Master of Arts (Asian Societies)

Course 102-AS (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbookSearch for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2008
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Contact

Graduate Enquiries, Arts & Music Student Centre Rm 104 (Ground Floor) Old Arts Building Tel: +61 3 8344 5321/+61 3 8344 6395 Fax: +61 3 9347 0424 Email: arts-gradstudies@unimelb.edu.au
Course Overview: The Master of Arts (Asian Societies) provides advanced training in Asian area studies together with theoretical and methodological perspectives in such disciplines as politics, anthropology, history, media studies, development and cultural studies. Graduates should develop an advanced understanding of key debates in the Asian region, including inter-regional ties and conflicts, political economy, human rights, Islamic movements in Asia, media and popular cultures in Asia and the impact of globalisation in Asia. The course is designed to equip students to work in professional areas related to Asia but can also serve as the foundation for further research studies.

Course coordinator:
Dr Lewis Mayo
Asia Institute
Email: lmayo@unimelb.edu.au

Objectives:
Students who have successfully completed this course should:
  • have an advanced ability to analyse major problems and issues in Asian societies;
  • understand how to apply theoretical and cross-disciplinary approaches to the study of Asian societies;
  • have a critical appreciation of Asian as well as Western approaches to the study of Asia;
  • understand the theory and practice of research techniques appropriate to the study of Asian societies.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:

Two year program: first year (first 100 points)
Course structure:

  • 100 points (usually 8 subjects) of advanced language and/or level 4 elective subjects from the lists below (all subjects are worth 12.5 points unless indicated)

One year (100-point) program and Two year program: second year (second 100 points)
Course structure:

  • one minor thesis (37.5 points)

  • one compulsory subject (12.5 points)

  • at least one core subject (at least 12.5 points)

  • level 5 elective subjects (to total 100 points)
Subject Options:

Advanced language subjects:

Students enrolled in these subjects must have a minimum of level three language skills or equivalent.

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

With the permission of both the course coordinator and the other University, students may enrol in a substitute fourth year level Asian language taught by another local University.


Level 4 subjects

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Not offered in 2008
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
With the permission of both the course and subject coordinator students may enrol in alternative relevant fourth year level subjects from other faculties and departments within the University.

One year (100-point) program and Two year program: second year (second 100 points)

Course structure:

  • One minor thesis (37.5 points)

  • One compulsory subject (12.5 points)

  • At least one core subject (at least 12.5 points)

Level 5 elective subjects (to total 100 points)

(all subjects are worth 12.5 points unless indicated)

Thesis

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
37.50
Compulsory subject
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Core subjects
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Level 5 subjects

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
18-month (150 points) program
Course structure:

  • Four elective subjects at level 4 taken from the first year of the 200 point program (50 points)

  • Minor thesis (37.5 points)

  • One compulsory subject at level 5 taken from the second year of the 200 point program (12.5 points)

  • One or more core subject at level 5 taken from the second year of the 200 point program (a minimum of 12.5 points)

  • A choice of electives at level 5 taken from the second year of the 200 point program (up to a maximum of 37.5 points and to total 150 points for program)

Elective Subjects at level 4

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.50
Not offered in 2008
12.50
Semester 2
12.50
With the permission of both the course and subject coordinator students may enrol in alternative relevant fourth year level subjects from other faculties and departments within the University.

Thesis

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
37.50
Compulsory subject
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Core subjects
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Elective subjects at level 5

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.50
Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement is:
For the 200 point program:
  • an undergraduate degree with a major in Asian studies or equivalent with a grade average of H2B (70%) or equivalent in the major.

or

  • a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies) or equivalent with a grade average of H2B (70%) or equivalent.

For the 150 point program:

  • an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) over the major or equivalent and at least one year of documented relevant professional or work experience.

For the 100 point program:

  • an honours degree in Asian studies or cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) average.

or

  • an honours degree in any discipline and at least three years documented full-time equivalent years of relevant professional or work experience.
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability
Graduate Attributes: None
Links to further information: http://www.asiainstitute.unimelb.edu.au/

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