This topic is a survey course designed to introduce students to the study of the broad physical, cultural and political environments of Monsoon Asia. It introduces a range of religious and cultural backgrounds that provide tools for understanding Asian societies and political systems, along with key concepts such as colonialism, nationalism, development and modernity. Students will have the opportunity to acquire skills and experience in scholarly research, reading, analysis and writing. The topic is designed to prepare students for further studies in History and International Relations.
This topic is intended to impart to students a broad understanding of contemporary Asia through a survey of the social, cultural, religious and historical factors that have contributed to the evolution and development of the region. It explicitly tries to free the study of Asia from Eurocentric and colonialist perspectives, and to enable and encourage students to engage in more advanced studies of Asian societies.
Timetable details for 2021 are no longer published.