Introduction to South East Asia
- Module Code:
- Unit value:
- Year of study:
- Year 1
- Taught in:
- Term 1
Objectives and learning outcomes of the module
At the end of the module a student should have a broad and introductory awareness of the basic cultural, political, historical, religious, linguistic and literary issues at play both in the individual countries of SEA and in the region as a whole. They will in addition acquire the generic skills of learning how to write well-argued essays on topics relating to the module. This will require them in addition to synthesise material from lectures and from reading material provided in study packs. They will also learn how to present their own contributions through designated student-led seminars which will teach them generic skills of preparing and formulating arguments orally, together with use of presentational materials such as powerpoint, OHPs, handouts etc.
The module will be taught over 11 weeks with 3 contact hours per week.
Scope and syllabus
This is an introductory module to the study of South East Asia as a region and with focus on the individual countries in particular of Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. It will open with a framing of the region as a whole; an examination of religious, literary and cultural links between the constituent countries; a study of the language groups of the region and their linguistic profiles; specific lectures on the key religions of the region; and a series of country-specific lectures to indicate key areas of interest with regard to their study. One further session will be given over to the teaching of study skills and in particular essay writing skills. This module is intended to provide a grounding for subsequent thematic modules on SEA film and SEA literature that follow in term 2 of year 1 and in subsequent years.
This module is core for Year 1 of the degrees in BA South East Asian Studies and BA South East Asian Studies and . .
This module is compulsory for Year 1 of the degrees BA Thai, BA Thai and another subject, BA Indonesian, BA Indonesian and another subject, BA Vietnamese and another subject, BA Burmese and another subject
Method of assessment
One two-hour written examination taken in May/June (60%); one essay (1500 words) to be submitted on the first Monday after reading week, in the term in which the module is taught (15%); one essay of 2500 words to be submitted on the last day of the term in which the module is taught (25%).