SUMMER SCHOOL: SOUTHEAST ASIA IN CONTEXT
GUIDELINES
(23 JUNE TO 25 JULY 2008)
1. INTRODUCTION
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is pleased to announce that it will be welcoming
applications for the third annual session of its International Residential Summer School on
Southeast Asia. This unique programme will bring together students from Yale University,
University of Copenhagen, and NUS in a special five-week course that will blend classroom
lectures with field-study excursions to sites in Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand.
Three modules, Southeast Asia in Context, History of Southeast Asia, and Southeast Asia’s
Cultural Mosaic have been specially designed for this 5-week programme.

2. SPECIAL FEATURES

Residential - students will have the opportunity to live and study together for five weeks.

International - NUS students will work side by side with students from Yale and
Copenhagen.

Two modules – Besides taking the required module (SE2222 Southeast Asia in Context),
students will have the opportunity to take one of the following two elective modules: (1)
HY 2250 – Introduction to Southeast Asian History and (2) SE2880 – Southeast Asia’s
Cultural Mosaic.

Field-based component - students will conduct fieldwork during short study-tours in
Singapore and Malaysia and a 10-day fieldtrip to Cambodia and Thailand. These will both
develop research skills and reinforce materials from the class lectures.

Modular credits - a total of 8 MCs to be gained.

Conducive class size – limited to 40 students (20 from NUS and 10 each from Yale and
Copenhagen) in total to facilitate maximum interaction.

Attractive subsidy from FASS – NUS students will enjoy up to 70% subsidy of travel
and accommodation costs. For example, each student will pay only about $600 out of total
costs of travel and accommodation of about $2,000. This payment excludes tuition fees
and other personal expenses.
3. COST

The total cost is as follows:
- Each Singapore or PR NUS student is expected to bear about *S$1,822. This includes
tuition fees for two special term modules: S$1,222 and subsidized travel and
accommodation costs of about S$600
- Each International NUS student is expected to bear about *S$1,944. This includes
tuition fees for two special term modules: S$1,344 and subsidized travel and
accommodation costs of about S$600

In addition, students will be responsible for all personal and living expenses for the
duration of the summer school (including the field trips to Cambodia, Laos and Thailand).
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
Tuition fees are to be paid directly to the Office of Financial Services. Details of the various
payment methods may be obtained from the Students Service Centre.
(* the fees indicated above are subject change at any time)
4. ELIGIBILITY

All NUS undergraduate full-time students except those who have already taken SE2222.

Students should have a minimum cumulative average point (CAP) of 3.0 on the 5-point
scale, and should not have any grade below ‘C’ (grade point of 2.0) in any module;

An interest in the study of Southeast Asia is essential. Students should be able to
demonstrate that in their applications.
5. APPLICATION

The application form is available as an attachment to this document or downloadable from
the following website (URL: http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/oop). Please read and follow all
the instructions carefully. (Application Form)

A copy of your NUS transcript must be attached to the application.

A letter of recommendation from one of your NUS lecturers or tutors must also accompany
the application. (Referee Report Form)

A consent form to be signed by all students regardless of age. (Consent Form)

NUS students must update their local postal and e-mail addresses in the system through
the NUS intranet for effective communication with the programme.

NUS students receiving a scholarship, award or grant to finance their University studies
must obtain permission from the awarding organisation before applying for the summer
school. This is to ensure that the student continues to receive the scholarship, award or
grant during the summer school. This requirement is waived for those receiving
scholarships administered or financed by NUS. This requirement is inapplicable to those in
receipt of tuition grants or loans for studying at NUS.

The completed application form, together with all supporting documents, must be
submitted in hard copy to:
Office of Programmes
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Shaw Foundation Building, AS7, Level 2
5 Arts Link
Singapore 117570).

Enquiries: Dr Pattana Kitiarsa. Email: seapk@nus.edu.sg. Phone 6516-6588.

The deadline for the submission of application (forms and supporting documents) is 5.00
p.m., Friday, 28 March 2008.
6. RESULTS

Successful applicants will be informed of the outcome by the Southeast Asian Studies
Programme by the third week of April 2008.
7. PAYMENT
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
Full payment by cheque (payable to the National University of Singapore) must be made 3
working days after the offer has been made in order to secure a place in the summer
school.
8. OTHER MATTERS

NUS students cannot defer admission to the next intake. Any NUS student wishing to
withdraw after admission to the summer school must write to the Committee [Summer
Programme: Southeast Asia in Context, Southeast Asian Studies Programme, AS3, Level
6] giving reasons for the withdrawal.

