This course examines two dynamic concurrent trends: the rapid advances in new technologies and the rise of Asia as an economic powerhouse driving these advances globally. Grounded in interdisciplinary approaches, this course will encourage critical reflection on the interlocking logistical, ethical, gendered, cultural and political considerations faced by Asian people on a daily basis when it comes to new technologies. These trends include digitalisation, artificial intelligence (A.I.) and science and technology studies (STS) more broadly. The course therefore provides up-to-date knowledge about emerging agendas in new technologies that are revolutionising Asian economic, creative and geopolitical possibilities, which ultimately impact our lives here in Australia too. The course will help prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving technological spaces that are opening up in the Asian region and beyond. It will provide a grounding of Asian culture, society and gender as central to understanding how these technological spaces have evolved, and where they are heading next.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Identify and explain current trends in new technologies, and describe how they apply to knowledge production.
- Analyse audience requirements in the Asia-Pacific's rapidly changing online environment.
- Define a role within digital spaces that offers opportunities to work collaboratively.
- Apply critical thinking skills to evaluate new technology activities in relation to gender and cultural studies, with suggestions for the continuous improvement of such collaborative undertakings.
- Develop transferable skills in writing, sub-editing, editing and multimedia content analysis to promote critical reflection across new digital platforms.
Indicative Assessment
- 7 x 500 word written pieces (35) [LO 1,3,4,5]
- In-class participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Discussant/presentation (in-class) (20) [LO 1,2,4]
- Research essay 2000 words (35) [LO 1,2,4,5]
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
3 hours seminar per week, 130 hours workload over the whole semester including independent study.Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
n/a
Preliminary Reading
Digital Activism in Asia Reader
Shah, Nishant.; Sneha, Puthiya Purayil.; Chattapadhyay, Sumandro.; Open Access Publishing in European Networks.
Global Digital Cultures Perspectives from South Asia
Michigan Publishing (University of Michigan), publisher.; Mohan, Sriram.; Punathambekar, Aswin.
From Grassroots Activism to Disinformation: Social Media in Southeast Asia
Sinpeng, Aim ; Tapsell, Ross
Invisibility by Design : Women and Labor in Japan's Digital Economy.
Lukács, Gabriella.
The Chinese e-Merging Market: Digital China and Its Social Media Landscape
Krokou, Danai
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you 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). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found 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 |
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2908 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |