Asia and the World

Subject ASIA90008 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 1, 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 1. 4 hrs x 6 days (Fri, Sat, Sun. over two weeks).
Total Time Commitment: Estimated time commitment (including non contact time): 120 hours
Prerequisites: Entry into the Master of International Relations, Master of International Relations or Master of Arts (Asian Societies).
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Carolyn Stevens

Contact

Assoc Prof Carolyn Stevens css@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides an advanced introduction to the field of Asian Studies since 1945. Firstly, students will problematicise "Asia" as a monolithic region in opposition with an equally monolithic "West" and see it within the context of postcolonial and Cold War developments. This subject, rather, stresses the diversity of Asian cultures and societies. Students will also be introduced to important approaches to understanding Asia, such as Orientalism, postmodernism, development studies, and transnational cultural studies. Students will consider the Asia Pacific as a region that shares some distinct attributes but is also intrinsically connected to other parts of the world. Topics for discussion to illustrate these approaches may include: nationalism as a political movement and internal conflict. the role of migration in the region. religion, regionalism and ethnic identity. and the social effects of economic booms and busts in the region.
Objectives:
  • Developing an advanced ability to analyse major problems and issues in Asian societies
  • Understanding how to apply theoretical and cross disciplinary approaches to the study of Asia
  • Gaining a critical appreciation of indigenous and non indigenous approaches to the study of Asia
Assessment: Written work totalling 5000 words, comprising of a subject blog, equivalent to 1000 words 20% (ongoing), a practical writing task 1000 words 20% (due end of teaching period), and a team project report 3000 words 60% (due end of semester).
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: This subject is a compulsory component of the (Newly proposed) Master of International Relations and the Master of Arts (Asian Societies) (teach-out).
Related Course(s): Master of International Relations
Master of International Studies
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Asian Studies
Asian Studies

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