Bryan Goh

Bryan studies the history of Christianity in insular Southeast Asia, focusing on narratives of Christianizing, Catholic communities, and performance of cultural identities. He is interested in histories that challenge the boundaries of Catholic orthodoxy and acculturation, especially incidences of heresy, superstition, and magic. Bryan’s intellectual training lies at the intersection of history, religious studies, and anthropology. He seeks to adopt an interdisciplinary approach in understanding how Catholic identities were choreographed – in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines – across both missionary and diasporic networks.

Despite his concentration on modern Southeast Asia, Bryan comfortably extends his academic pursuits temporally and geographically. Portions of his doctoral studies have been dedicated to classical and early modern Christianity, and to the pursuit of world historical frameworks that enable comparison both within and beyond Southeast Asia. Bryan is also part of the Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics, a network of scholars that grapple with issues in contemporary Catholicism in Asia. Finally, a Teochew-Catholic himself, Bryan has a lingering interest in the commemorative histories of Aukang and Punggol in Singapore, and has consulted on a number of projects involving heritage-making.

As an instructor, Bryan favors a learner-centric pedagogy that emphasizes student autonomy and interactive learning. He enjoys creative activities and assignments in the classroom and aspires to design meaningful learning experiences.

EDUCATION:

• A. (Hons), History and Philosophy, National University of Singapore (2013-2017): Honors with Highest Distinction
• Master of Arts, History, National University of Singapore (2018-2020)
• D, History, University of Michigan Ann-Arbor (2020-PresePhnt)

TEACHING AREAS:

• History of Christianity
• World/Global History
• Southeast Asia
• History of Magic & Witchcraft
• History of Religions

PUBLICATIONS:

• “Hougang: Diversity in a Teochew Enclave” research note in MUSE SG Vol 11 Issue 2 (2018): 4-11.
• “The Catholic-Teochew Rhythm: Communal Identity in Hougang” in SOJOURN Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia Vol 33 (2018): 227-264.