Singapore · MOE Syllabus Outcomes
JC 1 History
JC 1 History: Southeast Asian history from colonialism to nationalism, the Cold War in Asia, the formation of ASEAN, and comparative political systems. Students develop sophisticated analytical skills through the study of regional and international history.
Colonialism and Its Legacies
An in-depth analysis of European colonial models and their transformative impact on Southeast Asian socio-economic structures.
Evaluating the direct and indirect rule models of the British, Dutch, and French in the region.
Examining Furnivall's concept of the plural society and the massive influx of Chinese and Indian labor.
Analyzing the shift toward rubber, tin, and sugar exports and the development of port cities.
The unintended consequence of colonial education in creating a class of Western-educated nationalists.
Investigating rural uprisings such as the Saya San Rebellion and the Saya de Belen movement.
Analyzing the Treaty of London (1824) and the Pangkor Treaty (1874) in shaping regional borders.
The Crucible of War: 1941–1945
Analyzing the Japanese Occupation as a catalyst for political change and nationalist fervor in Southeast Asia.
Examining the rapid collapse of British defenses and the shattering of the myth of Western invincibility.
Evaluating Japanese propaganda versus the reality of military administration and economic hardship.
The complex choices made by leaders like Sukarno, Ba Maw, and the MPAJA during the war.
The chaotic transition period between the Japanese surrender and the return of colonial powers.
Nationalism and the Path to Independence
Comparing the diverse trajectories toward sovereignty, from armed revolution to negotiated settlements.
The struggle against Dutch attempts to re-colonize through "police actions" and diplomatic negotiation.
The Viet Minh resistance against French colonial rule culminating in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu.
The path from the Malayan Union to the Federation of Malaya and the role of the Alliance party.
Analyzing the US-granted independence in 1946 and the persistence of neo-colonial ties.
Aung San's leadership, the AFPFL, and the decision to leave the British Commonwealth.
The 1963 merger, the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (Konfrontasi), and the 1965 separation.
Evaluating the "planned withdrawal" vs "nationalist struggle" historiographical debates.
Global Conflict, Local Impact: The Cold War
Analyzing how the ideological struggle between the US and USSR reshaped Southeast Asian politics and security.
The geopolitical logic behind US intervention in Southeast Asia to stop the spread of communism.
The counter-insurgency campaign against the Malayan Communist Party (MCP).
From the Gulf of Tonkin to the Tet Offensive and the fall of Saigon.
The rise of Pol Pot, the Year Zero policy, and the subsequent Vietnamese invasion.
How the rivalry between China and the USSR fractured communist movements in the region.
The 1955 Bandung Conference and the attempt to find a "Third Way" between the superpowers.
The impact of Gorbachev’s reforms and the resolution of the Cambodian conflict.
Political Systems and Governance
A comparative study of political development, state-building, and the evolution of governance models.
Analyzing the emergence of personalistic rule under Marcos, Suharto, and Sarit Thanarat.
The "New Order" in Indonesia and the role of technocrats in economic development.
Examining the PAP's approach to governance, social engineering, and economic survival.
The 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines and the 1998 Reformasi in Indonesia.
The unique role of the Thai monarchy in a system of frequent military coups.
The 1990s discourse led by Lee Kuan Yew and Mahathir Mohamad regarding culture and democracy.
How Vietnam and Laos have maintained one-party rule while embracing market reforms (Doi Moi).
The role of Islam in the politics of Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Economic Transformation and Development
Tracing the journey from colonial primary producers to the industrial "Tiger" economies.
Comparing the economic strategies of Southeast Asian states in the 1960s and 70s.
The impact of high-yield crops and new technology on Southeast Asian agriculture.
The causes, course, and catastrophic consequences of the "Tom Yum" crisis.
The shift from manufacturing to services and the tech boom in the 21st century.
Analyzing the role of government-linked companies and the risks of corruption.
The development of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and the Economic Community (AEC).
Regional Cooperation and ASEAN
Evaluating the evolution of ASEAN from a Cold War bulwark to a major regional organization.
The motivations of the five founding members and the early focus on security.
Analyzing the norms of consensus, informality, and respect for sovereignty.
The role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit.
The inclusion of Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia and the "two-tier" ASEAN challenge.
Analyzing ASEAN's struggle to maintain a unified front against Chinese maritime claims.
The creation of the AICHR and the tension between sovereignty and human rights.
Society, Culture, and Identity
Investigating the social transformations, ethnic relations, and cultural shifts in the post-colonial era.
The rapid growth of Jakarta, Manila, and Bangkok and the challenges of urban planning.
The struggle of groups like the Rohingya, Karens, and Moros for recognition or autonomy.
Analyzing the changing status of women in the workforce, politics, and family.
The resurgence of Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity in the public sphere.
The use of history textbooks and language policy to construct a national narrative.
Deforestation, haze, and the impact of climate change on the region.
The impact of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and regional labor flows.
The influence of K-pop, Western media, and the emergence of a "Southeast Asian" cultural identity.