HPL3509 - Southeast Asian History

Leader: Dr Keith Wilson

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Day)
Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)
Singapore Second semester 2007 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit examines the region of Southeast Asia during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It considers the impact of colonisation, the development of nationalism and independence movements and the quest for modernisation during the post colonial period. The unit takes as its focus the nations of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. The themes examined include the long-term impact of geography on the region; the importance of religion in determining the nature of Southeast Asian cultural forms; and the impact of imperialism and colonisation on these nations.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit students should be able to demonstrate:

1. a critical understanding of the geographic and cultural features that shaped traditional Southeast Asia;
2. an ability to critically assess the major historical developments, including imperialism, decolonisation, nationalism and militarism, that have influenced the evolution of Southeast Asian countries; and
3. identify and critically analyse the challenges that face Southeast Asian nations in the modern world.

Assessment

Mapping exercise (1000 words): 20%
Essay (1500 words): 30%
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact hours

2 hours per week (1 hour lecture, 1 hour tutorial)

Prerequisites

HPL1503, HPL1504 or equivalents

Prohibitions

GSC3502, HPL4508