Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Course

This course enables students to gain knowledge about the cultures and societies of one or more of the many nations that form the Asian region. With a broad range of electives to choose from, students can design the course most relevant to their professional and educational aspirations, be it in areas such as business and law, or in the humanities. With this course, students can study relevant aspects of Asia through a variety of academic disciplines, while honing their skills in critical thinking, research and presentation. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to engage critically with the notions of 'Asia' and 'Asian values' and to make an informed assessment of past and current issues in the Asian region, or in international relations both within and with the region. Students who wish to do so can develop an area of special interest in a research or policy paper. Students are also encouraged to acquire relevant language skills as part of their study.

Students successfully completing this course will have:

• a sound knowledge of diverse aspects of the academic discipline
• an understanding of the world view of the field of study
• a critical appreciation of the secondary literature in the field of study
• a familiarity with many of the key texts and cultural products pertaining to the field of study
• advanced reading and communication skills, both written and verbal
• advanced analytical skills
• a grasp of research methodology and ethics, and an ability to undertake a small, independent research project in one of the disciplines represented in the program.

This course consists of 24 points of compulsory core units and 48 points of elective units.

Core units

• AST4000/AST5000 Contemporary issues in Asia
• AST4220/AST5220 Investigating other societies: Area studies in global perspective

Electives

There is a wide choice of electives (not all of which will be offered every year). The student must determine his or her choice of electives in consultation with the course coordinator.

It is possible to complete the elective requirement with four 12-point coursework units. Of these, one must be in the Faculty of Arts, and at least two must be in a related field or area of study, such as business, environmental studies, politics etc.

Students who wish to study an Asian language may choose to do up to four 6-point language units to meet 24 points of the elective requirements.

Students may choose to substitute one 12-point unit with a 12-point supervised research project or policy paper, especially if they are considering applying for admission to a research degree.

Students who have completed studies in the Master of Asian Studies to the value of:

• 24 points may apply to exit with a Graduate Certificate of Arts
• 48 points may apply to exit with a Graduate Diploma in Arts.

Master of Asian Studies