COURSE SYLLABUS FOR ACADEMIC YEARS 2013-2014 AS 248: Southeast Asia – Burma/Myanmar Instructor: Lin Lin Aung Dept. of Asian Studies Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA 24401 E-mail:
[email protected];
[email protected] Tel: 1-202-680-3925 Skype: llaung CORE AREAS: International Purpose: To introduce students to Burma/Myanmar’s modern history (late-1980s to present) and its recent/sudden democratic transition after five decades of military dictatorship. Background: Burma had been under the British colonial rule from 1885-1948 and gained independence in 1948. The military government took over power from the civilian government in 1962 and has controlled the country since then. In 1989, the military regime changed the name from Burma to Myanmar for political reasons. Aung San Suu Kyi’s return to Burma in 1988 changed the country’s political landscape as she has become the opposition leader and the symbol of Burma’s democratic movement. Her party won elections in 1990; however, they were not allowed to govern the country and she was put under house arrest. Aung San Suu Kyi spent 15 of the past 21 years under house arrest and was released in November 2010. She decided to run in the 2012 by-elections and has become a Member of Parliament. Suffering from one of the world’s longest civil wars (between ethnic minorities and majority Burmans), Burma has become one of the least developed countries in Southeast Asia. In March 2011, a nominal civilian government has been established with Thein Sein appointed as President. REQUIREMENTS: The student must write four essays (maximum two -page, single-spaced) responding to each of the questions listed below.