Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

The island world of Southeast Asia encompasses the region now defined by the modern states of Malaysia and Indonesia. The unit will explore cultural, political and economic change in this region from the early kingdoms to the beginning of the nineteenth century. A major theme will be the development of two local cultural and political patterns, those of the Javanese and Malay worlds.

Objectives

Students taking the course will:

1. Become familiar with some major developments in island Southeast Asia before the end of the nineteenth century, including the nature and ramifications of religious change, the role of state power and political loyalty, economic change, western intrusion, the development of colonial power, and the character of local responses.

2. Identify and understand major issues and debates discussed in the historical literature dealing with Southeast Asia.

3. Develop a critical approach to these debates and an appreciation of the nature of the available evidence.

4. Consider the relative values embodied in the western language and indigenous documents studied in the course.

5. Develop their own perspectives on issues considered in the course and learn to present and support them with evidence in their written work and in tutorials.

Assessment

Written work: 75%
Class participation (including written and oral tasks): 25%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 lecture and 1 tutorial) per week

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Indonesian studies
History
Asian studies
Anthropology

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in history or permission

Prohibitions

HSY3710