Asia and the West: Southeast Asia in Colonial and Postcolonial Context

Course goals

To acquire knowledge of the political, economic and cultural effects of Western imperialism on societies of Southeast Asia; to analyse the various debates and interpretations on European imperialism and the reactions of Asian societies; to develop the ability to design a research project and to collect and analyse the relevant source material and literature; to present the results of the research in a well-structured way in oral and written form.

Content

All of Asia has experienced the effects of Western imperialism – including areas not under formal colonial rule. This course offers knowledge about the workings of the colonial presence and what came after: decolonization, building states and nations, developing national cultures. Students will understand the dynamics of conquest and rule by western powers and the local reactions. They will reflect on the enormous and lasting impact of colonial rule on the societies and world views in Asia. Issues of modernization and religion will receive special attention. The course will draw its cases and examples from Southeast Asia. The research component is strong in this course. Students will be required to do research in primary source material and write an extensive academic paper.

Additional information

Early Exit option for international exchange students (5 ECTS)
Exchange students who are required to return to their home university before January, are allowed to choose an Early Exit option for this course. The Early Exit option means that students can finish the course before Christmas break, receiving 5 ECTS for the course. Students must make arrangements with the course coordinator at the start of the course.

This course is part of the minor Global Asia.

Please note: the time slot shown here is not yet final and may still be modified until the 3rd Wednesday in September.