The Modernisation of the Malays

Dr Noor Aisha Abdul Rahman

Modern Indonesian Literature (in Malay)

Political Culture of the Malays

Topics in Muslim Revival

Topics in Malay Narrative Art Forms

Theory and Practice in Malay Studies

This module discusses modernisation within the universal context. While focusing on Malay society, the perspective is comparative and multi-disciplinary, seeing the modernisation of the Malay as part of a universal trend. Theories of modernisation would be examined with reference to the challenges of adapting and reforming values, tradition and religious life in the face of scientific and technological change. The role of intellectuals and elite would be discussed. The module is meant for students interested in the interplay between culture, religion and social change.

Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Preclusions: SSA2206
Cross-listing: SSA2206

Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil

The module adopts the approach of literary criticism. It looks at modern Malay literature both in terms of literary creativity as well as ideas and content. This evaluation is set against the social-historical background which had inspired and shaped that literature, bringing out the contextual meanings of major works in modern Malay literature. A general assessment of modern Malay literature would be attempted, examining its role, achievement and direction for the future. This module is designed for students interested in literature and the sociology and history of ideas.

Modular credits: 4
Workload: 2-1-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing: Nil

The module explores the various forms which can be identified in classical Malay literature, such as folklore, historical romances, the legal digests as well the traditional verses of pantuns and the syair. The relationship between these art forms and society would be examined, with the aim of constructing the culture and worldview of traditional Malay society. The module also attempts at evaluation of the relevance and significance of classical Malay literature for contemporary Malay society and culture. The module applies the multidisciplinary approach to compliment relevant theories on literature and art.

The module discusses the nature of modernisation as a universal process affecting mankind. This process is examined against the experience of Asia, within its context, problems and challenges. The pattern of Asian responses to the challenges would be analyzed. The applicability and relevance of theories of modernisation for Asian societies would be assessed. The module analyses the intellectual and idealistic aspects of Asian modernisation in reference to its philosophy and cultural traditions. The module is designed for students interested in intellectual history and cultural change in Asia.

MS4202 - Malay Society in the 19th Century

This module focuses on the conditions of traditional Malay society and covers the following topics: The nature and function of the Malay ruling class, the social and political position of the subject class, the position and function of Islam, the structure and nature of traditional administration, impact of the introduction of Western rule on Malay administration, the nature of traditional economy, aspects of Malay education, traditional Malay recreations. This module is meant for students interested in Malay cultural history in particular and Southeast Asian history in general.

MS4203 - The Religious Life of the Malays

This module aims to provide students with critical understanding and awareness of the religious orientations and institutions of the Malays, the major factors that influence these, their significance, potentials and challenges in the context of the demands of technological change and modernisation. It also seeks to develop perspectives on the study of Malay religious life by examining discourse on the sociology of religion with a focus on its application to Malay society. Major topics examined include theoretical insights into the sociology of religion, socio-historical factors and their impact on Malay religious orientations.

MS4204 - The Malay Middle Class

This module examines the emergence of a new social group in Malay history, namely the Malay middle class. In the past, the dominant Malay elite had always been associated with the hierarchy of traditional Malay society. With the introduction of Malay capitalism in the 70s under the New Economic Plan (NEP), there has been the emergence of the Malay middle class. This module looks at the background of its emergence, identifies its socio-historical characteristics, and evaluates its influence on society and nation in general. Insights on the Malay middle class can contribute to an understanding of Southeast Asian affairs.

MS4205 - Political Economy of the Malays

This module studies the indigenous political economy of the Malays in the pre-colonial period. The changes in the indigenous political economy brought about by the introduction of colonial-capitalism under the British would be examined. The evolution and development of capitalism among the Malays is looked into. The module utilizes socio-historical materials on the Malays against general theories of political economy. In this way the module hopes to contribute to our understanding of some of the major issues of development among the Malays, as well as examine critically various theories on the political economy of Southeast Asia.

MS4206 - Gender in Malay Societies

MS4207 - Malay Film

MS4401 Honours Thesis

M4880 Topics in Malay Studies