The ambitious Asia Programs of the Australian National University were initiated more than sixty years ago, partly to support the Australian Government's postwar national re-orientation toward Asia. The application of knowledge about Asia to Government's engagement with the region continues to fluctuate in importance and design, in this the so-called 'Asian century'. Australia's engagement with the region, it is also true to say, is not getting easier.
This course involves (a) a brief overview of the development of Australian Government policy toward the Asian region; and (b) an introduction to the practical work of a number of government and non-government organisations dealing with Asian issues and c) conceptual understanding and debates over what it means to 'engage Asia'. The course will be of particular interest to students intending to pursue a career in the Asian region, and will draw upon not only the strong academic expertise at ANU but also the expertise and experience of a range of Government departments and other 'Asia-bound' organisations based in Canberra.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Examine existing literature and theory regarding 'Asia literacy', and critically engage in the practical and theoretical paradigms that apply to Asian studies.
- Analyse political and social implications of Australian engagement with Asia over a historical period, by developing an understanding of the defining characteristics of Asia-Australia relations, and learn how the traditions and cultural roots of bygone years continue to influence cultural behaviour between Australia and Asia today.
- Examine the historical, social and cultural environments that produce elements of ‘Asian-ness’ and use this knowledge to develop their critical thinking.
- Demonstrate critical research skills and the ability to synthesise and critique existing scholarship.
- Display high level reading comprehension and writing skills, and presenting in the style of a professional environment.
Other Information
2021 Timetable
The course is run online and through two intensive 'weekends' to allow for flexible learning arrangements especially for those who work full-time. The first intensive is Friday 5-8pm March 12 and Saturday 9am-5pm March 13. The second intensive is Friday 5-8pm April 30 and Saturday 1 May 9am-5pm. There are no other tutorials except for these intensives.. At this stage, the seminars will be held in both on-campus format and Zoom, ideally allowing for you to attend whether you are in Canberra or not.
However, the course is run over the entire semester 1. Each week you will WATCH an video I will upload (only around 20 mins each week) which frames the topic. Then you will READ the two articles of each week, and by the end of the week, WRITE 300 words in the 'posts' section of each week. The DISCUSSION of each topic occurs between us all at the intensive seminars.
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
Indicative Assessment
- Workshop participation (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Workshop presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Discussion postings of readings & lectures (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Research project (due end Semester 1) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The total workload for the course is 130 hours including in-class time and independent study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
NA
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $3630 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $5580 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2850 | 22 Feb 2021 | 01 Mar 2021 | 31 Mar 2021 | 28 May 2021 | In Person | View |