Master of Arts (Asian Societies)

NOTE: This course is in phase-out mode and is no longer accepting applications for admission.

Current students needing assistance with course planning for completion of the course requirements should contact the Arts & Music Student Centre.

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.

• 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.

200 point program.

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)
• elective subjects (to total 100 points)

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

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

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

First 100 points

Advanced language subjects

Electives

Second 100 points

Thesis

Compulsory subject

Core subjects

Elective subjects

The minimum entry requirement was:

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.

Students who complete this degree should:

• Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
• Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex changing social contexts;
• Act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the work force;
• Communicate effectively;
• Commit to continuous learning;
• Be proficient in the use of appropriate modern technologies, such as the computer and other information technology systems, for the acquisition, processing and interpretation of data.