volume 2, 2003
folio is an annual collection of student essays written for modules offered in the University Scholars Programme's Writing and Critical Thinking Programme. The papers published in it all represent exemplary academic writing practice, and we here offer only a small sample.
In this volume:
- Esplanade--Duck on the Bay
"While the Big Duck capitalizes and focuses on developing and publicizing its form alone, the Esplanade strives to achieve a recognition for its function as much as its form." Wong Kok Keong on durians, decorated sheds, and white elephants.
- The Problem with Feminist Discourse in G. I. Jane
"Ironically, Scott ends up glorifying the military institution and its masculine ideals despite his attempt to achieve the opposite." Chong Hin Nee, Irene on shaving hair, being vulgar, and becoming "one of the men."
- Interpreting the Characters of Vladek and Oskar: The Tainted War Hero in Maus and Schindler's List
"A detailed reading of these two texts will reveal how these war heroes are shown to maintain their effectiveness and credibility as heroes despite their flaws." Tham Dek Won, Daniel on heroes, anti-heroes, and depictions of the Holocaust.
- Desolation and Mystery: Symbolic Meaning in The Cross and Cathedral in the Mountains
"Clearly, the cross is the key to understanding the painting, for the cross is placed at the vanishing point of the painting." Lin Qinghui on making sense of complex spatial configurations.
- Cute, Cool, Qoo
"We conceive of Qoo as cute primarily because it seems inadequate and hence, pitiable." Beatrice Liu Shiying on the complexity of an apparently simple advertisement, and how it uses cuteness to sell soft drinks.
- The Dark Side of the Knight: The Performance of Masculinity in Schumacher's Batman Forever
"Since this idealization partly depends on the homoeroticization of Batman's physique, the movie feeds off the very force it vilifies." Erin Elizabeth Woodford on hypermasculinity, homophobia, and the paradoxical ties that bind them.
- Chinatown Conservation: For Locals or for Tourists?
"If conservation is well-planned, the interests of tourists can co-exist with those of the locals, and the result of conservation will yield a Chinatown that appeals to both locals and tourists." Ong Chin Soon on conservation, community, and tourism.
- Percy, Baudrillard, and the Myth of Authenticity
"Baudrillard's essay introduces a more macroscopic perspective on the actual meaning of 'authenticity'--that there is none in the static sense, as authenticity is only something relative that loses significance ultimately." Tay How Kwang, Daniel on simulacra, hyperreality, and the difficulties inherent in defining authenticity.
- Contributors/Process Notes
"I had to steer clear of merely enjoying the plot and eye candy and constantly prompt myself to question why certain techniques are used and to what effect..." Tricks, troubles, dirty secrets. Authors reveal all.Editor: Katalin Orbán
Editorial board (2003): Kenneth Chan, Johan Geertsema, Michael Maiwald, Harvey Molloy, Katalin OrbánLast updated: 2 November 2009