Asian Studies - ASIAA13424
Stream Summary
Faculty: ARTSC - Faculty of Arts&Social Science
School: School of Humanities and Languages
Contact: hal@unsw.edu.au
Program: 3424 - International Studies
Award(s):
Bachelor of International Studies (Major)
View stream information for previous years
Stream Outline
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 an all-Asia approach. 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 to create an Asia-literate graduate who has a broad understanding of the region and who can also develop an expertise in particular areas.
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
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
Stream Structure
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.
Students may obtain up to 12 Upper Level UOC in a relevant Asian language 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. Those beginning study of an Asian language must therefore complete four consecutive semesters of study in that language, with the final two semesters counting towards the BA/Asian Studies.
Students may count relevant courses from other subject areas toward their major stream in Asian Studies with the Convenor approval.
Students may obtain up to 12 Upper Level UOC in a relevant Asian language 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. Those beginning study of an Asian language must therefore complete four consecutive semesters of study in that language, with the final two semesters counting towards the BA/Asian Studies.
Students may count relevant courses from other subject areas toward their major stream in Asian Studies with the Convenor approval.
Level 1
Students must complete two compulsory core courses*:
- ARTS1210 Concepts of Asia (6 UOC)
- ARTS1211 Australia's Asian Context (6 UOC)
*ARTS1750 Introduction to Development Studies may be counted as a replacement course for one of the two in only limited circumstances and at the discretion of the Convenor.
Level 2
Students must complete a minimum of three Level 2 courses, including two of the following courses on major regions:
- ARTS2210 Modern India (6 UOC)
- ARTS2211 East Asia (6 UOC)
- ARTS2212 Southeast Asia (6 UOC)
and the balance of courses from:
the following courses from other subject areas can also be counted towards the Asian Studies major stream:
Level 3
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:
- ARTS3212 Powerful India (6 UOC)
- ARTS3217 History of Modern China (6 UOC)
- ARTS3218 Japanese History (6 UOC)
- ARTS3220 Asian Cities (6 UOC)
- ARTS3640 Japan and Korea (6 UOC)
Asian Studies Capstone course (Compulsory)
- ARTS3210 Asian Studies Capstone (6 UOC)
