This module is designed to introduce graduate students to the major themes and issues that make up the chronological field of “modern Southeast Asian history”. A comprehensive study of secondary literature for the period as well as seminal works in Anthropology and Political Science will prepare students with the necessary training before embarking on their own research projects. Topics covered will include: modernity/ traditionalism, constructing chronologies, colonialism, nationalism, rebellion/resistance, nation-building, the Japanese in WWII, the role of the Army/Communists, post-colonial critiques, border tensions, migration, and religion.