N.B. Course description are subject to change
Admission requirements
None
Description
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary cultures of South and Southeast Asia—the cultural practices as well as their study. The course is arranged as a series of connected themes which are discussed from South and Southeast Asian perspectives as well as comparatively.
We begin by unpacking the major categories in terms of which the contemporary cultures of South and Southeast Asia are commonly analyzed, such as the “modernity” versus “tradition” paradigm, the idea of a “South Asian” versus a “Southeast Asian” region, and the notion of “culture” itself. The series of classes that follows is devoted to ordinary, everyday culture, “high culture”, questions of diversity and diaspora, heritage, and other themes. We conclude with an overview of the main questions addressed in the course: matters cultural that are relevant to nations, communities and individuals in South and Southeast Asia.
Course objectives
knowledge of and insight into important cultural domains in contemporary South and Southeast Asia
knowledge of and insights into actual debates about culture in general and with regard to South and Southeast Asia
training of analytical skills with regard to questions of culture by means of critical analysis of scholarly studies on culture in South and Southeast Asia
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Lectures
Assessment method
Assessment
The course is assessed in two ways:
- A mid-term assignment about the course readings, to be submitted at a determined point during thelecture course
- A written examination consisting of essay-type questions
The assignment will be an essay providing a detailed answer to a question relating to texts on the reading list.
In order to pass the course, students must obtain an an overall mark of “5.50” (=6) or higher.
Weighing
Mid-term assignment: 40% of the overall mark
Written examination: 60% of the overall mark
Resit
An exam resit is possible only for element 2 (Written examination). The course is an integrated whole. The final examination and the assignments must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
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
A reading list to be announced later. The readings must be studied prior to the class in question.
Registration
Enrolment through uSis is mandatory.
General information about uSis is available on the website.
Registration Studeren à la carte en Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte.
Registration Contractonderwijs.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office de Vrieshof.
Remarks
None