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 explores the major political, social and cultural issues which have characterised the relationship between Australia and the Asian region. It critically examines a range of arguments about the way in which the Australian nation-state has dealt with the external and internal dimensions of an Asian presence, from issues of security and trade to immigration and multiculturalism.

The unit also explores cultural issues in the relationship including the representation of 'Asian' peoples and cultures within Australia, and the construction of identity.

The unit draws on and teaches students to use and apply the latest research in political and cultural history, international relations, identity politics and cultural studies.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 2 option in the Asian Studies; CHNSI Chinese Studies; CHNSA Chinese Studies; INDNI Indonesian Studies; JPNSI Japanese Studies major sequences
  • Level 2 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) identify and critically analyse key social and cultural issues in relations between Australia and Asia; (2) understand and critically assess the various economic and geopolitical issues in relations between Australia and Asian nations and peoples; (3) understand and apply relevant theoretical approaches to the analysis of these issues; (4) construct cogent analyses of the changing nature and significance of these issues over time; (5) express information and ideas coherently and logically in written forms; and (6) recognise and practise ethical scholarship and develop more advanced research skills related to the discipline.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) in-class assessments; (2) tutorial participation; and (3) research essay. 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 Stephen Dobbs
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
any level 1
or level 2 ASIA, KORE, JAPN, CHIN, INDO, ENGL, HIST, PHIL, ARCY, COMM, LING, ANTH, LAW, VISA, MUSC, SOCS
or POLS unit
Incompatibility
ASIA2206 Understanding Asia–Australia Issues
Contact hours
lectures: 20 hours
tutorials: 9 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • 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.