Interested in pursuing a degree in Indonesian and wondering which topics there are to choose from? We have the full low down for you. Select from both Indonesian culture and language topics.
Indonesian Culture Topics
INDO2005: Indonesian Politics and Development
Demographically, politically and economically, Indonesia is among the most important countries in Asia. This topic explores the major political issues, processes and events that have shaped Indonesia since 1945. It discusses Indonesia’s anti-colonial struggle, state formation, democracy and authoritarianism, Islamic politics and other major ideological currents, the role of the armed forces, violence and separatism, and issues around diversity and inclusion. Students are introduced to various scholarly interpretations of Indonesian politics and development, and are equipped with skills and knowledge that can support careers in government, business, education and more. This topic is taught in English and is open to any interested participants.
INDO2001: Indonesian Culture and Society
Indonesia is among the most diverse countries on Earth, comprised of more than 17,000 islands, home to more than 1,300 distinct ethnic groups, and with more than one million years of hominid habitation. Indonesia’s location at the nexus between the Asian and Australian continents and the Indian and Pacific Oceans has contributed to the emergence of rich and varied socio-cultural traditions, which continue to evolve in response to the forces of modernisation, globalisation and state formation. This topic examines Indonesian society and culture with a particular focus on ‘tradition’ and ‘modernity’; Islam and minority religions; the construction of indigeneity, family, class, gender and sexuality; popular cultural expression; and artistic innovation. This Topic is taught in English and is open to any interested participants.
Indonesian Language Topics
INDO1201: Introductory Indonesian 1
The national language of Australia’s largest neighbour, Indonesian is the third most-spoken Asian language and among the few to use the Latin alphabet. With Indonesia emerging as one of the powerhouse economies of the 21st century, it has never been more important for Australians to learn the language. INDO1201 is tailored to beginner-level language learners – students with no prior knowledge of the language – and focuses on developing basic speaking, reading, writing and listening skills. Students are introduced to the sounds and structures of the language, learn core grammatical concepts, and are exposed to relevant aspects of Indonesian culture and society.
INDO1202: Introductory Indonesian 2
INDO1202 builds on the core elements of the language studied in INDO1201. It aims to further cultivate students’ proficiency in written and spoken Indonesian, while providing a robust conceptual grounding in the structures and patterns of the language. Students are encouraged to learn collaboratively to improve active communication skills. At the conclusion of their first year of study, students can use Indonesian to interpret and convey written and verbal information across a range of social contexts.
INDO2201: Intermediate Indonesian 1
INDO2201 consolidates and expands students’ knowledge of Indonesian vocabulary, grammar, and syntactical structures. It places increased emphasis on speaking and listening skills, incorporating additional audio-visual material and collaborative exercises. The incorporation of broad cultural themes builds students’ knowledge of contemporary Indonesia and allows them to apply their language skills to practical social contexts. Graduates of Year 12 Indonesian may be eligible to enrol directly in this topic without completing INDO1201/1202.
INDO2202: Intermediate Indonesian 2
This topic builds on the knowledge acquired in INDO2201, encouraging students to engage with increasingly sophisticated linguistic structures. Through engagement with relevant social issues and authentic learning materials, students continue to develop the core skills of reading and listening comprehension, written expression and spoken fluency. At the conclusion of intermediate-level study, students are able to communicate concrete and abstract ideas using moderately complex language across diverse social contexts.
INDO3201: Upper Intermediate Indonesian 1
This topic develops students’ knowledge of advanced Indonesian language, and moves towards full classroom immersion in the language. Through two thematic modules focusing on Indonesian popular culture and modern political history, students further consolidate and extend their proficiency in the four key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The incorporation of authentic written and audio-visual materials helps students understand and use the language across a range of registers, and equips them with extensive knowledge of the Indonesian language across varied social and cultural contexts.
INDO3202: Upper Intermediate Indonesian 2
This topic consolidates students’ knowledge of advanced Indonesian language, applying a full classroom immersion approach. Through two thematic modules focusing on Indonesian development and socio-cultural diversity, students further consolidate and extend their proficiency in the four key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening. The incorporation of authentic written and audio-visual materials helps equip students with a thorough understanding of linguistic diversity and register. At the conclusion of upper intermediate-level study, students should be able to converse freely with native speakers, write in complex and grammatically accurate Indonesian, and successfully comprehend a range of written and audio-visual materials.
INDO2004: Indonesian For Special Purposes
This topic entails independent research through consultation with the topic convener in order to cater to an individual student or group of students. The topic enables students to conduct a detailed investigation into a social, cultural, political or policy issue in contemporary Indonesia, and to compose a research essay and presentation in academic Indonesian. Students will develop their research and analytical skills, deepen their ability to read, write and speak in Indonesian, and acquire deep insight into a specific aspect of Indonesian society, culture or history.
Study Indonesian
Now you know which topics are available to you in Indonesian, all you need to decide in which form you want to add a language to your degree. Choose between a Diploma in Language, a Bachelor of Languages or a major in Indonesian as part of the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of International Relations and Political Science.
Just interested in a few topics but not a full degree? Then study these topics as an elective or a non-award topic.