Notes from the Ess
Recommendation.
Remember for SEQ you need only answer ONE question.
Below are all the themes for the ss syllabus.They are
1.Singapore as a nation in the world
2.Understanding Governance
3.Conflict and Harmony in Multi Ethnic society
4.Managing International Relations
5.Sustaining Economic development
6.Facing Challenges and Changes
Since theme one is very important, it is not examined. No question will be tested on that. BUT you must read up on that.
You need to study three themes in order to be able to answer that one question.
When I say study three themes, I mean everything inside each theme. YOU CANNOT AFFORD to drop any sub theme.
I recommend theme 2,4,5. so even if 3 and 6 come out, you can still do the last question which must be from 2,4 or 5 right?
Of course you are free to select other combination like 2,3,4 or 4,5,6 or 2,3,5
Just as long as you study three themes you will be able to answer a least ONE question which is what is required in the exam.
REMEMBER:
1.NO Short Cut
2.Study everything within the theme.
3.Reader beware: I am not responsible for your selection of themes. That responsibility lies in your hand.
Click on the label on the blog to go to eachparticular theme
Theme 1. SINGAPORE AS A NATION IN THE WORLD
New nations face political, social and economic challenges to survive and progress in the international community. They need to stay alert and nimble in responding to these challenges. Singapore tries to overcome these challenges through the leadership and common will of its people and by working with other nations.
How do nations come into being and what challenges do they face?
Nationhood and Its Challenges
• What is a nation?
• Challenges faced by new nations such as Singapore
- national identity
- stable government
- social cohesion
- economic development
- defence and security
- diplomacy
Students will be able to:
• explain the concept of nationhood
• discuss challenges faced by new nations
• understand the unique challenges Singapore faced as a newly- independent nation
This theme provides the backdrop for the understanding of subsequent themes and sets Singapore in the context of the world. This theme is non-examinable.
Theme 2.UNDERSTANDING GOVERNANCE
Good governance determines the viability, development and progress of nations. Guided by a set of principles, policies are formulated and implemented to meet the needs of the people and nation. Understanding governance enables us to be aware of the complexities of decision-making in a society and world that faces rapid change.
Why is governance important?
2.1 Policy Process: Formulation and Implementation
2.1.1• Meeting the needs of the people and nation, using the transport policy as an example to examine:
- principles of governance
- roles and responsibilities of the legislature, executive and judiciary
- role of media and feedback channels in the policy process
2.1.2• Case study of Singapore’s population policies to examine policy changes over time
- population policies from the 1970s to the 21st century
- challenges of and responses to ageing population and declining birth rate
2.2.Similar Problems, Different Approaches
2.2.1• A comparative study of public health care policies in Singapore and United Kingdom
- how policies work in different countries
- impact of policies on society and nation
Students will be able to:
• understand the significance of government structure
• recognise the importance of principles of governance in policy formulation and implementation
• evaluate the role of communication channels in policy-making
• recognise that policies change to meet changing needs of society and nation
• recognise that different governments adopt different approaches to solve similar problems
• evaluate the effectiveness of the policies in meeting the health care needs of the people and nation
Theme 3.CONFLICT AND HARMONY IN MULTI-ETHNIC SOCIETIES
Different ethnic, religious and cultural groups contribute to the diversity and richness of multi-ethnic societies. However, it is important to be vigilant against the forces of divisiveness that cause conflict and disintegration of societies. Common bonds should be strengthened to unite the people as a nation
Why is harmony in a multi-ethnic society important to the development and viability of a nation?
3.1 Discord and Disunity
3.1.1• Case studies of Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland
i. - causes of conflict among ethnic and religious groups
ii. - manifestations of conflicts
iii. - impact of conflicts on political, social and economic development
iv. - efforts to resolve the conflicts
3.2 Social Cohesion and Harmony
3.2.1• Case study of Singapore
3.2.1.1- internal and external threats e.g. Race Riots in Singapore, terrorism
3.2.1.2- managing ethnic diversity and its challenges
i. addressing the needs of the different ethnic groups e.g. policy of minority representation
ii. integrating the ethnic groups in society e.g. forging national identity, developing common space
3.2.2• benefits of a harmonious multi-ethnic society
Students will be able to:
• explain why conflicts exist among different ethnic and religious groups
• analyse the political, economic and social impact of ethnic and religious conflicts on the people and nation
• value the need for non-violent approaches like negotiation, mediation and cooperation in resolving conflicts
• explain the internal and external threats to Singapore’s harmony
• recognise the need for ethnic and religious sensitivities and tolerance
• explain how social cohesion and racial and religious harmony can be achieved in a multi-ethnic society
• appreciate living in a multi-ethnic society
Theme 4.MANAGING INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
How important is deterrence and diplomacy in maintaining international relations among nations?
4.1 Why Conflicts Exist among Nations
• Causes of international conflicts
4.2 How Singapore Ensures its National Security
• Singapore’s two-pronged approach of deterrence and diplomacy:
4.2.1Deterrence:
i.Total Defence strategy
ii.professional and citizen armed force
iii.defence industries
iv.joint military exercises with other nations
v.multi-agency coordination on security
4.2.2Diplomacy:
i.bilateral and multi-lateral relations
ii. membership in regional and international organisations e.g. ASEAN and UN
4.3 How Conflict in One Region can Affect the Rest of the World
4.3.1• Case Study of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict (1990-91)
- causes of conflict
- role of UN
- impact on the rest of the world
4.3.2• Transnational Terrorism: A new threat to world security
- impact on world and national security
- measures to deal with transnational terrorism
Students will be able to:
• understand why conflicts exist among nations
• recognise the need for a two-pronged approach of deterrence and diplomacy
• explain the need to be self-reliant for Singapore’s security
• recognise the need for coordination among agencies to maintain a high level of vigilance
• understand the role and relevance of regional and international organisations, particularly to small countries
• recognise the importance of international cooperation
analyse causes of conflict
• evaluate role of UN
• evaluate impact of conflict on nations involved and the rest of the world.
• recognise terrorism as a growing challenge to world security
• examine the measures undertaken to deal with transnational terrorism
• understand the impact of terrorism on world and national security
Theme 5. SUSTAINING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
How do nations sustain their economic development in a globalised world?
5.1 Sustaining Economic Development in a Globalised World
5.1.1• Globalisation and its challenges and opportunities
- scarcity of resources
- globalisation and its effects on national and world economies
- competition for investment and markets e.g. industrial parks, port and air services
- effects on employment and competition for talent
- balancing economic development with environmental management e.g. air pollution and tourism industry in Southeast Asia
5.1.2• Singapore’s strategies for economic development in a globalised world
i. - diversifying the economy
a.manufacturing and services as twin engines of growth e.g. bio-medical research and education
b.venturing abroad e.g. Singtel
ii.- nurturing growth of SMEs e.g. financial assistance
iii.- expanding market reach through economic cooperation e.g. Free Trade Agreements
iv.- managing resources
a.optimising human capital e.g. continuous learning and training, developing innovation and enterprise; attracting and retaining talent
b.optimising landuse e.g. Jurong Island and Downtown Marina projects
Students will be able to:
• understand how scarce resources affect national and world economies
• explain how globalisation creates opportunities and challenges for nations
• understand how environmental management is necessary to ensure economic growth
• explain the need for diversification and establishment of niche industries to maintain competitive edge
• understand the importance of foreign ventures
• appreciate that not all ventures are successful
• recognise that risk-taking is needed for economic growth
• recognise the role of SMEs in economic development
• understand the importance of economic cooperation with other countries
• evaluate the importance of managing resources
Theme 6. FACING CHALLENGES AND CHANGE
Nations that survive and succeed are those that are able to face challenges and develop into viable entities. However, failure to respond to the changing global landscape over time may result in a nation fading into obscurity
What can nations learn from the rise and fall of Venice as a city-state?
Overcoming the Odds and Fading into Obscurity
• Case study of Venice
- factors that led to the rise of Venice e.g. good statesmanship, enterprising spirit
- factors that led to the decline and fall of Venice e.g. corrupt leaders, complacent society, failure to respond to new changes
− lessons for nations
Students will be able to:
• understand how Venice achieved prosperity
• evaluate the factors responsible for the decline and fall of Venice
• draw lessons that nations can learn from the rise and decline of Venice
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