This sociological term is what I've learnt from my module. Put it simply, 'anomie' refers a state of normlessness, or a malady of infinite aspirations. I found this word interesting as I feel it accurately describes the mental state of many people in the society today (probably including myself too). To avoid falling into this social trap, I guess it's important to understand what anomie is about.
In the society today where there is huge surge of information through the Net, and when traditional habits start to erode, we are faced with numerous possibilities to fulfill our personal satisfaction. For example, we can earn as much money as we want, pursue as much education as we want, strive for any kind of job based on meritocracy. However as a result, we tend to set high expectations for ourselves, up till a point where it might be impossible to attain. Though the goals may seem attainable individually, society as a whole may not be able to accommodate the demands from everyone.
We all hope to get rich, we aim to possess at least as much money as we could spend. However if we think on the bigger scale, is it really possible for everyone to get rich? Even in a small country like Singapore? Economic resources are definitely insufficient to go around and ensure each and every individual is satisfied. (That's one reason why the study of economics exist.) If we are lucky to have a combination of factors that contributes to material success (eg. family background, opportunities, ability), we might be able to become a member of the upper class, amassing large wealth and income. But majority of us could only linger around the middle class region, which is not that bad actually. The unlucky ones would be thrown into the lower class, where they would be trapped in a vicious cycle and unable to break out from their poverty state.
Similarly, we all want to secure good-paying jobs. The media has also helped in advocating the belief that prestigious jobs equate success. The idea of becoming a doctor or lawyer might be outdated now, but we still desire to have an above-average pay. If we look at the population aiming for such jobs, then look at the number of positions available. Is it really possible to satisfy everyone? The mismatch between job demand and supply has resulted in a harsh struggle within the society. We want to gain a step ahead of the rest, and to achieve a head start early in life. That's where education comes in.
The 'competition' starts the moment we are born, when our parents inculcate knowledge and beliefs to us, which might prove useful in our future. "If you study hard, you can succeed." Not implying that this statement is untrue, there are limitations to it. We all can study, but can we all succeed? Of course such route to success is the norm, but that are cases where success is achieved by other means. We cannot hope that just studying hard will bring us success, neither should we think that by following alternative means, we could succeed as well. Failures do exist on both sides of the spectrum.
So why are we so obsessed in pursuing possibly unattainable goals? Like what the saying goes: 'Life is a game of chance.' If there is a chance to become successful, why not? While striving for our aspirations, we must also realise the limits. Think about it, how many others are seeking the same ambition as us?
Personally I think it's fine to have big goals, but potentially damaging to carry rising expectations. In other words, we must be prepared to accept failure while we aim for our goals. It's up to the individual to decide if he/she wants to live with the current state, or continuously seek to surpass others. But most importantly, it's necessary to observe the big picture of society rather than looking matters in a personal perspective.
Let's imagine if everyone's goals are satisfied. If everyone were to earn a monthly income of 4k, inflation would definitely follow where a plate of chicken rice no longer cost a mere $3. If everyone scores excellent grades in school, the academic standard will be increased. If everyone has a university degree, it will be as useful as toilet paper. To prevent such situation from happening, there will always be differentiation and classification to distinguish the 'good' from the 'bad', or maybe the 'best' from the 'good', or even the 'most bestest' from the 'best'.
By realising limits, we can probably lower expectations, minimise disappointment and reduce emotional stress. Disillusionment and despair usually follow those who don't notice the problems of social accommodation. Therefore we must be careful not to fall into trap of infinite aspirations, created by the mass media and modern capitalism. Countering anomie is more of overcoming a psychological barrier.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Judgment
About 10 hours more before the judgment's out. Currently feeling a mixture of anxiety and excitement. Right after the exams, I wished the results would be released immediately, but now I hope the day wouldn't come as soon.
This is so similar to receiving O and A Level results, just that we have to face it twice a year. Really hope for a pleasant surprise, and in order to minimize disappointment, I shall try not to make any prediction nor carry high expectations. But I can't help thinking about how this semester's result is so crucial to the rest of my university life.
Looking forward to the celebration on Wednesday does make me feel much better. Merry Christmas in advance to all =).
This is so similar to receiving O and A Level results, just that we have to face it twice a year. Really hope for a pleasant surprise, and in order to minimize disappointment, I shall try not to make any prediction nor carry high expectations. But I can't help thinking about how this semester's result is so crucial to the rest of my university life.
