This course investigates the transformations unfolding in contemporary Asia and the Pacific, aiming to foster continuous engagement with this captivating and ever-evolving region. Through interdisciplinary exploration, students will explore key themes including tradition and modernity, poverty and riches, ethnicity and gender dynamics, as well as beliefs, creativity and performance. Indigenous perspectives are a major element of the course, with an emphasis on views from Indigenous Australians. These themes offer insights into the ongoing shifts in power dynamics in Asia and the Pacific, the impact of regional transformations on the global geopolitical landscape, and the digital revolutions shaping the region. The course also analyses significant economic growth disparities and economic interdependence across the region and its subnational components, as well as the strategic importance of cultural expression in fostering social cohesion and national identity.
Students will gain diverse perspectives on the region’s complexities as the course introduces various approaches to these themes, drawing from disciplines such as anthropology, politics, gender studies, history, cultural studies, economics, international relations and others. The course emphasises the importance of inter-referencing within the region to demonstrate how concepts and theories originating from Asian and Pacific contexts are relevant on a translocal scale. Experts from across the ANU will raise big questions and comparative case studies in lectures, while tutorials will provide opportunities for students to develop the skills of critical thinking and effective communication.
This course is one of two required foundational courses for the Bachelor of Asian Studies. It is also highly suitable for students from programs across the ANU who recognise the importance of engaging with Asia, the Pacific, and Indigenous Perspectives to their studies and future careers. This course enhances students’ capacity to engage with twenty-first-century challenges related to Asia and the Pacific, including the future of Australia’s place in the region, from transdisciplinary and comparative perspectives.
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 how different concepts and methods from the humanities and social sciences can be used to analyse Asia and the Pacific, while integrating 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]
- Research note: 500 words (excluding bibliography) (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Research essay: 2000 words (excluding bibliography) (35) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Group presentation: 300-word written reflection (15) [LO 1,2,5]
- Final Multimedia Project: The script is equivalent to a 2500-word essay (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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
This course requires 130 hours, including class time and self-study.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
All required materials will be available on Wattle.
Preliminary Reading
All required materials will be available on Wattle.
Assumed Knowledge
Completion of ASIA1025 is recommended but not required. This course assumes no background knowledge.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 |