131-076 Asia, the Pacific & the West in History

This subject forms part of the Universitas 21 Certificate in Global Studies and is taught over a nine week period with one week for orientation exercises.

Usually, admission to the Universitas 21 Certificate in Global Issues or 25 points of first-year history or Asian studies, see Prerequisites.

From Burma to Japan, Manchuria to the Philippines, Hawaii to Cambodia and Tibet, this subject will explore the histories of Asia, the Pacific, and the West's involvement in these areas from the 16th century to the present, with an emphasis on 20th century history. The subject will be divided into three thematic groups: early contacts between Asia, the Pacific and the West; colonisation, resistance, and the struggles for independence; and the de-colonisation process and recent and contemporary crises in Asia and the Pacific today. Questions explored over the course of the subject include: What was the nature of early contact between the West and Asian and the Pacific? How did contact with the West transform states and societies in Asia and the Pacific? What policies did the colonial power (including Japan) implement what forms did resistance take? How did colonisation and eventually de-colonisation exacerbate racial, ethnic, and national tensions and how have these factors influenced states and societies today in Asia and the Pacific? Finally, we will look at the role (if any) human rights, sanctions, and economic trade have had on Australia and the West's relations with countries in Asia and the Pacific today, particularly China (Tibet), Myanmar, Fiji, and Cambodia.

• demonstrate research skills through competent use of the library and other information sources;

• show critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument;

• demonstrate understanding of social, ethical and cultural context through the contextualisation of judgements, developing a critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and possibilities and by constructing an argument.

Class participation and written work totalling 4000 words comprising a 1000 word radio documentary comparison 30% (due during the one-week break), tutorial participation though on-line postings equivalent to 500 words 25% (due throughout the teaching period) and a 2500 word essay 45% (due one week after the final class).

A subject reader will be available.