Independent Study

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Independent Study (CCS352)

Applications Open: To be confirmed

Applications Close: To be confirmed

Next Available Intake: To be confirmed

Course Types: To be confirmed

Language: English

Duration: 6 months

Fees: To be confirmed

Area of Interest: Business Administration, International Trade, Science and Technology

Schemes: To be confirmed

Funding: To be confirmed

School/Department: School of Humanities & Behavioural Sciences

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Synopsis

Independent Study is a 12-week course that allows students to conduct an in-depth inquiry into a China-related issue. Students may either propose an original independent study topic or choose from a list of existing study topics jointly devised by the School of Humanities and Behavioural Sciences (SHBS) and industry players. Before the semester commences, and in consultation with the CCS Head of Programme, students will prepare a proposal and obtain approval for their proposed research topic from SHBS. In the proposal, students identify a question or problem, justify its significance, and construct a method of inquiry that may include academic research, field work, interviews, creative projects, and hands-on experience. Following the mid-term assessment – a progress report in which students appraise the state of their inquiry after consulting the supervisor – students are required to deliver a final presentation and submit a final report discussing the findings, recommendations and applications of their study.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester

Topics

Subject to the approval of SHBS, students may design an inquiry into any China-related topic that interests them. In line with the course’s applied learning and interdisciplinary approach, students may choose a topic pertinent to their current job and industry, or one that harnesses the synergy between their major programme and the CCS minor.
They may also capitalise on what they have learned in other CCS courses to probe into an issue that may not have been covered in-depth previously, or take an issue out of the classroom setting and examine it in a real-world situation.
Alternatively, students may undertake to study a topic from a list of issues that SHBS has identified in collaboration with industry players.

Learning Outcome

Demonstrate knowledge of the key puzzles, questions or debates in the field of China studies
Apply knowledge and skills gained from academic learning to real-world settings
Develop synergies between academic disciplines
Design and execute a feasible inquiry into a topic of research significance
Evaluate and present complex information on China involving suboptimal data, competing narratives and alternative accounts
Defend research findings and recommendations to an audience