Educational background

I have a BA in General Linguistics from Massey University in New Zealand and did Applied linguistic modules for my masters at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. I did my MA as a part time student because I was working as a teacher at the same time.

Why Discourse and Argumentation Studies?

I believe in life long learning. I decided to pursue my masters in argumentation because I wanted to challenge myself to do something different from Linguistics. I did some research on the internet regarding programmes in argumentation and critical discussion, and everything pointed to the Universiteit van Amsterdam. Europe, however is not a popular location for Singaporeans as a study destination. Nonetheless, I decided to give it a go because the idea of being in a new place is both  challenging and exhilarating.

It is very interesting. The Universiteit van Amsterdam is where the theory of pragma-dialectic all begins. I enjoy the fact that even though the programme is highly theoretical you are able to use argumentation in real life. You get a better understanding of daily conventional discourse, and how people argue. Here, my preconceived ideas of standpoints and rhetoric are given a more academic approach.

After my MA I want to continue teaching and possibly venture more into argumentation studies.

About the programme

I am really impressed with the programme. The three modules I took the first semester are very theoretical. But the second semester it is different. We get to look at articles  by famous orators which I find interesting and to put the theory into practice.

In our programme you meet the people who developed the theories. Another interesting thing about the programme is the colloquium which is conducted once every two weeks. We get to listen to ideas of students and their research proposals and occasionally get to hear from guest lecturers from different universities.

There is a small group of students here. We also get to know students of the research MA in Rhetoric, Argumentation and Philosophy. We go for drinks sometimes or have lunch or dinner together.

About the Universiteit van Amsterdam

The buildings of the university are spread throughout the city. The libraries and computer facilities are both good with easy access to plenty of computers.

About the city and the Netherlands

The weather is a lot colder than I had expected. I had to buy a lot of warm clothes when I came here. I do enjoy the cold weather and the changing seasons, but I do miss the tropical heat.

Although the city of Amsterdam looks very busy, it is still easily accessible. The ‘grachten’ or the canals are a unique feature of Amsterdam.  The buildings are so beautiful and the city has an air of romance. As for food, there is no problem getting food from different cultures.  I have tried the traditional Dutch food; I like the ‘boerenkool’, but I don’t like ‘zuurkool’!

This MA programme is meant for students who

are interested in argumentation. I think if you look at argumentation from a broader perspective, you can use it in so many areas like law, journalism and teaching. Argumentation is even being used in advertising and its persuasive powers and how this persuasion is being presented through image.

It is of course a great course for people who want to pursue a PhD.

Tip for new students

Get winter coats! The wind can be very cold. As for the course, be open-minded, because the first few months can be really theoretical. But as time progresses you find out that it is very beneficial because it has a lot of applications. One year is a very short time. Enjoy the learning process, learn more about Amsterdam and about the people. In short, have fun learning.