131-228 Inventing Asian Traditions

Formerly available as 131-146, 110-021 or 158-219/319. Students who have completed 131-146, 110-021 or 158-219/319 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

50 points of first year from any area of study within the Faculty of Arts.

This is the core subject for the interdepartmental program in Asian studies offering a comparative view of Asian societies and an example of how knowledge about these societies is developed and transmitted. The subject will look at some of the following themes: the origins of the idea of Asia, Asia in the Australian historical imagination, Orientalism; inventing nations; inventing the family and gender; and inventing religions. Students should complete the subject with a foundation for more specialised studies on Asia.

• 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;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion.

A 1500 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), a comparative research essay of 2500 words 60% (due during the examination period) and tutorial participation including an oral presentation for one tutorial 10%.

A subject reader will be available.