Asian Studies: Contemporary South-East Asian Societies

This course provides in-depth knowledge about contemporary Southeast Asian societies. It explores the region’s political systems, religious expressions, economic changes, and contemporary culture, with a focus on both regional issues and specific countries, such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The course is divided into four parts. In the first part, you will explore the region’s socio-cultural development and how history and religion impact contemporary societies. Secondly, you will analyse political structures and economic challenges using theories from various disciplines and ethnographic case studies. The third part focuses on socio-economic development, including inequality and gender perspectives. The fourth part explores contemporary culture and popular culture, providing deeper insights into everyday lives and values.

This course is suitable for students with an interest in global issues, social change, and development. It helps you develop the ability to view social and political issues from multiple perspectives and link theory to real-world problems.

Course syllabus

The syllabus contains the formal and legal details of the entire course. It’s a legal document outlining the course structure and requirements, intended mainly for administrative use.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The course is taught through a mix of lectures, seminars, and film screenings. You’ll take part in three to six seminars, where you’ll give presentations and discuss key themes – two of these will involve writing a paper. Seminar participation is expected unless you have a valid reason to miss one. 

You’ll be assessed through two individual seminar papers (worth 4.5 credits each) and a final take-home exam (6 credits). If needed, there are re-sit opportunities within the same year.  

The course is based on active learning – you are encouraged to participate in discussions, think critically, and apply theories to current examples. You will receive good guidance and have the chance to look more closely at topics you find especially interesting.

This course gives you a solid foundation for further studies in development issues, international relations, or cultural analysis – or for a future career in fields such as international organisations, government, or research.

Prerequisites

The student must have a Bachelor's degree in social sciences or humanities. English 6/English course B from Swedish upper secondary school

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 31,250
First payment: SEK 31,250

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.