[1-Day Short Course] Reading Malay Literature: Ideas, Values and Society
About the course
Malay literature is more than stories on a page. It is a rich space where ideas, values, and aesthetics come together to reflect the intellectual and cultural life of society. This course introduces participants to the study of Malay literature through critical appreciation, humanism, and realism, while also exploring the deeper social and cultural meanings of literary expression.
While Malay literature is taught in schools and covered in teacher training at NIE, current in-service opportunities often emphasise language pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. This course fills an important gap by focusing instead on literary discourse, critical literacy, and cultural interpretation.
Participants will learn how to read literature beyond its surface, uncovering both its artistic qualities and its wider social significance. The course will highlight three key skills:
- Understanding the author’s intent, values, and ideological perspectives
- Interpreting key words and symbols within the text to unravel layered meanings
- Identifying humanistic themes and linking them to society and broader intellectual ideas
By combining approaches from critical literacy, sociological analysis, and cultural studies, this course equips participants with the tools to engage with Malay literature in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and personally enriching. It is ideal for those interested in deepening their understanding of literature, language, and the cultural imagination of the Malay world.
Medium of Instruction
English
Course Objectives
By joining this course, you will:
- Build a strong foundation in Malay-Indonesian literary culture and uncover its historical importance.
- Sharpen your critical reading and interpretation skills to engage deeply with literature, arts, and culture.
- Enrich your professional practice by applying powerful insights from the humanities and social sciences.
- Develop thought-leadership capacity in the fields of education, culture, and heritage.
Who Should Attend
This course is perfect for:
- Educators who want to bring fresh literary and cultural perspectives into the classroom.
- Curators, librarians, and heritage professionals eager to reframe collections with deeper meaning.
- Beginners and cultural enthusiasts curious about the rich literary world of the Malay-Indonesian region. No prior background needed.
Minimum Entry Requirement
Polytechnic Diploma / GCE 'A' (or equivalent) and Above
Course Fee
| Fee Category | Singapore Citizen / Permanent Resident | International Participant |
| Full course fee (including 9% GST) | S$926.50 | S$926.50 |
Note:
- Self-sponsored participants: You will need to make online payment at the point of accepting offer of enrolment.
- Corporate-sponsored participants: NUS will bill your company for payment.
SkillsFuture Credit
Singapore Citizens aged 25 and above may use their SkillsFuture Credit to pay for the course fees.
This is only applicable to self-sponsored participants. Application to utilise SkillsFuture Credit can be submitted when making payment for the course.
About the Instructor
Terms and Conditions
- Class Formation and Changes
Classes will only be conducted if the minimum enrolment is met. The organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or modify the class format at short notice and at its sole discretion, without providing reasons. In the event of a cancellation, a full refund will be issued for payments already received.
- Absence Policy
No make-up lessons will be provided for missed classes.
- Withdrawal and Replacement
Once a participant is accepted into the programme, withdrawals are not permitted. Participants who wish to withdraw may either:
-
- Find a replacement to take their place, or
- Pay a penalty of 30% of the full course fee (inclusive of GST).
- Photography and Videography
Photographs and/or videos may be taken during the programme for audit and marketing purposes.