This course provides an introduction to key issues in contemporary Southeast Asia through the conceptual lens of power. It will introduce both Western and Southeast Asian ideas about power in a range of ecological, agricultural, cultural, social and political contexts.
The course is broken into three modules. In module one, titled ‘Domination and Resistance’, we look at power in the modern state – with a focus on less obvious, indirect forms of power and ways people resist, on a spectrum from everyday forms of resistance to armed struggle. In module two, ‘Power of Landscapes’, we look at the intersections of place, space and power in pre-colonial and contemporary Southeast Asia, with a focus on frontiers, hills and urban space. In module three, ‘Bodies and Souls’, we look at Southeast Asian bodies, as they intersect with religious power, local domains of spirits and social practices of gender and sexuality.
Online learning is a key part of this course. Each week, students are required to watch a conversation and participate in online activities in order to prepare for weekly interactive seminars on campus. Students will have the opportunity to engage in online public debate and publish their views, although this is optional.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Having completed this course, students will be able to:
1. Explain, analyse and theorise core contemporary social and political issues in Southeast Asia.
2. Understand, apply and critique key Western and Southeast Asian conceptions of power to their analyses.
3. Identify and critically assess the main influences on the development of knowledge about Southeast Asia.
4. Engage critically and knowledgeably in online discussion about contemporary Southeast Asia.
Indicative Assessment
Online and classroom participation (20%), two critical reading summaries (25%), blog post (25%) and a 2000 word essay on a contested issue online (30%). Alternative formats for the essay will be considered.
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
One two-hour seminar per week. It is expected that students will undertake approximately six hours of private study per week, including participation in online activities.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed text. All required reading and multi-media materials will be provided via Wattle.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3420 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4878 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.