Thinking about Asia: cultural concepts in context
Proposed to be offered next in 1998
Jane Drakard and Barbara Hatley
12 points
* 2 hours per week
* First Semester
* Clayton
Objectives Students taking this subject should develop a knowledge of some of the major ideas which inform cultural, social and political action in Asian societies and the ability to think reflexively about culture and to challenge their own cultural assumptions. The subject will also encourage an awareness of the role of abstract ideas in relation to action and representations.
Synopsis This course is designed for students taking the MA or Diploma in Asian studies. The major objective is to introduce students to thinking about Asian societies through an exploration of some key cultural concepts; concepts which are manifested in diverse ways in different parts of Asia. Rather than generalising about what is `Asian' students will be encouraged to investigate difference and change in the way that abstractions such as `hierarchy', `power', `tradition' and `order' function in particular situations. The ideas introduced in this course will provide students with a framework/context for the study of Asia in their course work in the fields of politics, history, business, language, economics and society.
Assessment Document/book review (1000 words): 15%
* Tutorial essay
(2000 words): 25%
* Research essay (6000 words): 60%
Recommended texts
Pye LW Asian power and politics: The cultural dimensions of authority 1985
Dumont L Homo hierarchicus: An essay on the caste system in India U Chicago P, 1980
Anderson B `The idea of power in Javanese culture' in C Holt Culture and politics in Indonesia 1972
Geertz C Negara: The theatre state in nineteenth century Bali 1980
Tambiah S J World conquerer and world renouncer CUP, 1976
Richardson B M The political culture of Japan 1974
Wright A F (ed.) Studies in Chinese thought 1953
Geertz C (ed.) Old societies and new states 1963
Benedict R The chrysanthemum and the sword: Patterns of Japanese culture 1946
Srinivas M N The remembered village 1976
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