This course continues the long legacy of the Australian National University’s ambitious Asia programs, which were created more than 75 years ago to support the Australian Government's?post-war?national re-orientation toward Asia. Australia's engagement with the region continues to fluctuate, but it is also true to say, it is not getting easier.
The central question this course asks is: how can Australia successfully engage more with Asia? The course is divided into two main parts: i) Australia’s history and links with Asia, and ii) Asia’s current and predicted trajectory and what this means for Australia. It is suitable for students looking to understand more about the ‘rise’ of Asia, but also the shifting nature of Australia’s place in the region and the world. It involves an examination of the changing nature of Australia’s relationship with the Asian region. It utilises cases studies from government, business, trade, media, digital start-ups, education, NGOs, environmental, migration and other people-to-people links. The course provides a conceptual understanding and debates of the Australia-Asia relationship through terms like ‘people-to-people links’, ‘Asia literacy’, ‘Asian engagement’ and the growing literature around the role of ‘Asian-Australian’ diaspora.
The course will be of particular interest to students intending to pursue a career in Asia, but also for those looking to build up expertise for practical work of?a number of?government and non-government organisations dealing with Asian issues, such as NGO and development organisations, education, media, public policy, trade, business, foreign affairs and think tanks.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Examine past and present debates regarding 'Asian engagement', and critically engage in the theories that apply to Asian studies scholarship in this field.
- Analyse the political and social implications of Australian engagement with Asia over a historical period, by learning how the traditions and cultural roots of bygone years continue to influence cultural behaviour between Australia and Asia today.
- Examine the current social and cultural environments of Asia-Australia relations beyond government-to-government approaches, and use this knowledge to develop critical thinking.
- Demonstrate critical research skills and the ability to synthesise and critique existing scholarship, including primary source documents such as policy papers, media content, diaries and letters and official speeches, amongst others.
- Display high level reading comprehension and writing skills, and presenting in the style of a professional environment suitable for the workplace.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
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1 | What is the ‘Asian Century’ and what is Australia’s place in it? | |
2 | Northern Contacts: Indigenous connections with Asia | |
3 | Immigration policies and border control: themes over time. | |
4 | The Australian media and Asia | |
5 | Tourism, travel and Australians overseas in Asia | |
6 | The education sector and debates over ‘Asia literacy’ | |
7 | Foreign policy (case study: the death penalty) | |
8 | Aid and Development | |
9 | Climate change, Australia and Asia | |
10 | Emerging digital economies | |
11 | Globalisation, consumption and cultural change in Asia | |
12 | What does Asian engagement look like beyond 2020? |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|
Participation at seminar | 10 % | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Formal Presentation in-class | 20 % | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
10 x written analysis of topics online | 30 % | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
Final Research Essay | 40 % | 1,2,3,4,5,6 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Participation
This course is run over the semester 1 period but through both online learning systems and through intensive seminars. The dates of the intensive seminars are below and it is live attendance is compulsory for their entire duration.
Friday 21 April 5-8pm.
Saturday 22 April 9am-12pm
Sunday 23 April 9am-12pm
AND
Friday 12 May 5-8pm
Saturday 13 May 9am-12pm
Sunday 14 May 9am-12pm
The assessments and other teaching activities will all be run through ANU’s online e-learning system, Wattle. There is no exam for this course. The final research essay will be due in early June. Further and more detailed information of assessments and activities will be provided on the course's Wattle site.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Participation at seminar
Participation at seminar 10%
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Formal Presentation in-class
Formal Presentation in-class: 20%
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
10 x written analysis of topics online
10 x written analysis of topics online: 30%
Discussion postings of readings & lectures
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4,5,6
Final Research Essay
Final Research Essay: 40%
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
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.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Research Interests |
Dr Ross Tapsell
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Dr Ross Tapsell
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