This course examines a pivotal period in Indonesian history: the last years of Dutch colonialism, the Second World War and Japanese occupation, and the national revolution which began with Indonesia's declaration of independence and concluded with full international recognition in 1949. The course examines the tangle of military strategy and political contest within Indonesia, including Islamic and Communist revolution and regional secession, as well as the international dimensions of the successive conflicts. There will be an emphasis on the use of primary sources (archives, memoirs, film) and students will be encouraged (but not required) to use materials in Indonesian, Dutch and Japanese, according to their abilities.

On satisfying the  requirements for this course, students will be able to

1. demonstrate  a knowledge of the key political, military, social and diplomatic developments in and concerning Indonesia between 1940 and 1950
2. be able to identify major historical controversies arising from this period as well as the arguments and evidence that are brought to bear on those controversies
3. demonstrate the ability to navigate libraries, archives and online sources to identify primary sources
4. present historical arguments on the basis of primary sources
5. enhance capacity to read scholarly writing with a strong eye to the underlying argument

Item A Contribution to discussion (10%)

Item B Primary source study (500 words, plus footnotes) (20%)

Item C Presentation on primary source study (10%)

Item D Research essay, 5000 words (50%)

Item E Critical review of two seminal articles in the field (2 x 500 words) (10%)

Approximately 33 hours of contact, plus reading and writing to meet assessment requirements (total approximately equivalent to one quarter of a full time load)

Completion of undergraduate degree.

Incompatible with ASIA3028

Students enrolled in this course are expected to be familiar with the basic requirements of essay-writing in the social sciences and humanities (as taught in introductory Asian Studies, History, Politics, Anthopology and similar courses). The course is designed to give an opportunity to students who are able to read materials in Indonesian, Dutch or Japanese to use those skills, but facility in these languages is not assumed or required.

None. Course outline will include a reading list and information on online sources.

Nil