ASN3170

Women in Asia: gender, tradition and modernity

(ART)

Alison Tokita

6 points + Second semester + Clayton + 2 hours per week + Prerequisites: a first-year sequence in Asian studies or Anthropology or permission from Head of School + Prohibition: ASN2170

Synopsis: The subject will look at gender relations, cultural definitions of femininity and masculinity and changing gender roles in Asian societies and cultures. The pre-modern, modern and postmodern condition of women in countries such as Japan and Indonesia, and the issues facing women in Asia today will be explored in depth in a comparative context. Topics will include matriarchal cultural patterns in Japan and Indonesia and their cultural expressions, the impact of patriarchal systems such as Confucianism and Buddhism, the nature of women's equal rights movements in contemporary Asia, changing family structures and educational opportunities for women.

Assessment: Research essay (2000 words): 40% + Examination (1 hour): 30% + Oral presentation of group research project with written summary (1500 words): 30% + Third-year students will be expected to demonstrate more theoretical awareness and independent thinking in their research essay