South & SE Asian Studies

This course examines the evolving economic linkages between Singapore and India in a post-Cold War setting and attempts to explain the factors that have led to their enhanced economic collaboration. It uses concepts such as economic regionalism, Singapore's regionalization policy, and India's ''Look East'' policies to explain the confluence of national interests that has enhanced bilateral economic ties between both countries. In particular, it examines bilateral collaboration in infrastructure developments such as ports and telecommunications and service industries such as airline and tourism to explain the successes and problems of bilateral economic collaboration. 

In this course, lectures will explore India’s approach to sustainable growth, resource conservation, social equity, and environmental stewardship. The discussions will highlight the impact of public policy and the efforts of purpose-driven businesses to tackle environmental and social challenges.

This course examines Thai economic development using a comparative perspective. Topics include trends; growth and crises; role of agriculture; industrial policy and development; role of foreign investment; government, state enterprises and private sector; debates over ethnicity and entrepreneurship; service and informal sectors; demographic change, employment and migration; education and human resource development; environmental challenges; trends in income distribution; poverty measurement and policies; financial sector development; and regional, global trade and capital movements.

This interdisciplinary course offers a first understanding of the society, politics, culture, and economics of South Asia and provides a critical assessment of its growing significance in world politics and the global economy. It introduces students to the history, social, cultural, and political dynamics of the region. Key questions addressed include (a) What is the lasting legacy of Partition on the political and economic integration of the region? (b) How have the main South Asian states tackled poverty, inequality, and economic development? (c) Why is there so much gender inequality in South Asia and what have various states done to address it? (d) What are the main social cleavages (based on ethnicity, tribe, caste, religion) in South Asia, how have the states of South Asia sought to accommodate these differences and why have they developed different pathways in this regard? (d) To what extent has the liberalization of the South Asian economies affected their development and what have been the costs and benefits of globalization? What role has India played, as the largest South Asian country in world trade and climate change negotiations? (e) To what extent does the India-Pakistan rivalry affect the regional integration of South Asia, politically and economically? (f) Is India a rising power?

From the betel popular across the region for millenia, to colonial opium regimes, to Bangkok’s Soi Cowboy, vice has always been a part of life in Southeast Asia. In this course, students investigate the economic, political, social, ecological, and cultural significance of a variety of substances and activities, from drugs like opium, alcohol and caffeine, to activities like paid sex and gambling. Students use a range of texts, including scholarly articles, memoirs, movies, and first‐hand observation to investigate the ways illicit substances and behaviors are deeply imbricated in everyday life in Southeast Asia.

This course explores the development and evolution of popular culture in Singapore from the colonial period to the present day. Students learn diverse topics including Singapore's changing religious landscape, wedding and death rituals, as well as varied forms of popular entertainment from street opera, amusement parks to radio and cinema. Students gain a sensitivity to change and continuities within historical contexts, better understand Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and improve skills in critical thinking, writing and presentation.