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 and 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 case studies from government, business, trade, media, digital start-ups, education, NGOs, the environment, migration and other people-to-people links. The course provides a conceptual understanding of debates within the Australia-Asia relationship through terms like ‘people-to-people links’, ‘Asia literacy’, ‘Asian engagement’ and the growing literature around the role of the Asian-Australian diaspora.
The course will be of particular interest not only to students intending to pursue a career in Asia, but also to those looking to build up expertise for practical work in 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:
- Read and critically analyse debates surrounding the term 'Asia literacy' and other scholarly terms related to Asia engagement.
- Develop an understanding of the practical usefulness of Asian Studies knowledge.
- Analyse and evaluate 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.
- Demonstrate and inspect the forces that shape perceptions of Asian nations in Australia.
- Examine information flows between Asia and Australia, and what might influence these flows.
- Demonstrate writing skills and ability to present arguments to others.
Other Information
This is a co-taught course. Any cap on enrolments in one course applies to both courses combined.
All course materials and instructions will be provided through the course Wattle site shortly before the start of the course. Students should familiarize themselves with the course plan, and read selected articles ahead of the first intensive seminar.
In order to allow more flexible learning for ANU students, including full-time workers and carers, but also encompassing in-class experiences and peer-to-peer learning, this course involves two intensive seminar weekends. To complete the course the intensive seminars are compulsory attendance, conducted in-class at the ANU in order to maximize group work, learning and class discussion. Only in certain circumstances can someone Zoom into this course, and this must be approved by the convenor. The seminars are as follows:
First intensive seminar - 'Australia and Asia',
Second intensive seminar - '21st Century Asia and Australia',
There are no other in-class components to the course other than the above intensive seminars, but students continue to work, review readings and undertake assessments throughout via the Wattle page.
Indicative Assessment
- Workshop participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Discussion posts (5% x 7, each 300 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- In-class presentation (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Research Essay (2000 words) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
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.
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 |
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.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5300 | 01 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 24 Apr 2026 | 30 Jun 2026 | In Person | N/A |