Master of Arts (Asian Societies)

Course 102-AS (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus: 2009
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level: Graduate/Postgraduate

Coordinator

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

Contact

Arts & Music Student Centre
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.
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:

200 point program.

Duration: 2 years full-time / up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

  • 100 points (usually 8 subjects) of advanced language and/or elective subjects (all subjects are worth 12.5 points unless indicated)

Second 100 points:

  • 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)

Total 200 points

150 points program:

  • Four elective subjects taken from the first 100 points of the 200 point program (50 points)
  • Remaining 100 points - refer to the second 100 points of the 200 point program above

Duration: 1.5 years full-time / up to 3 years part-time

Total 150 points

100 point program

Refer to the second 100 points of the 200 point program above

Duration: 1 year full-time / up to 2 years part-time

Total 100 points
Subject Options:

First 100 points:

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:
Semester 1
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
Semester 1
12.500
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.

Electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
12.500
Not offered in 2009
12.500
Semester 2
12.500
With the permission of both the course and subject coordinator, students may enrol in alternative subjects at the appropriate level from other faculties and departments within the University.

Second 100 points:

Thesis

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1, Semester 2
37.500

Compulsory subject

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:

Core subjects

- at least 12.5 points
Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Not offered in 2009
12.500
Not offered in 2009
12.500

Electives

Subject
Study Period Commencement:
Credit Points:
Semester 1
12.500
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.

Admission process
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
Further Study: Students who complete the thesis may be eligible for entry into the PhD.
Graduate Attributes: None
Links to further information: http://www.asiainstitute.unimelb.edu.au/

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