Students read widely in a vernacular language about Southeast Asia on a topic likely to be selected from one of the following: politics, popular culture, literature or religion. Students critically read texts each fortnight as preparation for discussion in a one-hour class, write a critical report on the readings from two of those fortnightly meetings, and write a final essay based on the course readings.

By the end of the course learners of the Southeast Asian language will have significantly increased their proficiency in reading and writing, and will be able to discuss complex ideas about a given discipline or topic area. They will also have gained substantial knowledge about that discipline/ area and ability to critically analyse texts within it.

Two critical 1,000 word reports (totalling 30%), one final 2,000 word essay (30%), an additional 1,000 word essay (20%), performance and participation in fortnightly discussions (totalling 20%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates, but may expect more rigorous assessment, and also do additional assignment work tailored to their interests.

Fortnightly class/meetings with lecturer.

Permission of coordinator


N.B. Students are strongly advised to take a supporting course (focused on historical background culture, linguistics, anthropology etc) before enrolling in this vernacular language Reading Course.