In Year 2, you will embark on the module Innovation & Enterprise in Action and choose two elective modules from the following categories: Communication, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship, Media & the Arts, and Science & Technology.
SECOND YEAR PRESCRIBED IS MODULE
Innovation & Enterprise in Action 
The Innovation & Enterprise in Action module is about learning through experience. The module empowers you to initiate, create and take charge of your own learning experience. As such, you and your team will engage in an activity that will challenge you to think out of the box, take risks, be resourceful, work as a team and interact with others.
You can choose an activity from one of the five pathways:
> I&E in Action: Community
> I&E in Action: Environment
> I&E in Action: Entrepreneurship
> I&E in Action: Events Management
> I&E in Action: Health /Lifestyle Management
Each pathway provides you with a platform to plan and execute your activity.
SECOND YEAR ELECTIVE IS MODULES
1. Communication
Communication modules are designed to help you to think critically, and communicate more confidently. You can also broaden your knowledge of other cultures by choosing to study foreign languages.
Appreciating Literary Works (not offered in AY 08/09)
Appreciating Literary Works (ALW) is a module that explores literary works in terms of text. Instead of studying the description and characteristics of text, you will study its embodiment and its cultural, contemporary and conceptual frames.
Basic Bahasa Indonesia
This module gives you an understanding of elementary Indonesian grammar and the common expressions and phrases used in everyday conversations. While learning the language, you will also learn more about the country, its people and culture. This module is not open to students with ‘O' Level Malay or equivalent, nor is it open to Indonesian students.
Basic Conversational French
In this module, you will expand your horizons by learning a new language, and the exploration of a country, its culture and its people. You will learn the alphabet, grammar structure, system of counting, ways of describing, comparing and contrasting people, places and things and other forms of expressions. At the end of the course, you will be expected to use French to carry out simple transactions in everyday situations. This module is not open to students who have taken French as an enhancement module.
Basic Conversational German (not offered in AY 08/09)
The aim of Basic Conversational German is to expand students' horizons through the learning of a new language and the exploration of German-speaking countries, their culture and their people. Through this module, you will acquire basic communication skills that you can apply to everyday situations. You will also gain insight into German culture through class discussions and field trips. The classroom will be an interactive environment where you and your teacher learn from each other, sharing ideas, questions, opinions and propositions about adapting to new situations, especially in a German context.
Basic Conversational Japanese
This module will enable you to communicate in Japanese at a “survival level.” After mastering some basic structures and acquiring a vocabulary of about thirty words, you will be trained to converse in various everyday situations and to read and write Hiragana. Through simple conversations, you will also be exposed to Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
Basic Conversational Spanish
In this module, you will learn the Spanish alphabet, grammar structure, system of counting as well as forms of greeting. You will also gain an understanding of the world’s Spanish-speaking countries, their cultures and their people.
Basic Conversational Vietnamese (not offered for AY08/09)
This module will help you learn Vietnamese through role plays and everyday situations. You'll learn more about Vietnam's culture and gain an understanding of the business and job opportunities in this fellow ASEAN country.
Storytelling: Branding & Identity (not offered in AY 08/09)
Storytelling as a tool in advertising and marketing? People, products even corporations use stories to transmit important ideas. From Apple, IBM to Nike—Corporate stories can motivate, influence and inspire. Storytelling can be a powerful management and marketing tool. Powerful leaders have been known to move nations using stories.
Join us to find out how authentic and powerful stories can create personal, corporate brands and identities.
Enhanced Spoken English
This module is for international students who want greater opportunities to improve their English language skills. In this module, you will build on your oral skills through a number of individual and group presentations.
Exploring Contemporary Issues (not offered in AY 08/09)
Are you looking for a platform to express yourself? Do you want to learn how to think on your feet? In this module, you will discuss a wide range of topics including social, cultural, environmental issues—in fact, anything under the sun. You will learn to construct a case for or against a proposition. In turn, you will learn how to defend your argument, present your evidence and see beyond the obvious. Rather than worrying about a "right" answer, the focus here will be on presenting a logical opinion that can be defended.
Insight into China (not offered in AY 08/09)
Through this module, students will gain knowledge of China's history (both Chinese dynasties and modern history), the 55 ethnic minority groups in China, China's economic trends and Chinese culture. Students will be exposed to these topics through interactive learning activities. This module is conducted in Mandarin and students who wish to enrol should have at least a C6 for O Level Chinese. This module is not open to international students from China.
