Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit allows students to gain an advanced understanding of how 'Asia' is imagined, outside and within Asia. Students will use a variety of approaches to contemporary cultural texts in state cultural policies, state media, social media, and mass and ‘high' cultures, to develop a critical understanding of the underlying ideologies and values that inform such texts. Students examine how material culture and cultural politics are informed by considerations and tensions between the ways in which notions of ‘tradition' and ‘modernity' intersect to produce contemporary Asian identities and societies in a broader sense. Students develop as reflexive practitioners and cultural brokers through developing an awareness of their own values and cultural backgrounds.

The aim of the unit is to encourage students to challenge and interrogate accepted forms of Western knowledge across traditional academic boundaries, in order to apply imaginative and sensitive problem-solving skills in complex situations requiring Asia-specific cultural knowledge. The unit equips students to exercise expert judgement in professional contexts where negotiating intercultural differences is crucial.

Credit
6 points
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) utilise analytical tools and critical capacity for cross-cultural engagement in Asia; (2) demonstrate ability to critically reflect on different theoretical approaches to analysing key cultural discourses in Asia; (3) demonstrate practical, expert judgement to interpret and mediate cultural difference in everyday and professional settings; and (4) formulate research questions and critically assess source material that demonstrates an advanced and integrated understanding of Asian Studies as a complex body of interdisciplinary knowledge.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) participation; (2) case study; and (3) research essay/project. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Associate Professor Joanna Elfving-Hwang and Dr Laura Dales
Unit rules
Advisable prior study
Bachelor of Arts (BP001)
or Bachelor of Commerce (BP004)
Contact hours
seminars: 18 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.