Singapore University of Social Sciences

Government and Politics of Singapore

Government and Politics of Singapore (POL103)

Synopsis

This course provides an orientation to the government and politics of Singapore. Much has changed since Singapore gained its independence. This course will cover both Singapore’s political history as well as the present landscape of governance and politics in Singapore. The course provides students with the knowledge and background needed to understand why governance and politics are framed as they are in Singapore.

Level: 1
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every semester
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done ENTIRELY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. There are no face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • Politics and Governance in Singapore
  • Factors Affecting Singapore’s Internal and External Politics
  • Singapore’s Political History
  • The Singapore Political System
  • An Unchallenged One-Party Hegemonic State?
  • The Singapore Civil Service
  • National Building and National Identity
  • Political Leadership and the Challenge of Renewal
  • Civil Society and Democratisation
  • New Developments in Singapore
  • The 2011 Singapore General Elections – A Watershed?
  • Whither Politics and Governance in Singapore

Learning Outcome

  • Describe the competitive and durable authoritarian aspects of the Singapore political landscape.
  • Show the uniqueness of the Singapore political system.
  • Identify key issues relevant to the government and politics of Singapore.
  • Explain the uniqueness of the Singapore political system.
  • Apply Political Science concepts and frameworks to understand the Singapore political system.
  • Discuss the evolution of Singapore’s political landscape.
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