Mon-Wed: 8:50 PM – 9:50 PM

How does colonial history shape cultural identity, resistance, and memory?  

This advanced seminar explores the colonial encounter between France and Indochina, from the French invasion in 1858 to their military defeat in 1954. More than just a history lesson, the course looks at how colonialism shaped culture, resistance, and memory in both Southeast Asia and France. 

The class is divided into four key themes: 

• History – How and why did France colonize Indochina? What were the major events? 
• Cultures of Resistance – How did people in the region fight back against colonial rule? 
• Literary Memory – How is this history remembered in books and stories? 
• Filmic Representation – How do films portray colonialism and its impact? 

Students will read history books, analyze political writings, study literature, and watch films to better understand this complex period. Through discussion and research, students will also gain insight into how colonialism shaped the world and how its effects are still felt today. This course invites students to think critically about power, resistance, and storytelling, making connections between the past and the present 

For more information on the course itself, contact Prof. Denzel (vdenzel@msu.edu). For help enrolling, contact Jennifer Gansler (gansler@msu.edu)