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East Asian Values and Identities - ARTS3007
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Campus: Kensington Campus
 
 
Career: Undergraduate
 
 
Units of Credit: 6
 
 
EFTSL: 0.12500 (more info)
 
 
Indicative Contact Hours per Week: 3
 
 
Enrolment Requirements:
 
 
Prerequisite: 48 units of credit
 
 
Fee Band: 1 (more info)
 
 
Further Information: See Class Timetable
 
  

Description

Introduces the recent stages in a discussion of values, which has accompanied East Asian and Asian awareness of an identity crisis for well over a century. The discussion has produced a new notion of Asian business and work ethics and contributed to the formation of a new complex and controversial Asian identity. The Confucian focus on self-discipline, family coherence, hierarchical order and social status will be contrasted with the traditional Chinese focus on health, preservation of life and energy, individual identity and integrity, and personal spontaneity. Islamic notions of community and transcendence are considered. Analysis will be from an Asian as well as from a Euro-American perspective. Also explores the philosophical roots of the role of education in East Asian societies, including social and professional responsibilities of intellectuals and university graduates since the beginning of the 20th century.

Note: Offered jointly by the School of Languages and Linguistics, the School of History and Philosophy and the School of Social Sciences and International Studies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, student should have an awareness of:
  • the cultural components at work in defining social responsibility and in particular work ethics in an East Asian cultural environment
  • a theoretical and critical understanding of what is meant by 'Asian values'
  • the need for analysing practical situations from different cultural perspectives
  • some of the main issues discussed in the relevant literature.

Assessment

  • Individual class presentation – 10%
  • Essay – 30%
  • Presentation notes – 10%
  • Reading notes – 20%
  • Final exam – 30%

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© The University of New South Wales (CRICOS Provider No.: 00098G), 2004-2011. The information contained in this Handbook is indicative only. While every effort is made to keep this information up-to-date, the University reserves the right to discontinue or vary arrangements, programs and courses at any time without notice and at its discretion. While the University will try to avoid or minimise any inconvenience, changes may also be made to programs, courses and staff after enrolment. The University may also set limits on the number of students in a course.