SOUTHEAST ASIA SINCE 1800
This course is an introduction to the history of Southeast Asia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. We
will examine political, social, and economic transformations, with particular attention to decolonization and
globalization throughout the region. We will approach the modern history of Southeast Asia through the
reading of historical documents, scholarly writings, and novels, as well as through the viewing of
documentaries.
Assessment for the course will be based on the following: (1) regular attendance and participation in class
discussions; (2) two short papers, 5 pages each; (3) two one-hour tests. There will not be a final. Topics for
the discussions and papers will be announced in class.
Grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
Hour test # 1 (Mar 5)
Paper #1 (Mar 19)
Hour test #2 (Apr 25)
Paper # 2 (Apr 30)
Class participation
15 %
25 %
15 %
25 %
20 %
The following books required for the course are available at the UNC Student Store:
Clive J. Christie, Southeast Asia in the Twentieth Century (1998).
Clive J.Christie, A Modern History of Southeast Asia (2000).
Pramoedya Ananta Toer, This Earth of Mankind (Penguin).
Duong Thu Huong, Paradise of the Blind (Penguin).
Pasuk Phongpaichit and Chris Baker, Thailand’s Boom and Bust (1998).
Week 1
Jan 8
Introduction to the course.
Jan 10 SEA before 1800.
Reading: Christie, SEA in the 20th c., 1-11.
Week 2
Jan 15 Colonialism in SEA.
Jan 17 Documentary: Kings and Coolies.
Reading: Christie, SEA in the 20th c., 12-81; Christie, A Modern History, 1-13.
Week 3
Jan 22 Anti-colonialism.
Jan 24 Nationalism.
Reading: Pramoedya, This Earth, 9-179.
Week 4
Jan 29 Pramoedya’s vision of “Indonesia”.
Jan 31 Discussion.
Reading: Pramoedya, This Earth, 180-363.
Week 5
Feb 5 World War II and the Japanese in SEA.
Feb 7
Documentary: Freedom or Death.
Reading: Christie, SEA in the 20th c., 82-114.
Week 6
Feb 12 Revolution and independence.
Feb 14 Discussion.
Reading: Christie, SEA in the 20th c., 115-211.
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Week 7
Feb 19 Decolonization and separatism.
Feb 21 Documentary: Vietnam Mission: Fifty Years Among the Montagnards.
Reading: Christie, A Modern, 25-126.
Week 8
Feb 26 Discussion.
Feb 28 Review.
Week 9
Mar 5 Test #1.
Mar 7 NO CLASS.
Spring Break: March 8-18
Week 10
Mar 19 Islamic separatism. Paper #1 due.
Mar 21 Documentary: Islamic Resurgence and Holy War: The Former Soviet Union and Indonesia.
Reading: Christie, A Modern, 127-90.
Week 11
Mar 26 Discussion.
Mar 28 The Cold War era.
Reading: Christie, SEA in the 20th c., 212-80.
Week 12
Apr 2 Documentary: The New Order.
Apr 4 “Development”.
Reading: Pasuk and Baker, Thailand’s Boom, 1-126.
Week 13
Apr 9 Paradise of the blind.
Apr 11 Discussion.
Reading: Duong Thu Huong, Paradise of the Blind.
Week 14
Apr 16 Globalization.
Apr 18 Discussion.
Reading: Pasuk and Baker, Thailand’s Boom, 127-215, 281-330.
Week 15
Apr 23 Review.
Apr 25 Test #2.
Week 16
Apr 30 Final comments. Paper # 2 due.
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