2011/2012, Sem 1

SSA2211 Evolution of a Global City-State

Essay Assignment 1: Choosing a Starting Date for Singapores History
Scholars working on pre-1819 Singapore have lodged an appeal to the Supreme Court of History. They believe they have enough evidence to challenge the old verdict handed down by Chief Justice K.G. Tregonning, which stated that

modern Singapore began in 1819. Nothing that occurred on the island prior to this date has particular relevance to an understanding of the contemporary scene...
These scholars (prosecution teams 1 and 2) want Singapores history to start from 1299, the supposed founding date of the old Kingdom of Singapura (usually known as 14th Century Temasek). They contend that what was once thought to be myth is now verifiable history, a history they believe to be still highly relevant to Singaporeans today. However, another team of scholars (defence team) has emerged to oppose this proposal. They accept that 14th Century Temasek probably existed but dispute its relative importance over the traditional starting year of 1819. As a student of SSA2211, you have been appointed to the jury which will consider and vote on this issue based on the evidence and arguments presented by both sides. Sources will be posted in the IVLE Forum under Academic Matters. Read through i) The Consolidated Detectives Report ii) The Consolidated CSI Report iii) The arguments put up by Prosecution Team 1 iv) The rebuttals put up by the Defence Team v) The counterarguments by Prosecution Team 2 Answer the questions below and file your report as instructed. Questions 1) How does the evidence produced by the Detectives and the CSI refute the old verdict "nothing that occurred on the island prior to ...[1819] has particular relevance to an understanding of " of present-day Singapore? In your answer, focus on points supporting the relevance of the evidence to present-day Singapore, rather than just the evidence itself (350-500 words). 2) What arguments did the defence offer for retaining 1819 as the starting date of Singapore's history DESPITE the evidence produced (350-500 words)?

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3) Which side do you agree with? Why? Be sure to deal with the merits of arguments on both sides (350-500 words)? The teaching team wants to see evidence of careful reading, critical thinking and the ability to express ideas clearly. You are also encouraged to bring in your own ideas or analogies based on your own reaction to the teaching of history, whether in Singapore or abroad. These will determine your grade. FORMATTING INSTRUCTIONS a) The word limits given for each section is a guide. You can decide to write more for one section and less for another as long as the total does not exceed 1500 words. You are therefore responsible for making sure each section is adequately dealt with. The word limit does not include footnotes. Make sure you include the total word count on the front page. Making us do it for you will only increase out irritation and alertness. b) Do not take the easy way out and try to recycle other peoples work as your own. Do not recycle a paper you submitted for another module on a similar topic. This is cheating and will lead to a 0 score and severe disciplinary action. To avoid plagiarism, please i. explain ideas in your own words ii. provide footnotes for any comments, statements or facts mentioned in the essay that have been obtained from any source other than your own first-hand knowledge; iii. understand what plagiarism is by reading, Plagiarism and How You Can Avoid It, <http://www.cdtl.nus.edu.sg/success/sl7.htm> c) There is no need for a bibliography for this essay unless you are using sources other than the 5 reports provided and the textbook. You are expected to read (all) the 5 reports provided in this exercise. Footnotes or endnotes will be required so you can show which source and page you are citing. See IVLE/Workbin/Assignments for a guide. d) Use line spacing of 1.5. e) Please print on both sides of the paper to save trees. f) To prevent your essay from getting lost, please indicate on the front page: i. Name ii. Matriculation no. iii. Tutors name iv. Tutorial group v. Total word count g) Please keep a soft copy or photocopy of your essay even after you submit it. Do check that your formatting and punctuation is correct and consistent throughout, particularly in your footnotes. Shoddy presentation shows a lack of attention to your
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work and will give a bad impression to your reader.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Deadline: Tuesday, 27 Sep 2011 at the lecture. There are two steps that must both be completed. Incomplete submissions will not be marked. 1) Submit a soft copy of your essay to Turnitin. Full instructions in IVLE/ Workbin/Assignments. 2) Submit a hard copy of your essay to your tutor at the lecture. Late submission penalty: deduction of half a grade for each day beyond the deadline.