Monash University: University handbooks: Postgraduate handbook: Units indexed by faculty
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Asian studies

See also ‘Monash Asia Institute’.

Asian studies comprises the interdisciplinary study of the region referred to as ‘Asia’. Asia is usually regarded as starting to the west of Pakistan and extending to the western rim of the Pacific, including those countries in south, south-east and east Asia. The region contains two-thirds of the world’s population and many hundreds of distinct cultures and languages. It is home to the world’s two largest countries and to the world’s biggest democracy. It embraces some of the world’s most sophisticated and developed economies, and some of the world’s most impoverished and least developed countries.

East Asia in particular has been the engine for global economic growth over the last two decades of the 20th century. Many of the region’s political, strategic and diplomatic issues have dominated world attention at the beginning of the 21st century.

Research strengths and supervision

Research on Asia is undertaken across a wide range of disciplines at Monash. Much of it is interdisciplinary and relates to aspects of society, language and culture, politics, government, economics, industrial relations, business, health and nutrition, education and law. Accordingly, supervision of PhD and research masters candidature is available in a wide range of fields.

Research degrees

The research programs are for advanced students, for those with an ongoing professional interest in Asia and in Australia-Asia relations, and for others who wish to return to study after some time in the workforce. Research on Asia and Australia-Asia relations requires that students develop cross-cultural sensitivities and skills. Through research they have the opportunity to acquaint themselves with recent debates and changes concerning the specific issues and countries they are addressing.

The school offers the research Master of Arts in Asian Studies in two formats. One requires the submission of a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000 words after a full-time semester of coursework (66% research). The other is structured solely around the submission of a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words (100% research). The PhD is awarded by the successful submission of a thesis of about 100,000 words. For 100% research masters degrees and Doctor of Philosophy course details, refer to 'Faculty information' earlier in this section. Course information for the Master of Arts by 66% research is detailed below. For further information, contact the graduate administrator, Mrs Sally Riley, on +61 3 9905 5409, or the Asian studies course coordinator, Professor Ross Mouer, on +61 3 9905 2271. See also www.arts.monash.edu.au/lcl/graduate_studies/.

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