ASM4490

Knowledge, power and social transformation in Southeast Asia

Not offered in 1999

Penelope Graham

12 points -2 hours per week -Second semester Clayton

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate a grasp of central problems in the anthropological analysis of the Southeast Asian region; evaluate the contribution of selected ethnographies to our understanding of the historical and sociological complexity of the region; recognise and analyse a variety of tropes informing anthropological and sociological approaches to different areas of Southeast Asia; analyse representations of selected societies and cultures within the region for their relevance to broader issues of anthropological enquiry.

Synopsis This subject focuses on Southeast Asia through the ethnographic analyses of particular regions represented in the anthropological literature. It explores the characterisation of regions, cultures and societies according to an array of themes from ecology and economic livelihood to cosmology, ritual and religion, whilst considering issues of power, status, gender and pressures for social change.

Assessment Seminar participation: 10% -Book review (1000 words): 10% -First essay (3000 words): 30% -Second essay (5000 words): 50%

Recommended texts

Evans G (ed.) Asia's cultural mosaic: An anthropological introduction Prentice-Hall, 1993
Keyes C F The golden peninsula: Culture and adaptation in mainland Southeast Asia Reprint edn, Hawaii U P, 1995; Orig. pub. Macmillan, 1977
Osborne M Southeast Asia: An introductory history 6th rev. edn, Allen and Unwin, 1995
Wolters O W History, culture and region in Southeast Asian perspectives Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 1982

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