This course is an introduction to Asia and the Pacific: regions of extraordinary natural and cultural diversity. We explore of some of the major forces and dynamics shaping the region, and how these are experienced across national and local contexts. The course begins with an in-depth study of the Traditional Owners and their enduring connections to land across Asia and the Pacific, providing essential cultural and historical context for all subsequent topics. We then trace the history of big forces like colonialism, post-colonialism and decoloniality, and capitalism. We examine the ongoing legacies of these processes. We also examine people's interactions with their environment and the changes to urban and agrarian landscapes and livelihoods, before investigating the dynamics of development discourse, democracy, power and resistance, processes of nation-making, and diaspora communities and multiculturalism.
The course combines discussion of key questions relating to the above themes with case studies presented by distinguished ANU experts on Asia and the Pacific, including Traditional Owners who will share their knowledge through lectures and interactive sessions. Students will have the opportunity to engage meaningfully with Indigenous Perspectives to their studies and future careers. Throughout the semester, students are encouraged to critically reflect on diverse perspectives and cultivate their own informed, respectful, and nuanced approach to studying the Asia–Pacific region. ASIA1030 is one of two required foundational courses for the Bachelor of Asian Studies degree. No prior knowledge of Asia and the Pacific is assumed. The course is highly suitable for any discipline who wish to develop a deeper understanding of the region, or to explore global forces through an Asian and Pacific perspective. It provides students with key foundational conceptual and analytical tools to examine the historical and cultural forces that shape contemporary understandings of Asia and the Pacific.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- 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.
- Develop an awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on Australian history, connection to Country, and contemporary life.
- Examine modern discourses centring Indigenous Australian history, cultures, languages, and ongoing relations to the broader Asia-Pacific region.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Indicative Assessment
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
- Research note: 500 words (excluding bibliography) (20) [LO 1,2,3,5,6]
- Research essay: 2000 words (excluding bibliography) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Group presentation: 300-word written reflection (15) [LO 1,2,5,6]
- Final Multimedia Project: The script is equivalent to a 2500-word essay (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
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
This course requires 130 hours, including class time and self-study.
Prescribed Texts
All required materials will be available on Canvas.
Preliminary Reading
All required materials will be available on Canvas.
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of ASIA1025 is recommended but not required. This course assumes no background knowledge.Majors
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 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $4500 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $5820 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8512 | 27 Jul 2026 | 03 Aug 2026 | 31 Aug 2026 | 30 Oct 2026 | In Person | N/A |