Admission requirements
MA Asian studies students (60 EC, 120 EC or research) will be given priority in enrollment if demand exceeds the available places.
Description
This interdisciplinary course examines the rich and interconnected material and visual cultures of South and Southeast Asia, tracing their development from the premodern period to the present day. Emphasis is placed on key regions including India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia, with a focus on artistic and architectural traditions situated within religious, political, and cultural frameworks.
The course begins with early South Asian visual cultures from the Maurya and Gupta periods and continues through the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. Parallel developments in Maritime Southeast Asia are explored through the monumental sites, such as Borobudur, Prambanan and Angkor Wat, viewed through the lens of cross-cultural exchange along the Indian Ocean and Maritime Silk Routes.
Central to this course is the exploration of the concept of the maṇḍala as sacred geometry in both Hindu and Buddhist contexts. Its articulation in temple layouts, ritual diagrams, and objects is examined as a structuring principle of sacred space and royal authority across South and Southeast Asia.
The course draws on visual analysis, critical scholarship, and primary sources, including texts, inscriptions, architectural plans, and material objects to explore cultural and artistic connections between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
Course objectives
Identify key artistic and architectural traditions of South and Southeast Asia in their religious and cultural contexts.
Analyse visual and material culture through the lens of cross-cultural exchange along the Indian Ocean and Maritime Silk Routes.
Understand the concept of the maṇḍala and its role in shaping sacred space and authority across Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Interpret primary sources, such as texts, inscriptions, and architectural plans through the use of visual and contextual analysis.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Excursion
Presentation
Assessment method
Assessment
Paper (70%)
Presentation (20%)
Attendence (10%)
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average. To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.
All elements, including attendence must be passed.
Students may consult with the lecturer about the topic of their final papers.
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Attendance
Attendance and participation are obligatory for seminars courses. Students are required to attend all sessions. The lecturers need to be informed without delay of any classes missed for a good reason (i.e. due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, family issues, problems with residence permits, the Dutch railways in winter, etc.).
Absence without notification in 3 or more of classes without extenuating circumstances will result in a failing attendance grade.
Late papers
Students must complete all papers and assignment(s) on time.
Late submissions for all written work for the first or second attempt will result in a deduction of marks as follows:
1-24 hours late = -0.5;
24-48 hours late = -1.0;
48-72 hours late = -1.5;
Submissions more than 72 hours late, including weekends, will receive a failing grade of 1,0 for the assignment.
If students face extenuating circumstances they can request an extension by contacting the Board of Examiners.
Word limits
A mark deduction applies to papers which exceed the world limit or word range specified in the course description. Students who exceed this word limit will receive an automatic penalty of 0.5 mark deduction.
Resit
There are no resits for presentation. Two deadlines will be provided for the submission of the paper.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
To be uploaded on Brightspace
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr