Through historical examples from Vietnam, Burma, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, this course will emphasise the study of mainland Southeast Asia in a comparative framework, with particular attention to political culture, the production of knowledge, concepts of 'civilisation', and emerging civil societies in the twentieth century.

This course will provide an overview of critical historical transitions in Mainland Southeast Asia. Following the course, students will be able to articulate and analyze the processes of colonialism, independence movements, and the effects of Cold War geopolitics had on the political, social, and cultural contexts of various locations in this region. Essay assignments will further hone students' analytical skills and forms of written presentation of material.

Assessment/Undergrad                               

Attendance/Participation:          20%                

Essay 1 (1,500 words)              20%              

Essay 2 (2,000 words)              30%                

Final exam                             30%                 

Workload will consist of three contact hours per week and approximately 75 pages of assigned reading per week (subject to variation depending on the density of the materials)

6 university courses (36 units).

with ASHY2014 and ASIA6041

Steinberg, D. J. (ed.), In Search of Southeast Asia: A Modern History, Allen & Unwin, 1987 (rev. ed.).

Prior assumed knowledge: an introductory knowledge of Asian societies, Asian religions, or the fields of history, politics, or anthropology indicated by the completion of two introductory courses in Asian Societies and Histories, Introduction to Religions B (RELS1003) or two introductory courses in history, politics or anthropology is desirable.