Looking forward to the celebration on Wednesday does make me feel much better. Merry Christmas in advance to all =).
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
惬而不舍
欢乐时光总是过得非常快。在我们还未好好享受时就不经意地结束了。 我今年最惬意的时光，不是在家里无所事事的三个月，也不是在大学就读的第一学期，更不是在兵营里心急等待退伍的时候，而是年初渡游轮，在吉隆坡半天四人游的日子。虽然短短三天，但能与好友出国度假的感觉，是非笔墨能形容的。
如果懂得把握眼前享受的东西，生活会变得更充实。只要不轻易放弃喜欢做的事，快乐其实不难求。
上个礼拜天考了日语能力测验，对自己的表现有点失望。尽管做足了准备，练习往年考题，但始终听力读解还是不理想。还敢敢说自己是日剧迷。。。
不禁问自己为何学日语，是纯粹为了个人兴趣，还是为了通过考试？最初的目的似乎变得模糊了。考试往往会抹杀对科目的兴趣，可是对我来说，为日与考试准备反而是件蛮快乐享受的事，肯定比大学考试轻松几百倍。正在考虑明年应该继续报考，再试探自己语文水准，还是选择脱离考试的束缚，寻求学习的真正意义。
日语能力测验的最大缺点是，只专注在听解和读解，而不包括对话和书写。换句话说，测验只考接受能力，不考应用能力。所以即使自己合格最高等级的测验，在能说一口流利日语的别人面前，相形见绌，也会显得很逊。
虽然如此，达不到一定的水平，我依然会坚持学习日语。毕竟已走了这么远，半途而废实在太可惜。语言这东西，不进则退。为了不让多年的努力白费，就只好继续往前冲，更何况我对日语仍然持着一份热忱期待的心。
在现实生活中好不容易找到自我满足的事情，怎么能轻易舍弃呢？
如果懂得把握眼前享受的东西，生活会变得更充实。只要不轻易放弃喜欢做的事，快乐其实不难求。
上个礼拜天考了日语能力测验，对自己的表现有点失望。尽管做足了准备，练习往年考题，但始终听力读解还是不理想。还敢敢说自己是日剧迷。。。
不禁问自己为何学日语，是纯粹为了个人兴趣，还是为了通过考试？最初的目的似乎变得模糊了。考试往往会抹杀对科目的兴趣，可是对我来说，为日与考试准备反而是件蛮快乐享受的事，肯定比大学考试轻松几百倍。正在考虑明年应该继续报考，再试探自己语文水准，还是选择脱离考试的束缚，寻求学习的真正意义。
日语能力测验的最大缺点是，只专注在听解和读解，而不包括对话和书写。换句话说，测验只考接受能力，不考应用能力。所以即使自己合格最高等级的测验，在能说一口流利日语的别人面前，相形见绌，也会显得很逊。
虽然如此，达不到一定的水平，我依然会坚持学习日语。毕竟已走了这么远，半途而废实在太可惜。语言这东西，不进则退。为了不让多年的努力白费，就只好继续往前冲，更何况我对日语仍然持着一份热忱期待的心。
在现实生活中好不容易找到自我满足的事情，怎么能轻易舍弃呢？
Monday, December 08, 2008
It's snowing! (V)
*Almost forgot that today is Hari Raya. Shocked to see my parents at home when I woke up this morning. Haha.
It has been freezing cold the whole day. Even during noon the temperature seemed to be that of nighttime. Felt like I was in another non-equatorial country. Hmm, I wonder what's the lowest temperature for today.
Of course, such chilly weather reminded me to blog this entry haha. Well, it has come to 5th installment, and the number reflects the age of my blog. (after subtracting one that is)
My school holiday unofficially starts from today. Borrowed some books from the central library to kill time for the next couple of weeks. This should be the first time I'm being so proactive in reading during holidays. However they are not English nor Chinese books though. Hehe...
Now that my tuition assignment has ceased, I guess it's necessary to become more frugal to sustain my current zero income state. Here are some steps I wish to take in order to reduce my expenditure:
No spending on:
- non-social activities (eg. eating alone, shopping alone)
- anything that can be obtained from the Web for free (cheapskate I know...)
