Continuing Education and Training
Short Courses
Part 1: Language and Literacy in the Malay World (Bahasa dan Literasi di Alam Melayu)
This course focuses on the importance of language and critical literacy in the formation of ideas, thought and values in the socio-historical setting of Malay-Indonesian societies. The language development of the region reflects not only the various cultural contacts, but also the conscious planning on the part of the language planners. But in language also encapsulate the politics of or the contestation of ideas. Here the critical literacy approach could best serve to unpack these language issues, and how it reflects the intellectual undercurrent.
Medium of Instruction: Malay
Part 2: Reading Malay Literature: Ideas, Values and Society
Malay literature is more than stories on a page. It is a rich space where ideas, values, and aesthetics come together to reflect the intellectual and cultural life of society. This course introduces participants to the study of Malay literature through critical appreciation, humanism, and realism, while also exploring the deeper social and cultural meanings of literary expression.
While Malay literature is taught in schools and covered in teacher training at NIE, current in-service opportunities often emphasise language pedagogy, curriculum, and assessment. This course fills an important gap by focusing instead on literary discourse, critical literacy, and cultural interpretation.
Medium of Instruction: English
Part 3: The Cultural World of Nusantara
The Malay-Indonesian world, or Nusantara, is home to a rich tapestry of histories, traditions, and cultural expressions. This course introduces participants to the major cultural developments of the region, focusing on three key aspects:
- Historical evolution and cultural actors — exploring the roles of elites, intelligentsia, and other key figures who have shaped Nusantara’s identity
- Cultural transformations — tracing phases of Indianisation, Islamisation, and the profound impacts of colonialism and modernity on the region’s cultural history
- Icons and events — appreciating the significance of major cultural icons and historical moments that continue to influence society today
Medium of Instruction: English
Part 4: Heritage and Aesthetics in Malay-Indonesian Society
Heritage is big business today. From tourism to cultural preservation, both the state and private sector are investing in it. But beyond the buzz, how deeply do we understand the cultural and aesthetic foundations of Malay-Indonesian heritage?
This course offers a fresh, insightful look at the evolving discourse of heritage and aesthetics in Malay-Indonesian society, with a particular focus on intangible cultural heritage - traditions, values, and expressions that are often overlooked but deeply shape communal identity.
Medium of Instruction: English