This seminar will explore the cultural, economic, social, political and religious history of th​e Chinese diaspora in 19​ to 21​ century Southeast Asia. Our focus is the shifting contexts of migration, representation and strategies of cultural identification/survival. We will explore colonial and nationalist projects, both in Southeast Asia and in China, to categorize “Overseas” Chinese through policies of taxation, and examine cultural flows, the role of religious and educational and associations and institutions, print and cinematic media, and material culture. Our primary focus countries are Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand.

This Upper Division seminar will explore the cultural, economic, social, political and religious history of Chinese diaspora in 19th to 21st century Southeast Asia. Our focus is the shifting contexts of migration, representation and strategies of cultural identification/survival. We will explore colonial, nationalist and state projects in Southeast Asia and in China, to categorize “Overseas” Chinese, and examine cultural flows, religious and educational associations and institutions, print media, and material culture. We will examine changing patterns in, perceptions of, and persecution of, Chinese residents in colonial and postcolonial Southeast Asia, with a comparative focus on Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. This is a discussion based seminar: students will lead discussions in class and will develop a research topic for their capstone project and participate in an end of semester research symposium.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills