ARTH 3050 - Films of Southeast Asia and Diaspora(s)

The course introduces students to films that deal with Southeast Asia and its diaspora(s) (Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, and Burma [Myanmar]). We will begin with a close viewing of the portrayal of Southeast Asia and Southeast Asians in Hollywood films. We will then look at how French and British filmmakers chose to portray their former colonies in films such as " The Lover," "The Letter," and "L'Indochine." Subsequently, we will consider how Southeast Asians living in the diaspora(s) have chosen to represent themselves. Issues to be addressed in this course include: race, colonialism, gender, sexuality, identity politics, memory and trauma.