NUS participating students may be requested to complete a survey for feedback on the
summer school.
9. MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
HY2250 History of Southeast Asia
Modular Credits: 4
This special term module is designed to introduce students interested in history, Asian
studies, and anthropology to the major patterns, processes, and peoples that have
contributed to the shaping of contemporary Southeast Asia. Its most outstanding feature is
the combination of field-study trips to Malaysia and Thailand with in-class lecture preparation.
Participants will earn 4 credits for this module and 4 credits for the module presented by the
Southeast Asian Studies Programme. The modules are to be taken together for the special
term which will have the added attraction of being a joint-university seminar involving
students from Yale University.
SE2222 Southeast Asian Studies in Context
Modular Credits: 4
This module introduces this vast and complex region from a variety of perspectives.
Southeast Asian societies and political systems are seen as changing over time in response to
the pressures of ecology, colonialism, nationalism, urbanization and globalization. These
issues will be explored in four components of the module. The first will provide students with
an overview of the region’s archaeology, especially of ancient seafaring and maritime trade
and the meanings of the sophisticated ancient monuments, generally acknowledged to be
among the finest achievements of world art. The second quarter will discuss the major
religions of Southeast Asia ranging from Buddhism, Islam, Christianity and “Animism” and
how they figured in movements for change from the 19th century to the present. The third
will discuss the modern management of Southeast Asian cultural resources and the impact of
tourism on cultural heritage. The final quarter will explore newer themes in anthropological
studies of the region and possible future trends with attention on the gradual shift of
knowledge production to Southeast Asia itself.
SE2880 Southeast Asia’s Cultural Mosaic
Modular Credits: 4
Southeast Asia is characterised by great ethnolinguistic and cultural variation. How can we
make sense of and appreciate this diversity? What is an “insiders” and “outsiders”
perspective? This course will introduce students to the region from an anthropological
perspective. Students will be equipped with the analytical tools for the comparative study of
society and culture. Ethnographic materials will be used to discuss themes that include
ethnicity, identity, family and kinship systems, gender, economy, and social change. The
challenge is for students to explore, conceptualise, and understand differences and similarities
between social systems and human relationships, and to ask, “Why?”
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SUMMER SCHOOL: SOUTHEAST ASIA IN
CONTEXT
PART 1 – TO BE COMPLETED BY NUS STUDENT

Carefully read and follow the instructions.

Complete all items in CLEAR BLOCK CAPITAL LETTERS.

Circle the appropriate word/s marked within the * *.

Omissions and illegible words will make your application void.

Write ‘N/A’ if an item is not applicable.

Dates should be written in the format ‘day/month/year’.

Submit the application form together with the necessary supporting documents listed in the Guidelines
APPLICATION FORM (23 JUNE TO 25 JULY 2008)
SECTION A - PERSONAL PARTICULARS
Title:
ATTACH A
PASSPORT-SIZE
PHOTOGRAPH
HERE
* Mr / Mrs / Miss / Ms *
Name:
(Underline Surname)
Matriculation No:
NUS Email Address:
Personal Email Address:
Contact Details:
Residential:
Mobile/Pager:
Country of Birth:
Nationality:
Date of Birth:
Identity
Card/Passport No:
Mailing Address:
SECTION B - ACADEMIC RECORD
Faculty:
Major/Specialisation:
Semester of Study:
(Semester, Academic Year)
Modules Read Which are Relevant to
Southeast Asia
(Please attach transcript if available)
SECTION C – MODULE PREFERENCES
Besides taking the required module (SE2222 Southeast Asia in Context), you are also required to register
for one of the following two elective modules. You are advised to indicate your preference.
Please tick (√) beside module of choice.
___ HY 2250 – Introduction to Southeast Asian History
___ SE2880 – Southeast Asia’s Cultural Mosaic
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SECTION D - FINANCIAL STATUS
Name of Scholarship, Grant or other
Award :
Awarding
Organisation:
Amount Per Year:
Name of Other Source of Funds:
(Individuals, organization or funds)
Amount Per Year:
Annual Income: (If applicable)
SECTION E – STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Please write on a separate sheet a short essay (between 300 and 500 words) stating your background,
motivation, inspiration, purpose, and expectation from joining the Summer School. The essay is required as
it will help the selection committee learn about yourself and the purpose to participate in the Summer
School.
SECTION F – UNDERTAKING
I wish to apply for the Summer School: Southeast Asia in Context and confirm that I:
a) have read and fully understand the instructions and conditions;
b) accept all the conditions and requirements of the programme;
c) made true and correct statements in my application;
d) may be unsuccessful in my application without any reason being given;
e) have the following issues:

