Interpreting 'Asia' and the 'Pacific'

Unit code: AAA5011 | Study level: Postgraduate
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
City Campus
Footscray Park
N/A
Overview
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Overview

This unit of study examines social and political issues in contemporary Asia and the Pacific, two socially and politically diverse and dynamic regions. Key debates within the regions are analysed, including debates about culture and identity; and questions about development; and the disparities of wealth and poverty. Nation-states in these regions are studied comparatively while the place of the region in the globe is also examined. Global factors examined include work and commodity chains, sustainable development and the role of international organisations. Finally, the unit considers Australia’s position in relation to these two regions, interrogating some of the ways that ‘Asia’ and “Pacific’ are interpreted, focusing upon critiques by Asian and Pacific scholars.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse key social issues in Asia today;
  2. Interrogate Australia’s relationship with Asia and the Pacific; and
  3. Utilise frameworks of comparative analysis.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Journal
|
Grade: 30%
Blog posts to prompts on key concepts and issues.
Assessment type: Presentation
|
Grade: 35%
Response to debatable and controversial socio-cultural and political issues confronting a specific country or countries in Asia or the Pacific.
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 35%
Position Paper on negotiated topic focused on key contemporary issues.

Required reading

Students will be provided with an up to date resources list via VU Collaborate.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

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