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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Hong Kong Community College

Subject Description Form

Subject Code CCN2213

Subject Title The History and Culture of Southeast Asia

Level 2

Credit Value 3

Medium of Instruction

English, supplemented with Chinese (Cantonese)

Pre-requisite/ Co-requisite/ Exclusion

Nil

Objectives

This is an interdisciplinary subject designed to introduce students to the historical and cultural aspects of Southeast Asia. Informed by theories and contextual analyses, this subject enables students to understand the certain critical differences among different Southeast Asian countries while appreciating how they constitute as a region based on certain shared cultural values and practices and their significance in Hong Kong setting.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to: (a) identify the similarities and differences among Southeast Asian countries in the historical and cultural aspects. (b) understand the cultural novelties and distinctiveness of different Southeast Asia countries and successfully interact with people of different Southeast Asian cultural backgrounds in Hong Kong setting.

(c) analyse the complex interplay between history, culture and society through an interdisciplinary approach.

(d) demonstrate a capacity for independent judgement on Southeast Asian cultural practices and social institutions they must deal with today.

(e) apply different concepts and theories to the analysis of the fundamental issues and problems of Southeast Asia.

(f) develop a lifelong interest in reading and studying about Southeast Asia that will continue after the completion of the subject.

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Subject Synopsis/ Indicative Syllabus

Introduction The concept of Southeast Asia; the physical and ethnic geography of Southeast Asia, the need for historical and cultural understanding; Land, people and languages. From Early Settlements to the Maritime and Landed-based Kingdoms Evidence from prehistory; Farming and metalworking; Early states and Indian influences; Funan; Champa; Srivijiaya; Settlements and trade; Angkor and Cambodia; Early Javanese Kingdoms; Borobudur; Prambanan; Eastern Java; Majapahit; Pagan; Ayudhya. Multiplicity of Beliefs and Religions of Southeast Asia Hinduism; Buddhism; Islam, Animism, Confucianism; Christianity. Cultural Tradition in Southeast Asia Literature, theatre and material art; Popular culture; the interaction between elitist and popular culture; Folk culture; Celebrations and rituals; Urban and village life; Food and identity. European Economic Advances in Southeast Asia European contacts and early colonisation; Colonisation by trade; Dutch territorial conquests in Java; the expansion of European control; Britain; French Indochina; USA; Consolidation of independence in Siam. Violence and Transition: Occupation, Independence and New Nation in Southeast Asia Japanese occupation; Resistance; Economic and social disruption; the end of Japanese occupation; Independence of the Nations; International influence on the emergence of nationalism, religion and nationalism. Cultural Values, Economic History and Democracy: Southeast Asia in Recent Decades Personalism and asian values, ASEAN; Corruption, Asian economic crisis, and tsunami; Muslim and terrorism. Economic and Business Relationships with Hong Kong and Mainland China ASEAN+3, Greater Mekong Sub-region(GMS), Domestic workers in Hong Kong, Singapore’s competition with Hong Kong as a financial centre; Chinese communities and entrepreneurship between Southeast Asia and China.

Teaching/Learning Methodology

During lectures and tutorials, interactive approach is adopted. Students are required to actively participate in discussions and presentations. Audio and visual materials are also used to enhance students’ understanding of the teaching content. In each tutorial, students will be divided into groups and required to present an assigned topic for discussion. They will be occasionally required to participate in field visits in Hong Kong under the guidance of the lecturer.

Assessment Methods in

A variety of assessment tools will be used to develop and assess students’ achievement of the subject intended learning outcomes.

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Alignment with Intended Learning Outcomes

Specific assessment methods/tasks

% weighting

Intended subject learning outcomes to be assessed

a b c d e f

Continuous Assessment* 50

Test 17.5

Assignment 10

Group Presentation 17.5

Class Participation 5

Final Examination 50

Total 100

*Continuous assessment items and/or weighting may be adjusted by the subject team subject to the approval of the College Programme Committee. To pass this subject, students are required to obtain Grade D or above in both the Continuous Assessment and Final Examination.

Student Study Effort Expected

Class contact Hours

Lecture 26

Tutorial 13

Other student study effort

Self-study 52

Continuous Assessment 39

Total student study effort 130

Reading List and References

Recommended Textbook Neher, C. D. (2010). Southeast Asia: Crossroads of the World. (2nd ed.), Northern Illinois University Press. Owen, N. G. (ed.) (2010). The Emergence of Modern Southeast Asia. (2nd ed.), National University Press. References Glover, I. & Bellwood, P. (2004). Southeast Asia from Prehistory to History. Ed., Routledge Curzon. Hall, D. G. E. (1994). A History of South-East Asia. (4th ed.), Macmillan Press.

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Reid, A. (1993). Southeast Asia in the Age of Commerce, 1450-1680. Two Vols., Yale University Press. Wolters, O.W. (1999). History, Culture, and Religion in Southeast Asian Perspectives. Revised Ed., Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. 梁英明著：《東南亞史》，北京：人民出版社，2010 年。