110-590 Critical Asian Perspectives

Admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in Arabic, Chinese, Islamic Studies, Indonesian or Japanese; the Master of Arts (Asian Societies), or permission of the coordinator.

This subject aims to consolidate and develop fourth year and postgraduate coursework students' intellectual conception of the interdisciplinary field of Asian studies. Students will deepen their understanding of their chosen field through readings in Arabic and Islamic studies, Chinese studies, Indonesian studies and Japanese studies as well as interacting with each other in seminar discussions on the assigned readings and topics of student interest. Theoretical topics include indigenous knowledge systems; analytical frameworks such as gender, ethnicity and class, and the concept of reflexivity.

• show an advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base;

• acquire comparative theoretical perspectives on East-West research;

• be able to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;

• exercise methods of critical inquiry and argument leading to improved analytical skills;

• acquire an awareness of issues relating to cross-cultural communication;

• develop team work skills through involvement in group discussions;

A 20 minute oral seminar presentation, which includes question and answer time 20% (throughout the semester), a 2000 word comparative essay 30% (due in week 6), a 2500 word research essay on topic chosen by student and approved by the coordinator 40% (due at the start of the examination period) and class participation 10% (throughout the semester).

Materials supplied by the Institute.