- fashion (after all 不潮不用花钱)
Increase:
- eating home-cooked food
- non-chargeable social activities (eg. boardgames, Servbot's 'creations')
- family outings (we all know why)
I think I need a heater...
It has been freezing cold the whole day. Even during noon the temperature seemed to be that of nighttime. Felt like I was in another non-equatorial country. Hmm, I wonder what's the lowest temperature for today.
Of course, such chilly weather reminded me to blog this entry haha. Well, it has come to 5th installment, and the number reflects the age of my blog. (after subtracting one that is)
My school holiday unofficially starts from today. Borrowed some books from the central library to kill time for the next couple of weeks. This should be the first time I'm being so proactive in reading during holidays. However they are not English nor Chinese books though. Hehe...
Now that my tuition assignment has ceased, I guess it's necessary to become more frugal to sustain my current zero income state. Here are some steps I wish to take in order to reduce my expenditure:
No spending on:
- non-social activities (eg. eating alone, shopping alone)
- anything that can be obtained from the Web for free (cheapskate I know...)
- fashion (after all 不潮不用花钱)
Increase:
- eating home-cooked food
- non-chargeable social activities (eg. boardgames, Servbot's 'creations')
- family outings (we all know why)
I think I need a heater...
Friday, November 28, 2008
Semester 1 Overview
I've been waiting to blog this entry! Because that means exams are over! You guys might have realise that I haven't been blogging about my modules since the semester started. I wanted to leave everything till the end and give a full overview. This would be more complete isn't it?
It has been a fulfilling semester. Timetable was well-slotted. Had a free weekday when I can catch up on my readings, tutorials and projects. Not to forget that I had a period when I was really free. I actually got ahead in my readings and tutorials! Well, as for projects we seem to be always waiting for others right? It can never go as far as we initially planned.
I'll be rating the modules according to their difficulty, workload, lecture and tutorial/lab. Here are the criteria:
Difficulty - Self explanatory.
Workload - Amount of lesson hours per week, assignments, tutorials, projects, self-study required, etc
Lecture - Enjoyability and understanding
Tutorial/Lab - Enjoyability and understanding
*Note that the ratings are set at an arbitrary scale and the maximum is not necessarily 5 stars.
MA1505 - Mathematics I
(1500+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★★
Lecture: ★★★
Tutorial: ★
*This should be the module with the most intake this semester. There aren't other modules which take up more MPSH halls than this for exams.*
This module is akin to competition against every Year 1 engineering undergraduate. For a F-Maths student this should be a breeze I guess. My lecturer was really amusing and we never fail to laugh at his antics. His jokes were 'pedioric', full of 'old flowers' and BOOM BOOM. I wish he could give lecture us again next semester. Tutorial was a bit boring (since the answers were all available in the tutorial) but I managed to learn new methods which I would never have discovered by myself. And it came in useful for my finals! So proud that I didn't skip any weekly tutorials =). The syllabus is very integration-intensive though - almost every topic requires the use of integration.
The final exam was ok I feel. It can be quite exasperating to discover careless mistakes right after the exam, and when the solution comes to your mind after you can no longer write it down. It's such mental struggle that tires me out after every paper.
This is my most confident subject and I hope this would be my best module among the rest. It just doesn't make sense if any other module scores better.
MLE1101 - Introduction to Material Science and Engineering
(600+ students)
Difficulty: ★★★
Workload: ★
Lecture: ☆
Tutorial: ☆
If MA1505 is a competition against all Engin Year 1, then this should be a competition among Chem Engin students haha. During mid-terms, everyone was heard complaining about the difficulty of the test, however when the results were released, the average appeared to be so high!? This seemed a sign of a coming tough fight in the future...
Boring lectures, hopeless tutorials. Even the monochrome textbook is more interesting than those. The lecture became screwed-up when we were taught an application topic before the basic. Imagine being taught polymers before organic chemistry. The tutor was worse, to the extent that almost everyone went to attend other slots. I'm one of the few 'faithful' ones, don't know if I should praise or reprimand myself. Not only did I not learn anything from his sessions, my IQ dropped after listening to his explanations.
Fortunately Material Science is not my major. Let's hope for better lecturers and tutors in my parent department.
