Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The influence of Asian and European colonialism in Asia-Pacific has been so great it is difficult to understand the region in the present without first understanding the nature of the colonial project and the impact of colonialist practices in the region. Nonetheless it is equally important to understand the nature of local responses to these, evidenced in the struggle for independence, the birth of nationalism, and the emergence of diverse national and political identities.

Aims

This unit provides a general introduction to the history, geography and cultures of the Asia-Pacific region. It traces the rise and decline of colonial empires, the growth of nationalism in East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific and the dynamic policies of the Asia-Pacific and their search for identity, independence, growth and stability. This unit offers understandings of nationalism, colonialism, race and imperialism as they apply to the Asia Pacific region. You will use these understandings while conducting research to synthesise information and make historical judgements.

Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the main features of the historical development of the nations and peoples of the Asia-Pacific region.


2. Demonstrate a familiarity with the essentials of the process of social, economic and political development in the region.


3. Demonstrate knowledge of the variety of cultures and peoples of the region and how they have interacted over the past several centuries.


4. Describe the overall processes of Asian and European colonialism and imperialism and the development of nationalism in the region.


5. Describe and discuss the major international political and economic struggles of the post-World War II half-century and their impact in the Asia-Pacific region.

Content

Introducing Asia-Pacific
Pre-modern Asia
European colonialism in Asia
Forces of change in Asia, China and India in the Asia Pacific
Independence and revolution in East Asia
Independence and Revolution in Southeast Asia
Post-war Japan
US and the Vietnam War in Southeast Asia
Korea After World War II
Religions and Society in Asia with a focus on Islam
Democracy and Human Rights
National Focus: Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore
Elites, Business and Military in Asia and East Asia and the World

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit primarily consists of lectures and tutorial activities and discussions. Film documentaries are utilised to facilitate understanding. The content offers diverse perspectives and multi-disciplinary approaches to methods of learning. The lectures are informative with varied interpretations presented to consolidate aspects of each topic. Tutorials are student-centred with discussion encouraged. The assessment requires you to reflect upon the stated aims of the unit.

Assessment

The General Assessment for this unit is both formative and summative. Tasks include tutorial involvement, weekly quizzes and a written examination.Tutorial: The lecturer or tutor will offer suggestions and directions concerning the content and arrangement of the tutorial presentation.
Exam: Sample exam questions will be available.

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Oral presentation to class on specified topics utilising visual material.
Relates to objectives: 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Weekly Quiz
Description: Short answer questions about the content covered in the lectures and tutorials.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3.
Weight: 25%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Tutorials

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Set questions - Written responses.
Relates to objectives: 2, 3, 4 & 5.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Exam Block

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Texts

Mackerras, C. Eastern Asia: An Introductory History, (Third Edition, Frenchs Forest, NSW:
Longman 2000).

Knight, N. and Heazle, M. Understanding Australia's Neighbours: An Introduction to East and Southeast Asia. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 2011).



Useful References on the Asia-Pacific

1. Traditional and Colonial Asia

Hane, M. Peasants, Rebels and Outcasts: The Underside of Modern Japan. (New York: Pantheon Books 1982).

Reischauer, E.O. The Japanese. (Cambridge Mass: Harvard University Press 1978).

Spence, J. The Search for Modern China. (New York & London: Norton 1990).

Tarling, N. The Cambridge History of Southeast Asia. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1987).

Trocki, C.A. Opium, Empire and the Global Political Economy: A Study of the Asian Opium Trade, 1750-1950. (London: Routledge 1999).


2. 20th Century Asia

Anderson, B.R.O'G. Language and Power: Exploring Political Cultures in Indonesia. (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press 1990).

Frey, M., Pruessen, R.W. & Yong T.T. The Transformation of Southeast Asia: International Perspectives on Decolonisation, (London: Sharpe 2003).

Maidment, R. & Goldblatt, D. & Mitchell, J. Governance in the Asia-Pacific. (London: Routledge 1998).

McGrew, A. and Brook, C. Asia-Pacific in the New World Order, (London: Routledge 1998).

Reynolds, C. J. National Identity and its Defenders: Thailand, 1939-1989. (Bangkok: Silkworm Books 1991).

Schirokauer, C. Modern China and Japan: A Brief History. (Sydney: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich 1981).

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. Workplace health and safety protocols in relation to computer use apply.

Disclaimer: Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 18-May-2012