This course offers an interdisciplinary introduction to the Asia-Pacific region, encompassing its rich cultural, ecological, and political diversity. In the first half of the course, students will engage deeply with Indigenous Australian cultures, histories, and knowledge systems. Emphasis is placed on First Peoples’ perspectives – including the continuing significance of kinship, language, and connection to Country – and the agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in pursuing cultural autonomy and resurgence. The second half of the course broadens the scope to examine key factors shaping the Asia-Pacific region, including histories and ongoing transformations driven by colonialism, post-colonialism, capitalism, and globalisation. Through a relational ontological lens, students will investigate how these forces manifest across national and local contexts and their impacts on landscapes, livelihoods, and identities. Specific topics include treaties and policymaking, urbanisation, agrarian change, development discourse, democracy, power and resistance, nation-making, diaspora communities, and multiculturalism.

ASIA1030 is one of two core foundational courses in the Bachelor of Asian Studies program. No prior knowledge of Asia or the Pacific is required, making it suitable for students seeking to deepen their understanding of the region or explore the influence of global forces through relational and diplomatic perspectives in Asian and Pacific contexts. The course combines critical discussion of key regional themes with case studies presented by a diverse range of experts, including leading academics and Traditional Owners from across Australia, who share their knowledge through lectures and interactive sessions. Through interdisciplinary engagement and respectful, informed dialogue, students will develop foundational conceptual and analytical tools and an enhanced capacity for cultural sensitivity and self-awareness, enabling them to navigate complex political and cultural situations with empathy and insight.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand and value the diversity of experience in Asia, the Pacific, and Indigenous Australia, especially in ways that promote independent lifelong learning from and with these regions.
2. Develop an awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on Australian history, connection to Country, and contemporary life. 
3. Examine modern discourses centring Indigenous Australian history, cultures, languages, and ongoing relations to the broader Asia-Pacific region. 
4. Demonstrate, both orally and in writing, how concepts and methods from the humanities and social sciences can be applied to the analysis of Asia and the Pacific, while incorporating Indigenous analytical perspectives.
5. Analyse modern transformations within Asia and the Pacific, including Australia, by drawing upon research, making a coherent argument, using a logical structure and method, and showing correct use of scholarly citation.
6. Develop self-reflective awareness, critical thinking, independent judgment, and effective communication through a range of written, oral, and multimedia forms, both individually and in groups.

Research-Led Teaching

This course will feature guest lectures from scholars across the ANU School of Culture, History and Language, who will bring their expertise and current research directly into the classroom. Through these sessions, students will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge ideas and perspectives from researchers working on diverse topics across Asia and the Pacific. The aim is to expose students to a range of disciplinary approaches and contemporary debates, while connecting course themes to ongoing research at ANU.

Required Resources

Readings for this course will be available on Canvas.

Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

ANU outlines recommended student system requirements to ensure you are able to participate fully in your learning. Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Week 1 - Lecture 1: The Modern Transformations of Asia and the Pacific – Indigenous Perspectives (lecturer: Dr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)
2	Week 2 - Lecture 2.1: Organising Lives – Indigenous Perspectives part I (lecturer: JDr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)
3	Week 3 - Lecture 2.2: Organising Lives – Indigenous Perspectives part II (lecturer: Dr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)	Research Note due in Week 3
4	Week 4 - Lecture 3.1: Poverty and Riches – Indigenous Perspectives part I (lecturer: Dr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)	Progress Check-In and Feedback
5	Week 5 - Lecture 3.2: Poverty and Riches – Indigenous Perspectives part II (lecturer: Dr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)
6	Week 6 - Lecture 3.3: Poverty and Riches – Indigenous Perspectives part III (lecturer: Dr Jen Mason, A/ Prof Ray Tobler and guest lecturer)	Research essay due in week 6
7	Week 7 - Lecture 4: Foreign Imperialism in China during the late 19th and the early 20th century (lecturer: A/ Prof Shuge Wei)	Tutorial group 1 presentation in week 7
8	Week 8 - Lecture 5: Asia and Postwar Japan: Deimperialization, Civic Activism, and National Identity( lecturer: Prof Simon Avenell)	Tutorial group 2 presentation in week 8
9	Week 9 - Lecture 6: Sacred Architecture as Social Structure: The Role of the Uma Lulik in Timor-Leste (lecturer: Dr Renata Nogueira)	Tutorial group 3 presentation in week 9
10	Week 10 - Lecture 7:Colonialism and Its Popular Legacy in Korea (lecturer: Prof Kyung Moon)	Tutorial group 4 presentation in week 10
11	Week 11 - Lecture 8: Colonialism and decolonisation in India and South Asia (lecturer: A/ Prof Meera Ashar)	Tutorial group 5 presentation in week 11
12	Week 12: Lecture 9: Bringing the Course Together (lecturers: A/ Prof Larissa Schneider and A/ Prof Shuge Wei)	Final multimedia project due in the week following week 12

Tutorial Registration

Tutorials are an essential part of the course. Please register for your tutorial via MyTimetable

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Return of assessment	Learning Outcomes
Tutorial Participation 10%	10 %	30/11/2026	26/11/2026	1,2,3,5,6
Research note 15%	15 %	13/08/2026	26/11/2026	1,2,3,5,6
Research essay 30%	30 %	03/09/2026	30/09/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Group Presentation 15%	15 %	21/10/2026	27/11/2026	1,2,3,5,6
Final Multimedia Project 30%	30 %	29/10/2026	26/11/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

There is no examination in this course.

Assessment Task 1

Tutorial Participation 10%

Active and engaged participation is a vital component of this course. Students will be assessed on the quality and consistency of their preparation for, and contributions to, lectures and tutorials throughout the semester. Preparation is demonstrated by engaging with the required readings and lecture material (including recorded lectures where applicable) and coming to class ready to discuss the week's content. Participation is assessed through meaningful contributions to discussions and activities, including asking and responding to questions, sharing insights, participating in group work, and undertaking short oral presentations or other in-class tasks where applicable. Occasional in-class activities or quick-response questions may also contribute to the participation mark. The participation mark is based on students' demonstrated preparation, engagement, and contributions across the semester.

Assessment Task 2

Research note 15%

Students will write a 500-word research analysis note (excluding the bibliography) on one academic article. Detailed assessment guidelines will be available on Canvas.

Assessment Task 3

Research essay 30%

Students will write a 2000-word essay analysing a chosen topic, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their critical thinking and engagement with course themes. Detailed assessment guidelines will be available on Canvas.

Assessment Task 4

Group Presentation 15%

All students will be assigned to small groups, and each of these small groups will make an in-tutorial presentation once during the semester on their chosen week's assigned readings and lectures. This task takes place over multiple weeks, starting from week 7 and continuing until week 11. Students will be evaluated both on how well they draw connections across readings and lectures and on how effectively they engage other tutorial members in discussion. More details will be given on Canvas.

Assessment Task 5

Final Multimedia Project 30%

Students will create a short video that demonstrates analytical connections across the diverse material we encounter in this class. Detailed instructions will be given on Canvas.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Written assignments will be returned with feedback within two weeks of the submission deadline. In cases where students have been granted extensions (in accordance with university policy), reasonable adjustments to the return schedule will apply.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students