Singapore Studies: The Heterogeneous Indians of Contemporary Singapore

Overview

Module Convenor

Dr Mustafa Izzuddin 
Associate Professor and Executive Director, Nehginpao Kipgen Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University  
Adjunct Senior Lecturer, NUS University Scholars Programme (USP) 
Email: uspmi@nus.edu.sg 
Consultation hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-3pm, or by appointment

Module Description

This module provides for a multifaceted understanding of the heterogeneous Indian community in contemporary Singapore by straddling the fields of history, ethnicity, faith, culture, diaspora, political economy and foreign policy. By apportioning this multidisciplinary module to three themes, that is, (a) theories and concepts of domestic politics and foreign relations; (b) business networks, social groups and cultural interconnections; and (c) religious diversity of Indians in Singapore society, it combines theory with empirics to better appreciate the rich and diverse Indian cultural heritage observable in Singapore as well as comprehend the multidimensionality of Singapore-India relations. Two questions guide the module: what makes an Indian? Have you thought how heterogeneous the Indians of Singapore are? Field trips and dialogues with policy-makers and stakeholders are some highlights of this module.

For a glimpse of the module offered in 2016, please see here

Module Schedule

Classes are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 2pm.
Field trips will take place from 12 noon to 2.40pm and the dates are subject to change.
Unless you are able to keep 2pm to 3pm free on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you are urged not to take this module.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module, USP students would have enhanced their knowledge of the multifaceted nature of India-Singapore relations. By combining theory with empirics, USP students would have a better sense and greater appreciation of the rich and diverse Indian cultural heritage in Singapore. Although categorised as a Singapore Studies module of a social science variety, this course will be taught in such a way that it caters to students from all academic disciplines in NUS and does not discriminate against students of other nationalities.

Syllabus

Week 1: 11 January and 13 January

11 January: Introduction to Indians in Singapore

13 January: Introduction to Singapore’s Relations with India 

Week 2: 18 January and 20 January

18 January: Guest Speaker on Singapore-India Relations

20 January: Diaspora and Migration of Indians to Singapore Phase 

Week 3: 25 January and 27 January

25 January: Guest Speaker I on Indian Businesses in Singapore

27 January: Guest Speaker II on Indian Businesses in Singapore

Week 4: 1 February and 3 February

1 February: Chinese New Year Holiday

3 February: Indian Sociocultural Organisations and Networks in Singapore

Week 5: 8 February and 10 February

8 February: Identity Politics and Multiculturalism in Singapore

10 February: Little India and the Case Study of the Little India Riot

Week 6: 15 February and 17 February

15 February: Guest Speaker on the Indian Parsees of Singapore

17 February: India’s Practice of Global Soft Power through Television and Cinema*

*On Saturday 19 February, two Bollywood movies will be screened back-to-back in the Master’s Common from 9.00am to 4.00pm. Attendance is mandatory.

Recess Week

18 February: Submission Deadline of Term Paper Proposal (day before recess week)

28 February: Deadline for Submission of Film Review (day after end of recess week)

Week 7: 1 March and 3 March

1 March: Indian Muslims and Sufism in Singapore

3 March: Visit to two South Indian Mosques (Masjid Malabar and Masjid Jamae Chulia) and Nagore Dargah Muslim Heritage Centre (Covid-19 restrictions permitting)

 Week 8: 8 March and 10 March

8 March: Food Cuisine and Eating Rituals from India to Singapore

10 March: Visit to a North Indian Mosque (Masjid Burhani) (Covid-19 restrictions permitting)

Week 9: 15 March and 17 March

15 March: Guest Speaker on Hinduism in Singapore

17 March: Visit to the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Covid-19 restrictions permitting)

Week 10: 22 March and 24 March

22 March: Guest Speaker on Sikhism in Singapore

24 March: Visit to the Silat Road Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) (Covid-19 restrictions permitting)

Week 11: 29 March and 31 March

29 March: Dance, Music and Fashion of Indians in Singapore

31 March: Guest Speaker on the Indian Christians of Singapore 

Week 12: 5 April and 7 April

5 April: Festivals, Weddings and Funerals of Indians in Singapore

7 April: Visit to Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) (Covid-19 restrictions permitting)

Week 13: 12 April and 14 April

12 April: Indian Jews, Peranakans, Eurasians, Sindhis, Marwaris and Bengalis of Singapore

14 April: Migrant Communities of Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, and the Nepalese

Readings

The reading list will be provided in class.

Modes of Teaching

Modes of Teaching and Learning

  • Seminar style classes with active participation from students
  • Fieldwork to Indian-linked organisations and heritage sites
  • Presentations and written assignments including a film review
  • IVLE discussion forum

Assessment

Assessment

  • Class Participation: 15%
  • IVLE Discussion: 15%
  • Film Review: 30%
  • Individual Term Paper: 40%

Class Policies

Class Policies

Students are requested to:

  • Be punctual as the class will start on time, and for the field trips, the bus will leave on time at 12noon sharp from Cinnamon College.
  • Attend class regularly.
  • Do the readings before every class or field trip.
  • Participate actively in discussions and presentations.
  • Adhere to the deadlines for submissions of assignments.
  • Observe the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical behaviour.
  • Approach and ask the convenor/lecturer when in doubt about anything.