EG1413 - English Critical Thinking and Writing
(300+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★★
Lecture: NA
Tutorial: ★★★
This is so GP-ish to me. There is no lecture for this module so I had to endure 4 grueling hours of tutorial every week. Furthermore the sessions were rather one-sided, as in only the tutor talks and the students listen, without much discussion. The assignments and projects were pretty dry too. Luckily I have good teammates who are able to sustain my motivation. Glad I cleared this module early.
The exam was a disaster as I have little knowledge on the subject discussed. Was practically struggling to make up the length when I ran out of points to write. Actually this topic is frequently debated (it appeared many times in GP too) but I didn't bother to read up further. Haiz...
Would probably score badly for this one. Language is just not my forte.
SC1101E - Making Sense of Society
(900+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★
Lecture: ★★★★
Tutorial: ★★
After reading this module, society does make more sense to me now. Learnt many concepts and theories which can be applied to several social issues. The professor-in-charge was friendly, affirming and fatherly. He mentioned that exams are meant to be enjoyed and they provide a good platform to showcase our knowledge. Indeed, I really did enjoy the exams. Although 3 essay questions within 2 hours can be intimidating, my ideas flowed with ease and I was able to pen down my arguments continuously. Whether the examiners accept my answers is another story. I can only say that I've done my best. Wished I had more time to round up my essays though.
It was my 2nd paper of the day, and I finally understand why people tend to avoid 2 papers a day. Not physically nor intellectually demanding, but mentally exhausting. Took 2 hours to finally get over the disastrous English exam and settle down for Sociology revision.
Every now and then my tutor would send encouraging emails, motivating us and relieving our stress. A really nice person =). However this module only had 5 biweekly tutorials and there wasn't much chance for interaction. Nevertheless this module easily ranks as my favourite this semester! Strongly encouraged!
GEK2022 - Samurai, Geisha, Yakuza as Self/Other
(200+ students)
Difficulty: ★★★
Workload: ★★★
Lecture: ★★
Tutorial: ★★★★
My only level 2000 module. No yakuza haha, though I would like to learn more about them. This module was drier than expected, even with my interest in Japanese language. But it was really informative regarding the history of Japan and how others (especially the West) view Japanese. Compared to lectures, tutorials were far more enjoyable, especially during screening of documentaries. The discussion was fairly active too, but it takes quite a bit of courage to speak up in front of others.
Interestingly my major project has nothing to do with Japan! The theme is on stereotypes and you guys will never guess what I've chosen heh heh.
The exam questions were really creative! It was my first time attempting such questions and I hope my register is acceptable. It was an open book exam and I managed to churn out a sample essay few hours prior. Fortunately my prepared essay was 20% useful as I copied certain parts wholesale onto my script, thus saving lots of time. Sounds like cheating eh? But with only 200+ students, I guess competition will be really tough.
---
And thus, my 1st university semester closes. Time to check and plan Sem 2 schedule! Bidding once again!
One more exam (or rather test) to go before full-holiday mode. Intensive drilling for next 7 days...
It has been a fulfilling semester. Timetable was well-slotted. Had a free weekday when I can catch up on my readings, tutorials and projects. Not to forget that I had a period when I was really free. I actually got ahead in my readings and tutorials! Well, as for projects we seem to be always waiting for others right? It can never go as far as we initially planned.
I'll be rating the modules according to their difficulty, workload, lecture and tutorial/lab. Here are the criteria:
Difficulty - Self explanatory.
Workload - Amount of lesson hours per week, assignments, tutorials, projects, self-study required, etc
Lecture - Enjoyability and understanding
Tutorial/Lab - Enjoyability and understanding
*Note that the ratings are set at an arbitrary scale and the maximum is not necessarily 5 stars.
MA1505 - Mathematics I
(1500+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★★
Lecture: ★★★
Tutorial: ★
*This should be the module with the most intake this semester. There aren't other modules which take up more MPSH halls than this for exams.*
This module is akin to competition against every Year 1 engineering undergraduate. For a F-Maths student this should be a breeze I guess. My lecturer was really amusing and we never fail to laugh at his antics. His jokes were 'pedioric', full of 'old flowers' and BOOM BOOM. I wish he could give lecture us again next semester. Tutorial was a bit boring (since the answers were all available in the tutorial) but I managed to learn new methods which I would never have discovered by myself. And it came in useful for my finals! So proud that I didn't skip any weekly tutorials =). The syllabus is very integration-intensive though - almost every topic requires the use of integration.
