This course provides an introduction to key issues in contemporary Southeast Asia through the conceptual lens of power. It will introduce both Western and Southeast Asian ideas about power in a range of ecological, agricultural, cultural, social and political contexts.

The course is broken into three modules. In module one, titled ‘Domination and Resistance’, we look at power in the modern state – with a focus on less obvious, indirect forms of power and ways people resist, on a spectrum from everyday forms of resistance to armed struggle. In module two, ‘Power of Landscapes’, we look at the intersections of place, space and power in pre-colonial and contemporary Southeast Asia, with a focus on frontiers, hills and urban space. In module three, ‘Bodies and Souls’, we look at Southeast Asian bodies, as they intersect with religious power, local domains of spirits and social practices of gender and sexuality.

Online learning is a key part of this course. Each week, students are required to watch a conversation and participate in online activities in order to prepare for weekly interactive seminars on campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage in online public debate and publish their views, although this is optional.

Having completed this course, students will be able to:

1. Explain, analyse and theorise core contemporary social and political issues in Southeast Asia.
2. Understand, apply and critique key Western and Southeast Asian conceptions of power to their analyses.
3. Identify and critically assess the main influences on the development of knowledge about Southeast Asia.
4. Engage critically and knowledgeably in online discussion about contemporary Southeast Asia.

Online and classroom participation (20%), two critical reading summaries (25%), blog post (25%) and a 2000 word essay on a contested issue online (30%). Alternative formats for the essay will be considered.

One two-hour seminar per week. It is expected that students will undertake approximately six hours of private study per week, including participation in online activities.

No prescribed text. All required reading and multi-media materials will be provided via Wattle.