INS2010

Indonesian societies and cultures

Barbara Hatley

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have gained a good understanding of some key cultural concepts in Indonesian societies as they are expressed in everyday social interaction, and in ritual events and performances. They will also have explored the shaping role in Indonesian societies and cultures of Indian religious and political models, Islam and contact with the West.

Synopsis This subject consists of an exploration of basic concepts informing social interaction and cultural thought in Indonesian communities of different regions and economic/social levels. It focuses first on village societies, analysing how practices of group solidarity and exchange and patterns of childraising and family life inculcate social values and gender expectations. It then examines the heritage of royal states and the impact of Hindu/Buddhist and Islamic religions in relation to concepts of hierarchy, status, power, duty and community. A major focus of attention is the impact on established social values and practices of the challenge of `modernity' within the framework of the Indonesian nation-state.

Assessment Essay (3500 words): 50%
* Seminar presentation and paper (2000 words): 40%
* Seminar participation: 10%

Prescribed texts

Geertz C The religion of Java The Free Press
Guinness P Harmony and hierarchy in a Javanese kampung OUP, 1986
Schwarz A A nation in waiting: Indonesia in the 1990s Allen and Unwin

Recommended texts

Holt C Art in Indonesia: Continuities and changes Cornell U P, 1967
Jay R Javanese villagers MIT Press, 1969
Keeler W Javanese shadow puppets, Javanese selves Princeton U P, 1987
Siegel J The rope of God U California P, 1969