Faculty of Arts Asian Studies

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Faculty of Arts

Table of Contents

1. Faculty of Arts requirements
2. Prerequisites
3. Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies)
4. Requirements for a major
    4.1. Asian studies subjects
5. Combined honours entry
    5.1. Application procedure
6. Combined honours requirements
7. For more information
Subject Lists
    First-year subject
    Fourth-year subjects

Convener: Dr Wu Yunji (MIALS)

The Asian studies program at the University of Melbourne is ideal for students who wish to acquire a broad understanding of Asian societies and cultures. Students can combine language study with subjects that draw on teaching and research from a number of areas of study in arts that address the frameworks through which Asian societies can be understood. The program provides students with a comparative view of Asian societies through a critical and interdisciplinary approach. Students may also choose to specialise in a particular region of study to enhance their future career choices.

Asian studies is one of a number of departments that constitute the Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies (MIALS). The institute was established in 1998 as a major teaching and research initiative of the University of Melbourne. MIALS serves to strengthen the University's role as a major international centre for the development of studies in Asian languages and societies. Students who specialise in Asian studies develop transferable skills that will enhance their career options. Alternatively, they are able to expand on their interest and knowledge through an articulated structure of higher degree study options at the University of Melbourne.

Asian studies draws on collaborations with other faculties and departments at the University of Melbourne to offer a comprehensive program of study in the rich languages and intellectual, cultural, legal, political and religious traditions of Asia. Religious, political, social and economic aspects are considered with a focus on Japan, China, Indonesia, the Islamic world, and other Southeast and East Asian societies.

1. Faculty of Arts requirements

Within the Asian studies major, only those subjects offered by departments of the Faculty of Arts are arts-approved; see Arts-approved subject requirement. Combined degree students may not be able to undertake subjects offered by the Faculties of Economics and Commerce, and Law, and should contact a course adviser for advice.

2. Prerequisites

The Asian studies program commences in second year. The general prerequisite for entry is the completion of 50 points of first year in any areas of study within the Faculty of Arts.

Students are also strongly advised to undertake some study of an Asian language at first year. Languages available include Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai¹ and Korean¹.

The following first-year subjects are recommended for students interested in undertaking a major in Asian studies:

3. Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies)

The Diploma in Arts (Asian Studies) is only available to students who are currently enrolled in a degree course at the University of Melbourne. It consists of a three-year sequence of study, and adds one year to the duration of your degree.

Students must complete 25 points of recommended first-year subjects and 75 points of second/third-year subjects selected from the lists above, including 131-228 Inventing Asian Traditions. Alternatively, students who have completed appropriate background studies at first year may complete 100 points of second/third-year subjects from the lists above, including 131-228 Inventing Asian Traditions.

4. Requirements for a major

A major in Asian studies usually consists of nine 12.5-point subjects, totalling 112.5 points. It comprises:

• two first-year subjects from any area of study (25 points); and

• seven second/third-year subjects (87.5 points) which must include:

  • 131-228 Inventing Asian Traditions, the program's compulsory subject (12.5 points); and

  • six subjects from the list of Asian studies subjects below.

4.1. Asian studies subjects

The following second/third-year, third-year, and third/fourth-year subjects are part of the Asian studies program.

You must consult the relevant area of study entries in this Handbook to make sure that you meet the prerequisites, if any, for these subjects.

The usual prerequisite for entry to a third-year subject is 25 points of second/third year in that area. The usual prerequisite for entry to a third/fourth-year subject is 37.5 points at second/third-year in that area.

5. Combined honours entry

Honours coordinator: Dr Carolyn Stevens

Currently there is no pure honours program in Asian studies. This means that students must combine fourth-year honours in Asian studies with another area of study.

The prerequisites for entry to combined honours in Asian studies are:

• completion of all the requirements for the BA; and

• completion of a major in Asian studies; and

• an average grade of H2B or higher over the second/third-year subjects within the major; and

• admission to honours in another area of study within the Arts Faculty.

Students intending to take combined honours in Asian studies are advised to undertake at least some elementary study of an Asian language.

5.1. Application procedure

Entry to honours must be approved by the convenor of Asian studies and the Faculty of Arts honours course adviser.

Prospective honours students intending to undertake their thesis in Asian studies should submit an outline of their proposed course of study and a thesis proposal to the convener of Asian studies during Semester 2 of the academic year preceding commencement of honours.

6. Combined honours requirements

Students undertaking combined honours in Asian studies and another area of study must complete:

• 110-573 Asian Studies Thesis or 110-580 Asian Studies Thesis (MYE) (37.5 points); and

• two honours subjects in Asian studies (25 points); and

• three honours subjects in the combined area of study (totalling 37.5 points).

or

• honours thesis in the combined area of study (37.5 points); and

• two honours subjects in the combined area of study (25 points); and

• three honours subjects in Asian studies (37.5 points).

Subjects offered at third/fourth-year not already completed at third-year level are also available to Asian studies combined honours students, see Asian studies subjects.

Students may take relevant fourth-year subjects from other areas of study including language with the permission of the convener of Asian studies.

7. For more information

Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies
Sidney Myer Asia Centre
The University of Melbourne
Victoria 3010
Tel: +61 3 8344 5990
Fax: +61 3 9349 4870
Email: mials-enquiries@unimelb.edu.au
Web: http://www.asian.unimelb.edu.au

First-year subject

110-118 Language and Power in Asian Societies

Fourth-year subjects

110-573 Asian Studies Thesis
110-580 Asian Studies Thesis (MYE)
110-549 Religion and Religious Freedom in Asia
110-553 Human Rights in Southeast Asia

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