APG5069 - Australia and Asia in the Asian century: Politics, business, media - 2019

This unit examines Australia's past, present and future relations with Asia with seminars delivered at Monash's Melbourne and Malaysia Campuses. It traverses a broad terrain, investigating cross-cultural contact at political, diplomatic, economic, trade, tourism and media levels, as well as at the cultural and personal levels. Specific focus is given to the relationship with the rising economic powers of China, India and Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

The unit places contemporary events within their broader historical contexts, to identify enduring themes that have and continue to influence Australian-Asian relations. It also considers future developments as Australia's economy further integrates with the region via trade and the nation negotiates the 'Asian Century'. As a case study, it examines in detail Australia's historical and contemporary relationship with Malaysia; and how Australia relates to the wider Asian region.

The unit is offered in intensive mode initially with a series of pre-departure seminars offered at the Caulfield campus, before students undertake a series of seminars at Monash Malaysia Through these seminars, students will gain an in-depth awareness of the complex social, cultural and political contexts of Asia, and how Australia fits into the regional framework.

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 Australia's contemporary cross-cultural and international relations with Malaysia and the region, and have attained an understanding of the impacts of representation and discourse in shaping international relations.
3. Have developed the capacity to reflect on the implications between personal attitudes and views and broader patterns of culture and discourse.
4. Have developed skills in constructing evidence-based arguments using a variety of primary and secondary sources, and demonstrated an ability to reflect critically on what they have learnt;
5. Have developed skills in written and oral presentation and communication.
6. Have developed a capacity to undertake location-based fieldwork, enhancing personal resilience and the capacity to work cooperatively in teams, and conduct independent research.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 150 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.

• Additional requirements
• Field trip

See also Unit timetable information

International development practice

International relations