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Critical Asian Perspectives (ASIA90004)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

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Semester 1
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This subject aims to advance fourth year and postgraduate coursework students' conception of the interdisciplinary field of Asian Studies. Students will deepen their understanding of this field through readings and discussions on societies ranging from Northeast to Southeast Asia to the Middle East. A critical and comparative outlook is encouraged throughout by way of contextually addressing a series of key issues confronting contemporary Asia as well as by exploring the utility of various available theoretical perspectives and conceptual tools in thinking about students’ own research projects and interests. Students are expected to interact with each other and with the instructor in seminar discussions on the assigned readings and on relevant topics. Presentations are required, mainly in the last two weeks of the semester though some may be scheduled beforehand.

Intended learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this subject should:



  • become familiar with the interdisciplinary issues involved in Asian Studies;
  • compare approaches to the study of Asian languages and societies in different areas, and learn to apply this knowledge to developing expertise in their own areas; and
  • develop an appreciation of the knowledge systems appropriate to their field.

Generic skills

Students who wuccessfully complete this subject should:

  • 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; and
  • develop team work skills through involvement in group discussions.

Last updated: 3 November 2022