Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

This module traces many forms of cross-border human migration to, from, and within regions of East and Southeast Asia from the mid-nineteenth century till the present day. Students with an interest in modern Asia, migration or global connections will be able to pursue these themes by looking at several exemplary cases along with evolving ideas on border, frontier and nation, key ideas that remain relevant to contemporary debates today. The module adds to the choice for students on the Modern and Contemporary History (V191) degree scheme and adds a greater extra-European dimension to our provision.

This module follows the historical development of cross-border human migration to, from, and within regions of East and Southeast Asia between the nineteenth century and the present day. It explores questions such as why people left their homelands and moved to other places, how they coped in an unfamiliar environment, and what their relationship was with the ancestral lands. Meanwhile, the module posits the mobility of people in relation to the changing notions of border, frontier and nation that form an integrated part of Asian modernisation over the last two centuries. In a broadly chronological order, we explore the formation of migrant communities in colonies and countries, their special experience under Japanese occupation during World War Two, and post-war ethnic tensions, communal conflicts, and displacement and integration. We also consider contemporary issues of remigration and return migration, and recent developments for a global migration with digital media.