The Asia-Pacific is one of the world's most exciting, vibrant and contested regions. Difficult twentieth century histories have been, for the most part, left behind, as the region looks to a more integrated, prosperous and peaceful future. However, lingering animosities, persistent inequalities and injustices and unstable polities have the potential to generate regional and even global impacts.
There are many ways and many entry points into the scholarly exploration of this complex and fascinating region. Through the broad lens of human rights and with the assistance of key ANU experts, we will explore a range of disciplinary and case study perspectives to develop a better understanding of key institutions and issues in the Asia-Pacific.
Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948, the notion of universal human rights has been a deeply contested concept. We will begin by looking at the philosophical and historical foundations of human rights, and we will consider ways of examining human rights theory and practice. From there, we will look at the challenges and issues associated with applying these alleged universal principles across nations with enormous variations in economic and social circumstances as well as across civil and political and cultural traditions. Lectures and readings provided by ANU experts will highlight human rights issues across the Asia-Pacific including case studies from China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Burma, Korea and and the Pacific. Lecturers will also offer insights into disciplinary and methodological approaches to analysing complex social science concepts. These may include rights, power, legitimacy, social control, human economic patterns, gender, media, and the family.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, student will be able to:
- Demonstrate their expanded knowledge of the modern history of countries in the Asia-Pacific region
- Further demonstrate their ability to evaluate opinions, apply critical reasoning and construct effective arguments
- Communicate arguments and findings both orally and in writing and in accordance with academic standards
- Work interactively and reflectively in teams to deliver coherent group presentations
Indicative Assessment
Participation 15% (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)
Critical review 15% (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)
Group presentation 20% (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)
Research essay 50% (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The course meets for three hours a week for 12 weeks. Outside of the contact hours, two outside hours per contact hour for preparation and review would be common.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $3216 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4590 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7272 | 24 Jul 2017 | 31 Jul 2017 | 31 Aug 2017 | 27 Oct 2017 | In Person | N/A |