Interdisciplinary Foundation Subject
100-183: Understanding Asia
This subject is offered in semester two.
Subject Description
The subject begins by exploring the question of how the West has sought to define Asia geographically, culturally and historically in the modern period and how peoples living in the Asian region have responded to and resisted these definitions. Students are then introduced to the formation of early cultural identities within the Asian region, including the emergence of diverse Asian civilisations, the major religions and belief systems of Asia and selected themes within contemporary Asian societies. These may include an examination of Asian families, gender in Asia, religious revival, Asian diaspora, Asian economies and ‘Asian’ values. Students will be introduced to Asia through a variety of Asia-produced media. They will learn to analyse historical sources, maps, artefacts, images and extracts from religious teachings in addition to secondary sources.
Subject Objectives
Students who complete this subject should:
- be able to reflect critically on Western and Asian ideas of Asia and Asian identities;
- comprehend the key religions and value systems of Asia and their origin;
- have an understanding of key features of early Asian civilisations;
- appreciate key historical and cultural links between Asian societies;
- grasp some of the multiple ideas of gender and family in Asia;
- comprehend processes of economic transition in Asia;
- appreciate some of the experiences of Asian diasporas;
- be able to challenge commonly held Western views about Asia;
- be able to critically analyse primary documents, religious and cartographic texts and visual artefacts.
Interdisciplinary Foundation Skills
Students who complete this subject should:
- understand a range of disciplines and methodologies appropriate to the texts, artefacts, theoretical structures and social practices with which they are concerned;
- have developed a capacity for critical thought and analysis through the construction and articulation of lucid, logical arguments;
- have developed oral and written skills through essay writing and tutorial participation;
- have acquired the tools for independent and targeted research, using library and other information services;
- have the ability to organise and manage their time through the planning of class assessments and the meeting of set due dates.