Tradition & Change in Contemporary Asia

Subject ASIA90007 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Intensive

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: This subject will be taught intensively in semester 2. 4 hrs x 6 days (Fri, Sat, Sun).
Total Time Commitment: Total 120 hours including contact and non-contact hours.
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of International Relations or Executive Master of Arts or Master of Arts Asian Societies Admission into the Masters of International Relations.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: None.

Coordinator

Dr Michael Ewing

Contact

Dr Michael Ewing
m.ewing@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: The Asian region has experienced much rapid political, economic and social change in the past century. This subject aims to interrogate the process of creating and maintaining traditional identities in the Asia Pacific region with close attention to indigenous history, endangered languages, the arts, and local religious practices, laws and customs. This subject will also examine strategies for managing change via policy, legislation, community activism and grassroots movements. The influence of new technologies, media and communication will also be covered.
Objectives:
  • Develop familiarity with a range of approaches to conceptualising ‘tradition’ in contemporary Asia
  • Developing a critical understanding of how the concept of ‘tradition’ is employed to further social and political ends in different Asian societies
  • Developing a critical understanding of the interplay between nationalism, globalisation and ethno-local identity
Assessment: Written work totalling 5000 words comprising two 1000 word review essays 20% each (one due mid-semester and one due at the end of semester), and a research essay totalling 3000 words 60% (due during examination period).
Prescribed Texts: A Reading Pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.
Recommended Texts: None.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • Applying research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry
  • Developing persuasive arguments on a given topic
  • Communicating oral and written arguments and ideas effectively
  • Developing cross-cultural understanding
Notes: None.
Related Course(s): Master of Arts (Asian Societies)
Master of International Relations

Download PDF version.