ATS2394 - Australia and Asia - 2017

This unit examines Australia's past and present relations with Asia, culminating in a study tour of an Asian country. It traverses a broad terrain, investigating cross-cultural contact at political and diplomatic, economic and trade, as well as cultural and personal levels. The unit places contemporary events within their broader historical contexts, to identify enduring themes that influence Australian-Asian relations. It also looks ahead to future developments as Australia negotiates the 'Asian Century'. The unit begins in Australia, before students embark on a study tour of an Asian nation to gain an in-depth awareness of the complex social, cultural and political context of Asia, and how Australia fits into a regional frame.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the breadth and complexity of Australia's contacts with Asia, at diplomatic, economic, social and cultural levels.
2. Exhibit an understanding of the ways in which past encounters, discourses and policies affect contemporary cross-cultural and international relations.
3. Have attained an understanding of the impacts of representation and discourse in shaping international relations.
4. Have developed the capacity to reflect on the implications between personal attitudes and views and broader patterns of culture and discourse.
5. Have developed skills in constructing evidence-based arguments using a variety of primary and secondary sources, and demonstrated their ability to reflect critically on what they have learnt.
6. Have developed skills in written and oral presentation and communication.
7. Have developed a capacity to undertake location-based fieldwork, enhancing personal resilience and the capacity to work cooperatively in teams, and conduct independent research.
8. Students taking this unit at Level 3 will demonstrate a higher level of skills in independent research and critical analysis.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 288 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Jemma Purdey

Australia in the world

History

International studies

Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.

ATS3394