ENLIGHT Courses

Culture in Perspective: South and East Asia

Based on several topics of the South and East Asian cultural traditions provided by internal and external expertise, insight is gained in the cultural, philosophical, social, and historical context of South and East Asia, with attention being paid to the relevant methodology. 

About the course

Content

A general overview of different research fields of cultural evolutions in South and East Asia is offered. These evolutions are placed against their historical, philosophical and social backgrounds. Emphasis is put on the relevant methodology and research results. Relevant scholarly literature is introduced. Each research field also presents a reader. The student selects two readers for the written examination. 

Learning outcomes

  1. To possess specialized knowledge with respect to a number of specific topics from the South and East Asian cultural traditions placed against a historical, philosophical and social background  
  2. To have a thorough insight into methodological problems in connection with one or more topics from the South and East Asian cultural traditions   
  3. To be able to deal with cultural research areas and to understand relevant scientific literature.   
  4. To be able to develop a critical approach of current theories and insights regarding the South and East Asian cultural areas.   
  5. To be able to elaborate a well-argued opinion with respect to South and East Asian cultural traditions set against their historical, philosophical and social backgrounds.

    Teaching methods

    Lecture 

    Extra information on the teaching methods: After the methodological data have been explained by the teacher, they will be interactively analysed and discussed. The students can receive guidance for their personal study of two readers which they choose on an individual basis. 

    Assessment

    Assessment moments: end-of-term assessment 
    Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the first examination period: Written assessment with open-ended questions 
    Examination methods in case of end-of-term assessment during the resit examination period: Written assessment with open-ended questions 
    Extra information on the examination methods: The examination consists of five main questions - 

    • three questions concern the lectures  
    • two questions have to be chosen among a list of questions related to the readers that have been provided. 

    Lecturers

    Heirman, Ann: lecturer-in-charge, Torck, Mathieu: Staff member 

    Course dates

    This course takes place in the second semester of academic year 2025-2026: 

    • Educational activities: February 9 to May 16, 2026 
    • Catch-up activities: May 18 to May 23, 2026 
    • Easter Recess: April 6 to April 18, 2026 
    • Examination period: May 26 to July 4, 2026 
    • Resit Examination period:  August 17 to September 12, 2026 

    There will be one online lecture per week from February 10, 2026, to May 12, 2026. This will take place on Tuesdays from 16:00 to 19:00 (CET) (full schedule to be confirmed). Lectures will not be recorded, except for students with an official working student status or in case of illness (evidenced by means of a medical certificate) or other forms of force majeure. 

    • Entry requirements: basic knowledge of the history of South and East Asia
    • Type: virtual course
    • Level: Master
    • Host: Ghent University
    • Focus area: Global Engagement , Culture and Creativity
    • Study Field: Humanities
    • Course dates: 9 Feb - 4 July 2026
    • Apply by: 19 December 2025
    • ECTS: 6
    • Registration status: Open
    • Number of places available: 20 in total