Admission requirements
Premoderne Geschiedenis van Zuid- en Zuidoost-Azië
Klassieke Culturen van Zuid- en Zuidoost-Azië
or
Introduction to Buddhism and/or Hinduism
Or after approval by the course coordinator.
Course description
The 5th to 14th century, sometimes referred to as the Early Medieval Period, is a time of great significance for the spread and development of the regional cultures of South and Southeast Asia. This long period is characterized by the formation of regional kingdoms all across the area, in which processes of state formation and religious development were closely intertwined. This course takes a broad look at the development of the Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms of South and Southeast Asia during this formative period, identifying shared and distinguishing features of the regions of South and Southeast Asia. Subjects dealt with include: processes of Indianization, the spread and ideology of Sanskrit, vernacularization, the role of regional cultures and traditions, the ideal of kingship, the rise of regional state temples, the interaction between Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and the a-historical character of many of the South and Southeast Asian sources.
The course has a seminar format and requires active student participation. Close reading and discussion of recent literature are key features of the course. Students are required to submit an A4 position paper each week, in which they summarize and discuss a specialist article on the week’s theme.
Course objectives
Knowledge and understanding of the history of early medieval South and Southeast Asia
Understanding of the social-historical dynamics of religious cultures
Understanding of the interconnection between state and religion
Dealing with a-historical sources
Ability to summarize and analyze scholarly literature, distinguish between main and side subjects, ask critical questions.
Timetable
See the website
Mode of Instruction
Seminar.
Assessment method
Collected A4 position papers written during the course (40%)
Written exam with essay questions at the end of the semester (60%)
Blackboard
Yes.
Reading list
Articles made available with Blackboard.
Registration
Registration via uSis is obligatory.
Registration A la carte en contractonderwijs
Registration for A la Carte
Registration for Contractonderwijs