This plan is only available to students commencing 2009 onwards

The Asian studies major is an interdisciplinary major offering students the opportunity to study and understand the Asian region as well as Australia’s place in it. It is distinguished by its emphasis on both an all-Asia approach and a speciality in one Asian country or society. The major is designed to give students a broad understanding of the region as a whole but enables them to specialize in one country, with the option of learning an Asian language. Interdisciplinary methods aim to enhance the development of an Asian perspective in the study of Asian societies and to enable the critical analysis of the literature and scholarship on Asia. The major is designed not only to create an Asia-literate graduate who has a broad understanding of the region, but who can also develop an expertise in one particular Asian country.

The Asian Studies major aims to develop an effective understanding of the Asian region, drawing on the tools of several disciplines in order to:

1. build knowledge of the different historical, political, economic, social, and cultural developments that have defined the region;
2. Encourage students to take an Asian language (an optional offer)
3. develop students’ intellectual, creative and analytical skills; and to
4. cultivate an Asia-literate graduate, with the skill set required for success in a world in which Asia is increasingly set to lead
5. develop a specialty in at least one Asian country

A student who wishes to gain a major in Asian Studies must complete 54 units of credit including 12 uoc at level 1, at least 18 uoc at level 2 and at least 18 uoc at level 3 including the capstone course.

Level 2 courses in the major tackle broad themes in a regional context be it an all-Asia geographical spread or survey courses of one region of Asia (either South Asia, East Asia or Southeast Asia). Themes include popular culture, economic transformation, politics and security, and religion.

In addition to the capstone course that gives students an overview of the main approaches and critical debates in the theory and practice of Asian Studies, Level 3 courses focus on single country studies providing the opportunity for students to specialise in one particular Asian country. The specific country choices include: Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Philippines, China and India.