Disability: ______________________________________________

f)
Dietary Constraints: ______________________________________
Medical Conditions/Allergies: ________________________________accept that any false or inaccurate
data or omissions of information in my application will render it invalid.
Signature
Date
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Matriculation No.
PART 2 – FOR OFFICIAL USE
SECTION E – RECOMMENDATION BY COMMITTEE
To: Vice Dean of FASS
The applicant is recommended for the programme.
Justification:
Signature: Committee
Date
Official Stamp
SECTION I – DECISION BY VICE-DEAN OF FASS
To: Southeast Asian Studies Programme
I support the selection of the above student for the programme.
Comments/conditions:
Signature: Vice-Dean of FASS
Date
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Official Stamp
SUMMER SCHOOL: SOUTHEAST ASIA IN CONTEXT
REFEREE REPORT
To the applicant:
Please write your name below and pass a copy of this form to your referee. Your referee is required to
forward the completed report to you in a sealed envelope with the flap of the envelope bearing the signature
of the referee.
Name:
Programme of Study:
Applying for:(University)
(Term of Study)
Note to referee:
The person named above is applying for admission as a candidate for the course indicated above. He/She has
named you as his/her referee. You may write your report on the next page of this form. Please use a
separate sheet if necessary.
1.
How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
2.
Among the students at a similar level you have known in recent years, how would you rate the
applicant?
(Please put a tick () in the appropriate box.)
 highest 5%
 next highest 5%
 next highest 15%
3.
 next highest 25%
 lowest 50%
 unable to judge
How would you rate the applicant's proficiency in English - in speaking, reading and writing (i.e.
excellent, good, fair)?
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4.
Personal report on applicant (if possible, comment on applicant’s academic ability and job skills,
experience, and performance):
Signature
Name of Referee
Designation
Address
:
:
:
:
Date:
Please return this report to the applicant in a sealed envelope
with its flap bearing your signature. Thank you.
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NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
SOUTHEAST ASIAN STUDIES PROGRAMME
CONSENT FORM
(Statement to be signed by all students (regardless of age) and parents/guardians of students who are
below 21 in age)
I, (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Mdm*)
, the parent/guardian* of
(name of parent/guardian)
,
hereby
grant
my
permission
to
allow
my
son
(name of participant)
/daughter/ward* to participate in
to
(name of project/field trip/others)
for the period between
(date start)
to
or
(name of country/city/state)
(date end)
such extended period as may be deemed necessary for the completion of the Project/Field Trip*.
AND
I
, hereby confirm that I am participating in the above stated
(name of participant)
event voluntarily and by my own free will.
*Please cancel where appropriate.
WE HEREBY AGREE to the following conditions:1. We agree to abide by the Rules and Regulations set by the Southeast Asian Studies Programme – National
University of Singapore (“the University”) who are supervising this Trip.
2. The Participant is participating in the project as a student of the University. He/She will maintain good
discipline, behave honorably and endeavor to maintain the good reputation of the University at all times
during the Trip. The Parent is aware that failure by the Participant to do so may result in the Participant
being sent back to Singapore prior to the conclusion of the Trip, at costs which shall be borne by the Parent.
Such costs associated in providing a chaperone to accompany the Participant back to Singapore.
3. We are aware of the possible risks involved in the Trip and accept the same, notwithstanding the fact that
the Trip is intended only for those without medical problems and who are in a state of sufficient physical
fitness to participate in the same. Participation in the trip is at the Participant’s sole risk.
4. The University, its employees, servants and/or agents shall not be responsible nor liable for the death,
injury, disability, loss and/or damage whatsoever and howsoever caused to the Participant in connection
with the Trip or his/her participation therein.
5. The parent hereby fully indemnifies the University, its employees, servants and/or agents against all claims,
proceedings, costs, expenses, loss or damage whatsoever and howsoever arising in respect of the
Participant’s death, injury, disability or loss arising from the Trip or his/her participation therein.
6. We shall be responsible for all claims, liabilities, loss and damage suffered by the University by reason of
any breach of the terms herein by the Participant including without the participation of the Participant in the
Trip.
7. The Participant shall agree to participate fully in the Trip for its entire duration.
8.
We agree to abide by the applicable rules and regulations as may be prescribed from time to time by the
University and the relevant Faculties. We further agree that we will not hold the University, its officers, or
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any of its full time or part time staff (including student assistants) responsible or liable in any way for, and
that no right of action shall arise from, any loss or damage (including, without limitation, personal injury to
myself/a family member or property damage) caused by or sustained as a result of participation in the
activities, whether through neglect on the part of the University, its officers, or any of its full time or part
time staff (including student assistants) or otherwise.
______________________ _____________ _______________
Name if Student
Matric No.
Signature
____________
Date
______________________ _____________ _______________
____________
Name of Parents/Guardian
NRIC No.
Signature
Date
CONTACT PERSON(S) (PARENTS OR GUARDIANS) IN SINGAPORE
Relationship with
Name:
Participant:
Address:
Contact No:
(Tel/HP/Pager)
Language Spoken:
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