AST5050

Interpreting modern Asia: alternative approaches

John McKay

12 points -2 hours per week -First semester -Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this unit, students will (1) have a general appreciation of the major transformation that has taken place in Asia in the last four decades; (2) have an understanding of how these changes have affected the overall structure of the region and patterns of relationships within it, how changes within the economy, social systems, political systems and culture are related to each other, and how this has affected individual countries; (3) have an understanding of the major theories that have been used to explain these changes, and an appreciation of some of the major theoretical conflicts and debates that exist; (4) have an appreciation of the major bibliographical, statistical and literature sources relevant to understanding contemporary Asia.

Synopsis The unit will present a general overview of the major theoretical approaches that are being used to understand the recent and current transformation of Asia. In the last forty years Asia has become the most dynamic region in the world, the centre of the global economy. This economic renaissance has in turn generated a large number of complex political, strategic, social and cultural changes. These dynamic processes have generated an enormous literature on the general patterns of change in the region, on more restricted sub-processes, and on the transformations within individual countries. The unit will explore these processes at various levels and will introduce the major theoretical approaches that have been used. Case studies will be taken from Northeast, Southeast and South Asia. There will also be some reference to the implications of these change for Australia-Asia relations.

Assessment One 9000-word research essay.

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