Southeast Asian Studies BA

About the Major

Southeast Asian Studies majors choose their main language concentration in one Southeast Asian language in Filipino, Indonesian, Thai, or Vietnamese, while simultaneously acquiring broad cultural competence by taking courses from areas across Southeast Asia. This provides students with a combination of strong language skills and the knowledge necessary to engage with various aspects of multiple Southeast Asian societies. Students who complete this major have the linguistic and cultural competence to work in various fields related to Southeast Asia, including business, finance, trade, journalism, diplomacy, cultural institutions and non-profit organizations, education, and academia.

Learning Outcomes

1. Appreciation of the region’s broader sociocultural and historical patterns
2. Understanding of commonalities of societies and peoples across the region
3. Appreciation of distinctive elements, particularly between island and mainland populations
4. Understanding of cultural, historical, and social contours of a particular Southeast Asian country
5. Ability to assess social contours of Southeast Asian societies broadly
6. Understanding of ways in which dynamics within communities and other social structures shape the course of events
7. Understanding and assessment of distinct challenges that have shaped the region’s pre-modern historical trajectory
8. Understanding and assessment of complex challenges that face contemporary societies in the region
9. Appreciation of the central place of religion, religious diversity, and religious conflict in Southeast Asian societies
10. Reading and assessment of cultural documents—literature, oral tales, performances—in their respective sociocultural contexts
11. Conduct specialized research on Southeast Asian societies, history, or culture, making effective and critical use of primary and secondary source materials
12. Formulation of effective written and oral arguments that address important themes and issues in Southeast Asian arts and cultures, in ways that are historically appropriate and relevant

Curricular & Requirements

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Links

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Faculty in Southeast Asian Studies