Introduction to Modern Indonesian and Malaysian Literature in Translation

Fulfills the L&S Breadth requirement in Arts & Literature.

Indonesian and Malaysian Literature in Translation

This course offers an introduction in English to the literatures of Indonesia and Malaysia, covering novels and short stories, poetry and drama.   Works of modern literature will be discussed within the contemporary cultural and social background of multicultural Southeast Asia.  Students will explore the relationship between modern literature and the narrative, visual and performance traditions. including mythologies and the shadow-play traditions.    Readings will include works by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Lan Fang, and Ahmad Tohari (Indonesia); Lat, Tash Aw and Rani Manicka (Malaysia).  

Required Textbook(s):

This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Penguin Group, ISBN: 0140256350

Potions and Paper Cranes by Lan Fang, Dalang Publishers, ISBN: 0983627339

The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw, Riverhead Trade, ISBN: 1594481741

The Rice Mother by Rani Manicka, Penguin Group, ISBN: 0142004545

The Dancer by Ahmad Tohari, LONTAR, ISBN: 6029144219