the History Department at NUS can be made through the university's Admissions Office. The application process typically involves submitting a cover letter, personal statement, transcript, and letters of recommendation.

Conclusion

The History Department at the National University of Singapore is a leading center of historical scholarship and education in Southeast Asia. The department's distinguished faculty, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive educational offerings provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to study history and develop the skills necessary for success in a wide range of careers.

Tables

Table 1: Undergraduate Programs Offered by the History Department at NUS

Table 2: Postgraduate Programs Offered by the History Department at NUS

Table 3: Notable Alumni of the History Department at NUS