NTU Course Review: LMS Year 2 Semester 2

Nanyang Technological University

LMS Year 2 Student (Semester 2, Y2018)
Linguistics & Multilingual Studies GER-PE Courses: Etymology, Cryptology, Child Language

Other Courses: SG Languages, Russian Level 2

Etymology
Course name: What’s in the Name?
Course Code: HG2095
Assessment:

·         Two Written Tests           -             (25% & 25%)

·         Group Presentation         -             (5%)

·         Class Participation            -             (15%)

·         One Final Essay                 -             (30%)

Course Review:
The topic of Etymology is, in my opinion, one of the more fascinating and interesting topics in Linguistics. It is definitely useful in learning tidbits to share at a party or in a conversation. You will learn the general field of research into a word’s history and how historical and field linguists work to uncover the links and root of a word (A lot more than it seems!). Expect to learn more about Europe’s history, especially Italy & Rome, and the professor’s cat!

The readings are not heavy, about one paper a week, and the lessons are interesting if you are genuinely interested or curious in learning about word’s history. To score in this mod you have to shine in your open-ended questions in the two tests, which requires some effort in reading the slides and readings, and especially, in your final essay. (So put an effort in the essay!) 

Cryptology
Course name: A General Intro to a History of Cryptology
Course Code: HG2097
Assessment:

·         Two Written Tests           -              (25% & 25%)

·         Group Presentation        -              (5%)

·         Class participation            -              (15%)

·         One Final Essay                 -              (30%)

Course Review:

At first, I was quite sceptical as to how Cryptology had any links to Linguistics and how it can help me in improving my understanding of Linguistics. It seems kind of a niche topic and I felt like it wasn’t part of a Linguistics course at first but over the course, when we finally got to the Linguistics portion of Cryptology, it finally dawned on me that this course is providing me another perspective, and method, into Linguistic research which could be useful if I choose to pursue historical and field linguistics.

Cryptology is divided into two halves; History of Classical Cryptology and then Crypto-Linguistics. In the History portion, you will learn the basics and idea behind Cryptology (which I really needed as I had absolutely no background in it) and the important figures in the field of Cryptology. It is important to highlight that we do not go into more complex cryptosystems or focus on the mathematical portions of Cryptology, hence it is more about knowing that there are such cryptosystems and learning a bit about its background. In Crypto-Linguistics, we delve into different deciphered and undeciphered language scripts in the world such as Egyptian Hieroglyphs, cuneiform and Easter Island’s Rongo-rongo script where we learn how they were deciphered or why they still remain a mystery.

The readings are not heavy, similar to Etymology, although if you want to be more well-versed in the subject, you can read the more technical books on Cryptology on your own. Similarly, to score in this mod you have to shine in your open-ended questions in the two tests, which requires some effort in reading the slides and readings, and especially, in your final essay. (So put an effort in the essay!)

Child Language
Course name: Child Language
Course Code: HG2013
Assessment:

• Two Written Tests           -              (20% & 20%)
• Group Presentation        -              (20%)
• Class Participation            -              (15%)
• Two Essays                         -              (25%)

Course Review:
Child Language is actually about first language acquisition. The module has a well thought-off structure which moves from the earliest stages of language acquisition (in the womb) all the way to the Reading Age. As we move from one stage to the next, we are introduced with various landmark studies on language acquisition with regards to that stage. If you want to raise a kid properly and maximise on their early learning curves (yes, you competitive Singaporean parents), I would strongly recommend this module.

You will learn which methods have been scientifically researched as enabling a child to read faster or better in the short or long term and be better at language skills.

The reading is heavier than Etymology and Cryptology but still light compared to a Level 3000 course. You will have to read about one chapter of a book per week, although it is not compulsory, and the important parts of the readings are also already highlighted in the interactive lessons by the professor anyway. However, there are more interesting tidbits and research which is not covered in the module which can be found in the readings. To score well, do focus on the tests and put some effort to at least read the slides!

SG Languages
Course name:    Singapore Languages
Course Code:     HG0201
Assessment:

·         Two Online Tests              -              (30% & 30%)

·         One Final Essay                 -              (40%)

Course Review:

This course is taught to a wider audience in the HSS auditorium (This batch had over 300 students!) The course is divided into two halves, each taught by a different professor. The first half provides an overview of the linguistic landscape in Singapore such as the history of the linguistic environment, the language policies and most importantly how the current linguistic landscape comes to be (You get to learn about the origin of Singlish). The second half places emphasis on linguistic researches done in Singapore such as the language attitude of Singaporeans and Singaporeans choice of language in different social context and it covers a range of topics from Elderspeak to Emotions.

The assessment does not seem rigorous at all, which is why the course is very popular; two online MCQ tests and one final essay.  Furthermore, this mod can be used to fulfil the “Singapore mod” component for NTU student’s GER-PE.

That said, one should put in a lot of effort into the essay as the weightage is high! The online tests can be done anywhere, thus they have their pros and cons. I find the lectures to be a little long (3 hours) and notice that since attendance were not marked, some students may not even attend them. The reading too is not heavy, about two research papers per week. Overall, however, the content of the curriculum is interesting for anyone who have questions about Singapore’s language environment and wants to know what LMS students study and learn 😊.

Russian Language Level 2
Course name: Russian Language Level 2
Course Code: LR9002
Assessment:

·         Two Written Tests                           -              (10% & 40%)

·         Two Group Presentations              -              (10% & 30%)

·         Class Participation                           -              (10%)

Course Review:

Russian Level 2 is a continuation of Russian Level 1 which can be taken in NTU or on exchange. Russian Level 2 is equivalent to a A1.2 level in the CEFR classification. The Russian language, at first glance, seems like a hard language to learn with their exceptions and rules and different writing script. But, Russian is still an Indo-European language same as English and the rules are familiar if not similar, thus an English speaker should not have a problem following the course as compared to Mandarin or Arabic (imo).

One thing I really liked about the course is how the professor tries to create a warm environment in her classroom and build rapport with her students. I think she put an effort to understand her students and to cultivate an interest in the Russian culture and language. Expect added benefits in joining the Russian language community with invitations to Russian movie clubs (organised by the professor) and language events (Tete-a-tete Language Tables)!

In Russian Language Level 1 and 2, expect to be put on the spot a lot as everyone gets called up for the exercises and practices. BUT the language practice is crucial to mastering the language. Overall, it is a fun course with the assessments, though many, are manageable.

This blogpost is entirely subjective and the opinion and interpretation of the author. Do note that the course structure, assessment weightages or even course availability may change over the next semesters. I hope may be of use to you who may have plans to take up these modules. Thanks for reading! Спасибо большое!