East Asia and the politics of difference
David Wright-Neville
8 points * 3 hours per week * First semester * Clayton
Why do certain East Asian leaders appear so easily offended by off-the-cuff comments by Australian leaders or Western popular media? Is the ideological schism of the Cold War being replaced by a civilisational divide reflecting cultural differences between Europe and Asia? This course seeks to address questions such as these by fostering a critical appreciation of the political dimensions of culture in and between East Asian societies themselves as well as in their contacts with countries outside the region. By examining the history of Western readings of Asian political behaviour, the subject introduces culture as an inherently subjective concept and explores the political agendas encoded into representations of Asian people in Western political literature. A practical dimension will be provided by examining how European Australia has approached the question of cultural differences with East Asia, and how these approaches have been challenged by Asian societies in their dealings with Australia.
Assessment
Written (3000 words): 50% * Examination (3 hours): 50%
Recommended texts
Said E W Orientalism: Western conceptions of the Orient Penguin, 1991
Broinowski A The yellow lady: Australian impressions of Asia OUP, 1992