Admission requirements
In this course, students in the MA program in Asian Studies: Politics, Society and Economy (60 EC) and SouthEast Asia (60 EC) will have priority. This course has a limited number of places available for students of economic history in the specialization Migration and Global Interdependence of the MA programme History and for students of the MA International Relations. Students who are interested in taking this course from outside of the abovementioned programmes, are requested to contact their coordinator of studies.
Description
This research seminar explores the recent economic development in Southeast Asia, one of the world’s most dynamic regions. By looking at assessments in the secondary literature, and at supporting statistics, we seek to gain an understanding of how it is that many – but not all – nations in Southeast Asia have achieved spectacular growth and poverty reduction. The social and political causes and consequences of economic success (and failure) are discussed, with attention to such topics as inequality, institutions, corruption, ideology, ethnicity, and religion. The influence of political and financial crises is considered. Comparisons are made with other regions in the world. Students introduce assigned readings and choose a specific topic for individual research, culminating in an essay of about 6,000 words.
Course objectives
Students obtain a thorough understanding of recent economic and social developments in Southeast Asia, and of the interplay between them. Students receive training in critically discussing assessments in the secondary literature, and in analysing primary (including statistical) data. Both oral and written presentations are required.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Attendance is compulsory for all sessions. Students must prepare well and contribute to in-class discussion. If a student cannot attend because of illness or misadventure, they should promptly inform the convener. Extra assignments may be set to make up for missed class time, at the convener’s discretion. Absence without notification may result in lower grades or exclusion from assessment components and a failing grade for the course.
Assessment method
Assessment and weighing
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Presentation and performance in class | 35% |
| End-term paper | 65% |
The end-term paper is written in two stages: a first version, which will be commented as a draft (tentative findings) in the peer-review sessions in the last weeks of the course, and a final version. Students who do not meet the deadline for the final version, will get a failing grade.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
The course is an integrated whole. All categories must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Resit
A new version of the paper assignment (65%) may be written if the overall mark for the course is “5.49” (=5) or lower. If students take this option, they must choose an alternative topic. They will not be permitted to resubmit the same paper. The deadline for this version will be determined in consultation.
Inspection and feedback
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
Selected recent articles on the economic development and social changes in Southeast Asia. The complete list of articles will be announced in the first lecture.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Vrieshof