Insight into India (not offered in AY 08/09)
India is an emerging economic powerhouse that will play a significant role on the global stage. Learn about the educational, economic and business opportunities that exist in India and be immersed in the country’s diverse and timeless culture. Field trips, practical craft sessions, movies and hands-on culinary experiences will enable you to maximise your learning potential. You will also be able to explore opportunities for internships, and investments in India. After completing this module, you will feel more comfortable networking with Indian students and organisations and sustaining these relationships through e-portals and blogs.
Intercultural Communication
Intercultural communication skills are vital when making the transition from polytechnic to global office. Learn how to build effective working relationships with people from all over the world and be immersed in hands-on experiential learning activities such as case studies, role-plays and cross-cultural movie analysis. After completing this module, you will be ready to face cross-cultural challenges such as joining a multi-national organisation or studying overseas.
Introduction to Report Writing
Reports are drafted every day in the workplace. Written skillfully, they have the power to influence and change the minds of great leaders. If you want to acquire essential writing skills that will help you be an effective communicator in the workplace and stand out from the crowd, then this module is for you. This module will enable you to appreciate the process involved in report writing and learn the basic planning, research and writing techniques essential for effective and powerful reports.
Perspectives on China
This module explores modern China by looking at the country’s history, people and culture. You will discover the principles behind typical Chinese customs through experiential learning, for example, tea brewing and tasting, visiting a martial arts centre and learning about Chinese herbal medicines. You will also be introduced to classical books and learn to appreciate Chinese management practices. The module is not open to international students from China.
Self Expression : Drama & Poetry
This module introduces plays and poems as creative forms for self-expression. The curriculum will explore the possibilities of contemporary theatre and encourage your growth as both creator and reader of poetry. In this hands-on module, you will discover, analyze, and apply the methods used in drama and poetry writing. You will also perform or recite your work. Where possible, a member of a local theatre or poetry group will be invited to conduct a lecture cum workshop.
Speaking with Impact
Messages that are vivid, understood and remembered start with thorough preparation. In this module, you will learn the stylistics and discourse structures for effective speaking and interaction in a variety of public communication situations. The overall aim of the module is to equip you with the confidence and interpersonal skills to speak interestingly and convincingly in informal interactions and formal presentations, and in different social and cultural contexts.
Small Group Communication (not offered for AY08/09)
This module will develop your interpersonal competency and leadership skills within a small group. The approach used is that of the human-interaction laboratory. Through experiential activities, you will participate in small group discussions and learn to foster a non-threatening environment.
2. Life Skills
People who can think creatively and come up with new and fresh ideas will be in high demand in this fast changing economy. This is where our Life Skills modules will give you the edge. These modules help you to uncover and develop your strengths that will be useful to you in future.
Understanding Relationships: Love and Sexuality
This module enables students to gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of human relationships and to acquire relational skills for effective living. The aim is to provide students with an overview of theories and concepts of human relations and enable them to understand key areas of human relationships, romantic attachments and family life. Students learn the dynamics and intricacies of diverse relations and the practical skills to manage these effectively.
Global Cities
This module looks into the significance and development of global cities in today's world. It covers the infrastructural, social and cultural expansion necessary for a global city to thrive. The aim of the module is to help you appreciate the impact of these developments on future residents’ lifestyles, careers and values.
The Net Generation
Today, you encounter digital technology in virtually all facets of your lives. This exposure impacts your personality, attitude and ability. Through various activities, this module seeks to provide you with a better understanding of the tension between the Net Generation and its predecessor. This awareness will help you appreciate these differences and the need to bridge the divide for mutual tolerance.
Practical Research Methods (not offered in AY 08/09)
This module will expose you to the basic processes and principles applied in social research. You will learn how to design a research project, collect information, analyse the data collected and apply research skills to uncover norms, values, attitudes and customs. As consumers are part of the fabric of social life, you can also employ your understanding of research techniques to develop a basic market survey.
Business Etiquette & Image
This module helps you gain a competitive edge in the business world. You will learn how to sharpen your image to give your organisation that extra edge. The course will cover business manners and social graces and how to project a professional image through personal grooming.
Introduction to Social Psychology
Why do people conform? How does prejudice arise? Why don't people help one another in an accident? How powerful are self-fulfilling prophecies? How do we perceive people? Social psychological concepts help us explain human behaviour even where that behaviour is seemingly irrational. By understanding social psychology, you will be empowered to make sense of the social situations that you encounter daily and be more equipped to manage social relations in your private and work life.
Psychology of Creativity (not offered in AY 08/09)
Have you ever wondered how creative people think and how each of us can tap our creative potential? This module explores topics such as the whole brain model, multiple intelligences, and the styles of creativity. It also provides hands-on activities, questionnaires and exercises to help you discover and leverage your learning preferences and memory powers. By the end of the module, you will be equipped with tools and techniques that will help you face challenges and opportunities that demand a creative response.
Safety at Work
There has been a growing awareness of the importance of safety and health in the workplace. This module will help you to identify safety and health hazards on the job, analyse and evaluate the risk levels and adopt the various control measures available to reduce the effects of hazards. This module also gives an overview of the Workplace Safety and Health Act which places responsibilities on various individuals and organisations to provide for a safe and healthy working environment for workers.
Self Discovery in Popular Culture (not offered in AY 08/09)
Music, movies, fashion and television—Popular culture is a fluid aggregate of all that is current. As youths living in a modern world, bombarded with thousands of media images on a daily basis, how do you relate to popular icons, internet subcultures, the beauty myth and a shop-till-you-drop culture? This module will enable you to examine the characteristics, values, attitudes and beliefs behind these phenomena. In the process, you will understand how consumers pick and choose cultural products that reinforce their identity, and you will gain awareness of your own experience with pop culture.
Service Innovation
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the concepts and principles of innovative problem-solving for customer service. You will be introduced to techniques for generating and evaluating solutions for service innovation.
Serious Fun with e-Games Design
This module introduces you to the current state of e-games, as well as future trends. It uses creative thinking to take you on the designer's journey from the basic idea to a detailed game design. You will learn key concepts in electronic game design and be challenged to come up with your own creative ideas. You will also learn the various elements involved in the structuring of games and the design process. A technical background is not required.
Malay Society: Change & Continuity
What constitutes the term 'Malay', and how diverse is the Malay society in terms of cultural, political, economic and social development? This module seeks to enhance your understanding and appreciation of different aspects of the Malay societies in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Through a combination of tutorials and experiential-learning activities, you will be challenged to examine the changes that have affected the Malays. You will also be exposed to some basic expressions in the Malay language and be taken on field trips to relevant places.
Learning to Lead (not offered for AY08/09)
The module provides an overview of what leadership is all about, and also a better appreciation and awareness of one's leadership qualities through interactive activities.
3. Entrepreneurship
Driven by globalisation, today's business environment is changing at a dizzying pace and throwing up many challenges to professionals. These modules help you develop the skills needed to compete in this environment.
Entrepreneur and the Law
The module highlights the basics of law and its impact on business models. Topics include the impact of the law on the entrepreneur, rights and liabilities when conducting business, including rights and duties as an employer, and patenting new inventions and ideas.
Introduction to Financial Planning
This module provides an appreciation of personal financial planning. You will learn basic financial planning processes as well as formulate strategies and plans to achieve personal financial objectives.
Fundamentals of Marketing (not offered for AY08/09)
This module explains the role of marketing for an organisation as well as various marketing tools. You will examine case studies and be challenged to offer creative marketing strategies to the problems faced by real businesses. You will also gain insights into how internal and external environmental forces affect the marketing processes of an organisation.
Principles of Management
This module will provide you with an insight into business management. You will discuss management theories and acquire an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of being a manager in an organisation. This module provides students an insight into the field of business management. Apart from learning about the roles and functions of managers, you will gain an understanding of the skills managers require to manage effectively in a rapidly changing and competitive business environment.
Starting a Business
This module explores essential strategies to identify business opportunities. You will examine the ways in which a business is established, consider factors that affect the market and produce a business plan based on a market research. The module is not open to students who have taken it in their first year of study.
Understanding Financial Statements
This module provides a basic understanding of financial statements and concepts relevant for a start-up entrepreneur. You will be taught basic accounting concepts, key components of company financial statements and the tools used for analysing financial reports.
Managing Your Taxes
This module is aimed at providing students with a basic understanding of the Singapore income tax system, including goods and services tax. It will be particularly useful to beginners interested in managing taxes as an individual or for a business and in gaining an overview of the income tax principles and practice in Singapore.
4. Arts and Media
Learn about the impact of the arts and media on an individual and the world. The modules in this category offer you an insight into print and broadcast media, visual art, photography, film, and music.
Appreciating Film (not offered for AY08/09)
This module introduces the different genres of filmmaking and the elements in a film. At the end of the course, you will have gained an overall appreciation of filmmaking techniques and have developed personal standards in film appreciation.
Exploring Photography
This is a hands-on module that covers basic photography skills. You will be taught technical and aesthetic basics, including camera functions, compositions, optical properties, lighting and the decisive moments. You will plan and shoot photographs and critique your own and other students’ work. Students must come to class with a digital camera of their own.
History of Rock And Roll
This module traces the rise of rock music from its beginnings in 1950s “blues” music to its continuing influence today. The focus will be on examining and enjoying different genres of rock music. You will discover what influenced and motivated rock artists, including Elvis Presley, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.
Television Beyond Entertainment
This module uncovers behind-the-scenes television production processes. Through exposure to genres such as TV drama, situation comedy, variety shows, MTV, news, documentaries and sports programmes, you will understand how television programmes are made, and you will also become a more critical television viewer.
Exploring Art & Design
This is a practical course in which students will work with media ranging from drawing 2-d with pencil or charcoal to working 3-d with galvanized wire or with other common everyday materials or collected items. The overall objective is to provide a platform to explore the potential and limits of materials in terms of perspective, spatial depth, pattern and design. Topics are designed to instill and foster discovery of the synergy between engineering designs and its artistic sources. No prior art training is necessary.
5. Science and Technology
Everyday, we see huge advances in science and technology that have huge implications for the world around us. Our modules help you keep pace with these latest changes and to understand the impact of these new developments on us.
Green Vision
This module highlights what each individual can do to conserve resources and prevent pollution. You will discuss strategies for environmental protection, such as how waste can be minimised through recycling, and debate issues related to social responsibility for protecting and preserving the environment. This module includes visits to nature sites and environmental facilities.
Man and Machines
This module begins with the principles of commercial product design and use. You will learn how basic engineering principles are applied to the design of common products and how you can build your own virtual and robotic machines. At a broader level, the module will address the impact of machines on man and his environment.
The Life Sciences Revolution
The module covers major developments in biotechnology and describes the critical role played by DNA-based technologies. You will discuss ethical issues arising from this field and look at practical applications of advances in genomics and molecular biology. The topics covered include transgenic animals, genetically modified foods, gene therapy and the Human Genome Project.
Product Innovation & Design
This module equips you with an understanding of the basic product design and modeling skills needed to develop ideas into marketable products. You will be introduced to the process of design and innovation and will apply these concepts and methods to realise your creative ideas.
Flash Applications
This module introduces Adobe Flash as a popular programming platform for designing effective, front-end applications. You will learn the basic and advanced features of Flash programming through guided tutorials and exercises. You will also get to apply your newly-acquired skills through the implementation of a mini-project.
Understanding Animation
This module introduces you to the digital media industry and covers various genres of motion arts with a focus on animation, covering the history of animation, production pipeline and career opportunities. It also provides an understanding of the variety of styles, animation principles, techniques and technologies used in animation.
Science, Technology and the Changing World (not offered for AY08/09)
This module examines the impact of science and technology on history. You will learn to recognise the business opportunities that these technologies offer and the need to keep pace with changing technology. The topics covered include nanotechnology, genetic engineering, tissue engineering, fuel cell technology, artificial intelligence, water purification technologies and waste water management.
6. Vacation Modules IS offers you exciting opporunities to explore more about other countries and gain an international experience. Look out for the special modules offered during the semester breaks and apply when you see something you like.
Practical Research Methods
This module will expose you to the basic processes and principles applied in social research. You will learn how to design a research project, collect information, analyse the data collected and apply research skills to uncover norms, values, attitudes and customs. As consumers are part of the fabric of social life, you can also employ your understanding of research techniques to develop a basic market survey.