Admission requirements
Admission to the MA Asian Studies (research) or another relevant Research MA. Students from other (regular MA) programmes are kindly referred to the course description of the regular MA course.
Description
In this research seminar, we will explore the recent economic development in Southeast Asia (SEA), home of about 680 million people today and one of the world’s most dynamic regions. Think of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Vietnam, among others.
In the first part of the seminar, we will seek to gain an understanding of how it is that many – but not all – nations in Southeast Asia have achieved spectacular growth and escaping the poverty trap. Is there a “development model” or stylized facts that account for that achievement? After discussing the development model (or lack thereof) for such economic growth, we will proceed to discuss accompanying structural transformation and rapid urbanization in the area.
In the second part, we will zoom into three SEA economies -- Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam—to get more detailed accounts on the economic development at a country-level. The first two are among the earlier generation of SEA emerging economies, whereas Vietnam is part of the later generation that also belongs to post-socialist transition emerging economies.
In the second part, we will zoom into three SEA economies -- Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam—to get more detailed accounts on the economic development at a country-level. The first two are among the earlier generation of SEA emerging economies, whereas Vietnam is part of the later generation that also belongs to post-socialist transition emerging economies.
In the third part of the seminar, we will examine some social elements of SEA economic development. What are the changes in the labor market? What are the roles of trade and openness on economic growth? Why corruption persists? Are there significant gains on educational and health status in the area? What is the role of religion in the economy?
As a student, you will be expected to work in group for reading report and class presentation; and individually for a final essay of 6000 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 and digital) data, and reflecting about the empirical finding of the analysis. Both oral and written presentations are required.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
The deadline(s) in MyTimetable is/are set for administrative purposes only. The actual date(s) will be communicated by the lecturer(s) in Brightspace.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Attendance
Attendance and participation are obligatory for seminars and language 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 in 3 or more classes will result in a failing attendance grade unless you face extenuating circumstances. In this case, contact the study adviser and Board of Examiners to apply for exemption.
Assessment method
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to be familiar with Leiden University policies on plagiarism and academic integrity.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is assumed that students' work is their own work with all sources used properly indicated and documented in the text (with quotations and/or citations). Students may not substantially reuse any work they have previously submitted in this or other courses. Minor overlap with previous work is allowed as long as it is duly noted in citation.
Assignment(s) must be submitted to Brightspace through Turnitin, so they can be checked for plagiarism. Submission via email is not accepted.
ChatGPT: What is possible and what is allowed? Dos and Don'ts.
Assessment and weighing
| Partial Assessment | Weighing |
|---|---|
| Reflection report/journal | 15% |
| Group reading report | 10% |
| Group class peresentation | 25% |
| Draft final essay | 10% |
| Final essay 6,000-words | 40% |
Final marks
Final marks are formed by the weighted average.
In order to pass a course, students must obtain an overall mark of 5.50 (=6) or higher.
Each course is an integrated whole. All assessment parts must be completed in the same academic year. No partial marks can be carried over into following years.
Submission of term papers and written assignments
Students must complete all papers and assignments 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. Note that such a request needs to be submitted four weeks before the deadline.
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
Resit can be administered only if the student completes the requirement of class presentation, has submitted the final essay and the total weighted average is 5.49 or lower. The resit essay must be in a different topic and has a weight of 40%. The other components of the assessment can not be resat.
Inspection and feedback
Written assignments will be returned with feedback. Students can make an appointment to discuss their written work with the instructor.
Reading list
Selected articles on the economic development and social changes in Southeast Asia. The complete list of articles will be announced in the first lecture.
For the Research MA students additional reading will be determined by the convener at a later stage taking into account the students’ fields of interest. Extra sessions will be organized to discuss this extra literature.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the information bar on the right.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office Herta Mohr