The final exam was ok I feel. It can be quite exasperating to discover careless mistakes right after the exam, and when the solution comes to your mind after you can no longer write it down. It's such mental struggle that tires me out after every paper.
This is my most confident subject and I hope this would be my best module among the rest. It just doesn't make sense if any other module scores better.
MLE1101 - Introduction to Material Science and Engineering
(600+ students)
Difficulty: ★★★
Workload: ★
Lecture: ☆
Tutorial: ☆
If MA1505 is a competition against all Engin Year 1, then this should be a competition among Chem Engin students haha. During mid-terms, everyone was heard complaining about the difficulty of the test, however when the results were released, the average appeared to be so high!? This seemed a sign of a coming tough fight in the future...
Boring lectures, hopeless tutorials. Even the monochrome textbook is more interesting than those. The lecture became screwed-up when we were taught an application topic before the basic. Imagine being taught polymers before organic chemistry. The tutor was worse, to the extent that almost everyone went to attend other slots. I'm one of the few 'faithful' ones, don't know if I should praise or reprimand myself. Not only did I not learn anything from his sessions, my IQ dropped after listening to his explanations.
Fortunately Material Science is not my major. Let's hope for better lecturers and tutors in my parent department.
EG1413 - English Critical Thinking and Writing
(300+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★★
Lecture: NA
Tutorial: ★★★
This is so GP-ish to me. There is no lecture for this module so I had to endure 4 grueling hours of tutorial every week. Furthermore the sessions were rather one-sided, as in only the tutor talks and the students listen, without much discussion. The assignments and projects were pretty dry too. Luckily I have good teammates who are able to sustain my motivation. Glad I cleared this module early.
The exam was a disaster as I have little knowledge on the subject discussed. Was practically struggling to make up the length when I ran out of points to write. Actually this topic is frequently debated (it appeared many times in GP too) but I didn't bother to read up further. Haiz...
Would probably score badly for this one. Language is just not my forte.
SC1101E - Making Sense of Society
(900+ students)
Difficulty: ★★
Workload: ★
Lecture: ★★★★
Tutorial: ★★
After reading this module, society does make more sense to me now. Learnt many concepts and theories which can be applied to several social issues. The professor-in-charge was friendly, affirming and fatherly. He mentioned that exams are meant to be enjoyed and they provide a good platform to showcase our knowledge. Indeed, I really did enjoy the exams. Although 3 essay questions within 2 hours can be intimidating, my ideas flowed with ease and I was able to pen down my arguments continuously. Whether the examiners accept my answers is another story. I can only say that I've done my best. Wished I had more time to round up my essays though.
It was my 2nd paper of the day, and I finally understand why people tend to avoid 2 papers a day. Not physically nor intellectually demanding, but mentally exhausting. Took 2 hours to finally get over the disastrous English exam and settle down for Sociology revision.
Every now and then my tutor would send encouraging emails, motivating us and relieving our stress. A really nice person =). However this module only had 5 biweekly tutorials and there wasn't much chance for interaction. Nevertheless this module easily ranks as my favourite this semester! Strongly encouraged!
GEK2022 - Samurai, Geisha, Yakuza as Self/Other
(200+ students)
Difficulty: ★★★
Workload: ★★★
Lecture: ★★
Tutorial: ★★★★
My only level 2000 module. No yakuza haha, though I would like to learn more about them. This module was drier than expected, even with my interest in Japanese language. But it was really informative regarding the history of Japan and how others (especially the West) view Japanese. Compared to lectures, tutorials were far more enjoyable, especially during screening of documentaries. The discussion was fairly active too, but it takes quite a bit of courage to speak up in front of others.
Interestingly my major project has nothing to do with Japan! The theme is on stereotypes and you guys will never guess what I've chosen heh heh.
The exam questions were really creative! It was my first time attempting such questions and I hope my register is acceptable. It was an open book exam and I managed to churn out a sample essay few hours prior. Fortunately my prepared essay was 20% useful as I copied certain parts wholesale onto my script, thus saving lots of time. Sounds like cheating eh? But with only 200+ students, I guess competition will be really tough.
---
And thus, my 1st university semester closes. Time to check and plan Sem 2 schedule! Bidding once again!
One more exam (or rather test) to go before full-holiday mode. Intensive drilling for next 7 days...
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