Asia and the World

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

24 contact hours plus non-contact study hours, estimated total time committment: 120 hours

Entry into the Master of International Relations, Master of International Relations or Master of Arts (Asian Societies).

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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/

This subject provides an advanced introduction to the field of Asian Studies. It offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the conceptualisation and analysis of Asia. Students will be encouraged to consider commonalities and differences in the development and diplomatic experience of countries in East, Southeast, South and West Asia. The Asia Pacific is presented as a region that shares some distinct attributes but is also intrinsically connected to other parts of the world.

Issues to be examined include Western imperial expansion and colonisation of the region, post-independence nationalism, regionalisation, and the global and regional impacts of Japan, China and India. Topics for discussion to illustrate these approaches may include: nationalism, religion, ethnic identity, social movements, regionalism, and the global movement of people, culture, information, technology, investment, goods and services. The focus will be on the diverse Asian countries as sources, destinations, and intermediaries of such transnational interactions.

• Developing an advanced ability to analyse major 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
• Enhance an understanding and appreciation of Australia’s evolving relations with Asia

Written work totalling 5000 words comprising of one 3000 word research essay 60% (due during the examination period) and four opinion pieces of 500 words 40% (due throughout the semester).

A Reading Pack will be available for purchase from the University Bookshop.

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This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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

This subject is a compulsory component of the Master of International Relations and the Master of Arts (Asian Societies) (teach-out).