The Asian Studies major stream is an interdisciplinary major stream 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 stream 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 stream 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 stream 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 stream 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.

At the beginning of the second year students are required to start planning for their course selections at level 3. As such, students need to develop expertise in two of the three major regions at level 2—East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. This will prepare them for courses that focus on specific countries in those regions at level 3.

Students may obtain up to 12 Upper Level UOC from a language in their area of specialty toward the award of BA/Asian Studies, with the permission of the Convenor. Please note that students with previous study in a language are required to take a placement test, and that the course they are placed in will count as an entry level course. This variation does not apply to students in the BInst program.

Students may count relevant courses from other subject areas toward their major stream in Asian Studies with the Convenor approval.

Students must complete two compulsory core courses*:

Students must complete a minimum of three Level 2 courses, including two of the following courses on major regions:

and the balance of courses from:

the following courses from other subject areas can also be counted towards the Asia Studies major stream:

Students must complete at least three level 3 courses (including the capstone course), one of which must be within their chosen area of specialty, with options available on Korea, China, India, Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines: