Bachelor of Arts in Southeast Asian Studies (AB-SEA)

AB-SEA Curriculum

Program Background

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that equips students with the foundations of international relations and global society, the theoretical and practical knowledge from country, region, or area studies, and a cosmopolitan mindset that engages with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of contemporary global issues and innovations and to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world.

Pursuing the Southeast Asian Studies program (AB-SEA) aims to provide students with the general and specialist knowledge on the cultural, historical, economic, and political integration of Southeast Asian countries, and their relationship within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. This course employs multi- and interdisciplinary and multicultural contexts, methods, and theories drawing from the dynamic intersection between Social Sciences and Humanities. It emphasizes the goal of developing students to become world-class regional leaders, knowledge builders, critical thinkers, and competent researchers who are attuned to local, global, and comparative issues and concerns in the region.

Graduates are equipped for careers in diplomacy, regional policy analysis, international development, education, cultural and public diplomacy, journalism, international business, and other related fields. With their strong foundation in the history, politics, cultures, and economies of the Southeast Asian region, students are also well-prepared to work in the government, ASEAN and other international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, media, and global corporations, making meaningful contributions to both regional and global cooperation and engagement.

Program Learning Objectives

1. Demonstrate big picture thinking in analyzing global phenomena that shape the interactions and dynamics of global actors and institutions
2. Initiate meaningful agendas for inclusivity by generating platforms for diversity, multiculturalism, cosmopolitanism, and empowerment of minorities and marginalized sectors
3. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge from country/region/area studies in solving issues and problems encountered across industries and institutions
4. Exhibit effective communication skills, including written and oral foreign language competencies, to impart perspectives, analyses, and insights from socially relevant and policy-based research and creative works, demonstrating an immersive understanding of foreign cultures and languages
5. Develop a cosmopolitan mindset by engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives to cultivate an awareness of and adapting to contemporary global issues and innovations, to proficiently navigate and meaningfully contribute to the globalized world