Description of Areas

Southeast Asian Studies

Southeast Asian Studies is a multidisciplinary field that explores the history, cultures, politics, economies, and languages of the countries between the Indian subcontinent and China. Drawing on disciplines such as anthropology, political science, and religious studies, it seeks to understand the region’s diversity and development. Major areas of study include history and heritage, cultural studies, socio-political transformation, regional diplomacy, and environmental development. History and heritage examine pre-colonial kingdoms, colonialism, and independence movements, while cultural studies focus on linguistic diversity, performing arts, and the influence of major religions such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. Socio-political transformation addresses economic growth and domestic political change, and regional diplomacy considers regional conflict and the role of ASEAN. Environmental development explores ecological change, urbanization, agriculture, and the relationship between human societies and Southeast Asia’s biodiversity.

SoutheastAsia Explore

Southeast Asia Explore combines online learning with in-country experience. It focuses on individual Southeast Asian countries or comparable groups, covering themes such as history, culture, society, and current affairs. Each module pairs online study with optional group field visits across the region, depending on participant numbers.

Reading Southeast Asia

Reading Southeast Asia reviews publications on the region and its countries. Each book review session introduces a book’s structure and main arguments, highlights its contributions to Southeast Asian studies, and identifies issues for further investigation. Sessions may focus on one or multiple books, and a single book may be discussed across more than one session.

Southeast Asian Languages and Literature

Southeast Asian Languages and Literature explores linguistic foundations and sociolinguistics, as well as classical, traditional, colonial, post-colonial, modern, and contemporary literature.

Governance

Governance focuses on public administration reform, decentralization, access to justice, anti-corruption, and political participation.

Capacity Development

Capacity development supports the strengthening practical skills in policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, planning, public integrity, and the use of governance assessment indices.

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development focuses on ideas and practices that promote inclusive growth, social policy, sustainability capacity development for SMEs a just energy transition, and legal aid.

Learning Formats by Area

Learning Formats Areas Estimated Contact Hours
Online learning is delivered through (1) live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, AI-generated lecture videos and audio, or (2) lecture notes. Learners are encouraged to take notes. Supplementary materials include PowerPoint slides, assigned readings, and videos summarizing key content. Each module includes class assignments.
  • Southeast Asia Studies
    		• 7.5 - 30 hrs.
    Online learning is delivered through live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, and AI-generated lecture videos and audio. Core texts include literary works and language materials, with additional readings assigned as needed. Each module also includes class assignments.
  • Southeast Asian Languages and Literature
    		• 7.5 - 22.5 hrs.
    Online learning is delivered through (1) live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, AI-generated lecture videos and audio, or (2) lecture notes. Learners are encouraged to take notes. Supplementary materials include PowerPoint slides, assigned readings, or videos summarizing key content. Each module includes class assignments.
  • Governance
    		• 7.5 - 22.5 hrs.
    Online learning is delivered through (1) live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, AI-generated lecture videos and audio; or (2 lecture notes. Learners are encouraged to take notes. Supplementary materials include PowerPoint slides and assigned readings. Each module includes class assignments.
  • Capacity Development
    		• 7.5 - 22.5 hrs.
    Online learning is delivered through (1) live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, AI-generated lecture videos and audio; or (2 lecture notes. Learners are encouraged to take notes. Supplementary materials include PowerPoint slides and assigned readings. Each module includes class assignments.
  • Sustainable Development
    		• 7.5 - 15 hrs.
    Online learning is delivered through live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, and AI-generated lecture videos and audio. On-site programs include visits lasting 4–8 days each.
  • SoutheastAsia Explore
    		• 7.5-22.5 hrs. followed by onsite-visits between 4 to 8 days.
    Online learning is delivered through live Zoom sessions, pre-recorded Zoom sessions, and AI-generated lecture videos and audio. The core text is the selected book for the session. Written assignments may also be included to support class discussion.
  • Reading Southeast Asia
    		• 7.5 - 15 hrs.