ASN2170

Women in Asia: Gender, Tradition and Modernity (6 points)

(ARTS)

Leader: Dr Alison Tokita

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2003 (Day)

Synopsis: The unit 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 colonial experience from a gender perspective, 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%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x lecture and 1 x tutorial) per week

Prerequisites: a first-year sequence in Asian studies or Anthropology or by permission

Prohibitions: ASN3170