Glimpse into classes
Compulsory classes (B.A.)
To provide for a basic understanding of Southeast Asian Studies and the region in the beginning of the undergraduate degree, a number of so-called compulsory courses must be attended and completed. The following classes are compulsory in the first four semesters:
Culture and Society of Modern Southeast Asia
The class deals with the history of the region from approx. 1850 to 1975. Important topics include colonial expansion and development, modernization, nationalism and national liberation, World War II and Japanese occupation, independence and regionalism.
Culture and Society of Traditional Southeast Asia
This course explores Southeast Asia and its history from two perspectives: national and regional. During one semester, state discourses on national history and cases of regional culture and history are examined based on a current political or cultural phenomenon.
Regional Studies of Southeast Asia
The aim of this class is to convey familiarity with the basic features of the geography and social structures of Southeast Asia as well as with the important ethnic, linguistic, cultural, and religious foundations that characterize Southeast Asian societies. The students also acquire subject-specific basic knowledge and practice central scientific questions.
Literatures of Southeast Asia
This class examines topics shared by the literatures of the various cultures and languages of Southeast Asia, against the backdrop of historical factors such as colonialism, nationalism, and post-colonialism. Students will read short stories and excerpts from novels to explore continuities and changes in Southeast Asia.
Further classes
In addition to the language lessons and the compulsory courses, there is also the so-called compulsory elective area, in which the students can select classes from the current offer of the department. Classes on a wide variety of topics and countries in the region can be found here.
Forestry and Plantations in Southeast Asia (summer term 2021 and winter term 2021/22 - ENG)
The seminar explored the local and global dimensions of forestry and plantation in Southeast Asia, considering its socio-cultural impact and the threat it constitutes to biodiversity and climate change. Digital literacy was fully integrated into the teaching, providing knowledge about interactive map making, website designing, short movie and podcast production.
Gender and Violence in West Papua (summer term 2021 - GER)
In addition to an ethnographic analysis of traditional gender role models in West Papua, the course discussed the current situation between the sexes with a focus on the representation of domestic, social, structural, and state violence against women.
Vintage Movies from Southeast Asia (winter term 2019)
As part of the course, various vintage films from Southeast Asia were watched together and then discussed. From silent films in Indonesia in the 1930s to classic Singaporean comedies in the 1950s, a wide range of movies were covered.
If interested, future students always have the opportunity to attend individual events.
For further information or registration, please contact the office of the department:
suedostasien.aai@uni-hamburg.de