Topics in Indonesian Studies

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

This subject involves a series of seminar presentations and discussions on topics of contemporary or special interest. Topics will vary from year to year, depending on current events and the interests of the particular cohort of students. Where appropriate, visiting scholars will participate as guest lecturers. Some of the seminars in any given year will be conducted in Indonesian.

• have a basic knowledge of the administrative and social structure of the Indonesian state, and an overview of its history and diversity
• deepen their understanding of current developments in Indonesia and in the discipline of Indonesian Studies
• participate in an academic forum where honours students can debate issues in Indonesian Studies

Materials prepared by the Institute

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• develop research skills through frequent and systematic use of the library and other information sources, the definition of areas of inquiry, and familiarisation with research methods.
• be trained in critical thinking and analysis through required and recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by assessing the arguments expressed in the reading materials.
• learn to think in theoretical and analytical terms: through lectures, tutorial discussion, essay writing and engagement in the methodologies of the humanities and social sciences.
• acquire an understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and an international awareness of the world. They will do so by developing critical self-awareness, contextualising judgements and knowledge, opening themselves to new ideas and new aspects of Indonesian culture, and formulating arguments.
• be able to communicate knowledge clearly and economically, through essay and assignment writing, tutorial discussion and class presentations. They will be trained to give attention to detail through close reading, textual analysis, and essay writing. The class presentations and tutorial participation will train them in public speaking and enhance their confidence in self-expression.
• learn to plan and manage their time through organising their workloads for required reading and meeting deadlines for essays and assignments.