This course illuminates the dynamic past of the Asia-Pacific including the arrival of early people and later human expansions that populated our region and led to the region's distinctive and influential cultures, states and nations. Significant events covered in the course include the emergence of complex societies culminating in expansive empires and early globalisations, such as those of the Qin, Khmer, Kofun, Joeseon, Lapita, Tonga and Polynesia. The course examines the movement of people from mainland and island Asia to the remote islands of the Pacific and the environmental impacts of hunting and foraging and farming as well as the impact of natural events such as climate change on social formations. The course includes practical sessions and the study of material culture from ancient societies. It will be of particular interest to students seeking to further their understanding of the Asia-Pacific region and those looking to develop expertise in government and NGO organisations that are engaged in regional issues such as the environment, cultural heritage, public policy, foreign affairs and think tanks.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Define the geographic and cultural boundaries of the Asia-Pacific region.
- Describe the methods and techniques used to reconstruct the early history of Asia and the Pacific.
- Communicate ideas about the development of ancient societies in written and oral forms.
- Demonstrate the role of migration in the Asia-Pacific.
- Critique accounts of the rise and fall of complex societies in the Asia-Pacific.
Other Information
N/A
Indicative Assessment
- Map Quiz (10) [LO 1]
- Course Content Quiz (20) [LO 1,2]
- Class Presentation (30) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Final Essay (2000 words) (40) [LO 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 independent study. The course will meet for 1 hour two times per week with pre-class readings and tasks set ahead of each lecture.An additional hour is allocated weekly to assist student presentation and essay development.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Preliminary Reading
Specific readings will be assigned for each class based on the lecture topic with all readings available online through the class wattle site.
Assumed Knowledge
Student are encourage to have enrolled in ASIA1025 Asia and the Pacific: Power, Diversity and Change, and ASIA1030 Asia and the Pacific in Motion.Areas of Interest
- Archaeology
- History
- Pacific Studies
- Asian Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Asia-Pacific Studies
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2903 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |