Bachelor 2025/2026

Modern History of Southeast Asia

Type: Elective course (HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia)

Delivered by: Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs

When: 2 year, 1-3 module

Open to: students of one campus

Language: English

Course Syllabus

Abstract

This course provides a general introduction to the history of Southeast Asia from the 17th century to the present era, with a focus on decolonization and modernization in the contemporary ASEAN countries. This course examines the key features of these countries’ development from the point of view of statehood formation, nation building and external processes of colonial intervention and subsequent regional self-identity construction.Emphasis is also placed on a comprehensive study of Southeast Asian societies as part of these complicated development processes. It examines how they responded to the deep cultural, social and economic challenges of the 19th and 20th centuries and how they sought to adapt their foreign and domestic policies to world processes after gaining independence. The course should help the students to prepare for higher level courses focusing on contemporary Southeast Asia.