Southeast Asia in Context

Hosted by National University of Singapore
20 June – 23 July, 2011
Students must arrive by: 19 June, 2011

Download a PDF version of the course profile

• Course Description
• Field Trip
  
• Target Audience
  
• Delivery Method, Exams & Learning Outcomes
  
• Where You Will Stay
  
• Costs
• Further Information

Course Description

The Southeast Asia in Context (SEAiC) GSP course is a 5-week thematically based exploration of Southeast Asia's geographical and cultural diversity. It takes advantage of Singapore's position and character as a microcosm of this diversity. SEAiC offers modules on Southeast Asian Studies with archaeological, anthropological and historical concentrations. It also blends classroom instruction on NUS Kent Ridge campus with hands-on fieldwork at sites in Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

In the summer of 2011, the course is available at the introductory level. Modules offered emphasize the culture, history, and contemporary lives of Southeast Asians, including both urban and rural dwellers. There are two fieldtrip options: A) Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, which highlights visiting rice farming villages in Northeast Thailand, the historical park in Ayutthaya, urban life in Bangkok and ancient Khmer civilization at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia; and B) Java, Indonesia, where students visit Borobudur, Yogyakarta and traditional Gamelan communities.

Field Trip

Students must indicate their preferred fieldtrip destination on the GSP Application Form.

Option A: Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand; or

Option B: Java, Indonesia

Target Audience

Undergraduate students across academic majors with strong interest in Southeast Asia

Delivery Method, Exams & Learning Outcomes

Classes will be held every weekday in the morning and afternoon except during field trips. Each class session will last 2 hours, with an approximate of 30 contact hours per module. There will also be lectures and discussions throughout the field trips.

Note: Out of these 3 modules, each student is required to take 2. SE2222 is a compulsory module. SE2211 and SE2880 are elective modules.

SE2222 Southeast Asia in Context (compulsory)
Lecturer: Dr. Pattana Kitiarsa, National University of Singapore
Modular Credits: 4

This module introduces students to the transformations of ethnic, religious, national and regional identities in Southeast Asia across time as seen from a variety of perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to learn about: the region's archaeology, seafaring trade and the meanings of its ancient monuments; the major religions of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and "Animism" and how they figured in movements for change since the 19th century; the modern management of cultural resources and the impact of tourism; and recent anthropological studies with attention on new themes and the ways Southeast Asian societies are understood from the region itself.

SE2211 Modern Southeast Asian Social History (elective)
Lecturer: A/P John Miksic, National University of Singapore
Modular Credit: 4

The intrusion of the North Atlantic world into Southeast Asia during the 18th century coincided with changes in patterns of social organization in the region. These changes presented opportunities to some groups of Southeast Asians but undercut the positions of others. Colonial rule led to the emergence of new elite groups and social tensions. In agriculture, immigration, commerce, rebellion, war, and in the achievement of political independence in the mid-twentieth century, we look at how people from all walks of life took an active part in reshaping their worlds. Thus did Southeast Asia take on the characteristics that mark the region today.

SE2880A Southeast Asia's Cultural Mosaic (elective)
Lecturer: A/P Cynthia Chou, University of Copenhagen
Modular Credits: 4

Southeast Asia is characterized by great ethno-linguistic and cultural variation. How can we make sense of and appreciate this diversity? What is an insiders and outsiders perspective? This course will introduce students to the region from an anthropological perspective. Students will be equipped with the analytical tools for the comparative study of society and culture. Ethnographic materials will be used to discuss themes that include ethnicity, identity, family and kinship systems, gender, economy, and social change. The challenge is for students to explore, conceptualize, and understand differences and similarities between social systems and human relationships, and to ask: “Why?”

All modules will be assessed based on the following components:

Where You Will Stay

Prince George's Park Residences (PGPR) is located in the NUS Kent Ridge Campus. This residential complex offers 2854 single rooms. The single rooms are grouped into clusters of 15 and offer its residents an apartment lifestyle. The 15 residents in each cluster are entrusted with collective responsibility for their shared facilities. Each cluster has its own kitchen, dining area, and bathroom facilities. Points for personal telephone, television and computer linkage to the university's network and the Internet, are provided in every room. For more information, please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/ohs/properties/PGPR/index.html

Costs

Tuition fee: SGD5,180

Accommodation: SGD555 (5 weeks)

Field trip: SGD1,500 Includes airfare, accommodation throughout fieldtrip and transportation & admission fees to field sites. Cost subject to change.

Estimated text book costs: SGD50-100

Estimated living expenses: SGD600-700 (for on-campus meals)

Estimated miscellaneous fees: SGD70.00 (cost subject to change)

Local transportation (5 weeks): SGD100-150 (estimated based on travel by public buses/ trains only)

Additional information will be available in the booklet prepared specifically for each summer school cohort.

Further Information

Detailed Course Profile: http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/sea/undergrad/summerSchool.html

ASEAN TV News Coverage (August 2010) – Interview with Dr Martin Platt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F18R-bMrw1s

ASEAN TV News Coverage (July 2010): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5GX8mcti3k