Course Description

Level 5000

MS5101 - Social Science Theories and Malay Studies

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This course explores the relevance and applicability of selected major theories in the social sciences for Malay Studies. As far as possible the course aims at combining theoretical reflection with research materials on major aspects of Malay society and culture. The course encourages the exploration of creative methodology and theorizing in Malay Studies research beyond mere exposition of social scientific theories. The course is highly relevant for students interested in understanding the promises as well as the pitfalls of the social sciences in Southeast Asian research.

MS5201 - Critiques in Malay Studies

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This course examines the state of Malay Studies through critiques of existing works, aiming towards theoretical refinement, as well as the building up of research materials. The course aims towards placing Malay Studies on stronger foundation, both theoretically and substantively. It is also the objective to identify new areas of research that could be developed. The course is relevant to students interested in understanding the socio-cultural history of the Malays, as well as appreciating the state of the social sciences in Southeast Asia.

MS5660 - Independent Study

Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-0-10
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : MS6660
Cross-listing(s): Nil

Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study course is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in Malay Studies and in relation to students’ proposed thesis. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed upon topic, readings and assignment for the course. A formal written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, number of contact hours, assignments, evaluation, and other relevant details. The Head's and/or Graduate Coordinator's approval is required. Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.

Level 6000

MS6201 - Literature and Art in Malay Society

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The course examines Malay literature and art through the perspective of the sociology and history of ideas. Emphasis would be placed both on form and essence of Malay literature and art with the aim of understanding the world view which had given expression to them. The course investigates the relationship between literature and art as an expression of the cultural identity of the Malays, both from the point of view of aesthetics as well as cultural meanings. The course is relevant for students interested in cultural history and sociology of art in general.

MS6202 - Elite and Intellectuals in Malay Society

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The course examines the nature of Malay elite and intellectuals and their influence or impact on Malay society. This is undertaken by recourse to major theoretical studies on elite and intellectuals and their roles in society. As elite and intellectuals represent the more influential segment of their society, the course also inquires into contemporary problems of leadership and democratic change in Malay society and culture. The course is relevant to students interested in Malay politics and important aspects of the intellectual history of Southeast Asia.

MS6203 - Religion and Modernisation Among the Malays

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This course proposes to study the role of Islam in influencing the response of the Malays to modernization and social change in general. In examining the dynamics between Islam and modernization, the course looks at both the doctrines of Islam, as well as the particular orientation of Islam that Malay society had evolved in history. The course aims not only at an understanding of how the challenge of modernization is being faced by the Malays but also seeks to understand and evaluate general theories on religion, modernization and social change through the social-historical experience of Malay society and culture.

MS6204 - Capitalism and Malay Culture

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

The course examines the development of capitalism among the Malays. It inquires what is the nature, origin and future of capitalism among the Malays. The course would look at how the Malays adapt themselves to the modern and global economy. What issues arise in the process of adaptation and adjustment? What about cultural conflicts and tension and how are they managed or resolved? The course looks at Malay capitalism specifically, as well as from the point of view of the history and dynamics of capitalism in general. Course is relevant for students interested in the political economy of Southeast Asia.

MS6205 - Approaches to Islam, Politics and Social Change

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

In approaching the study of Islam and its political dimension, pertinent themes, theories and methods relevant for graduate research on religion in society will be explored. Subject themes will include Islamic reformist ideas, the Islamic State, Islamic political parties, Islamic civil society, Islamic economics and contested Islamic traditions. Theories covered will include scholarship on state-building, social mobilization, resistance, postcolonial subjectivity and Islamism. Besides global settings, case studies from the Malay world and Southeast Asia will provide the societal and national contexts in the application of theme, theory and method.

MS6660 - Independent Study

Units: 4
Workload: 0-0-0-0-10
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

Independent research plays an important role in graduate education. The Independent Study course is designed to enable the student to explore an approved topic in Malay Studies in dept. The student should approach a lecturer to work out an agreed upon topic, readings and assignment for the course. A formal written agreement is to be drawn up, giving a clear account of the topic, number of contact hours, assignments, evaluation, and other relevant details. The Head's and/or Graduate Coordinator's approval is required. Evaluation is based on 100% Continuous Assessment and must be worked out between the student and lecturer prior to seeking departmental approval.

MS6770 - Graduate Research Seminar

Units: 4
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Prerequisite(s) : Nil
Preclusion(s) : Nil
Cross-listing(s): Nil

This is a required course for all research Masters and PhD students admitted from AY2004/2005. The course provides a forum for students and faculty to share their research and to engage one another critically in discussion of their current research projects. The course will include presentations by faculty on research ethics and dissertation writing. Each student is required to present a formal research paper. Active participation in all research presentations is expected. The course may be spread over two semesters and will be graded "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory" on the basis of student presentation and participation.