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. We begin by introducing the idea of Area Studies as a field of scholarship, asking what it means to study Asia and the Pacific. 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 encompasses both discussion of big questions around the above themes and case studies into these themes presented by some of the most distinguished ANU experts on Asia and the Pacific. Students have the opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledges. Throughout the semester, students are encouraged to reflect on and develop their own approach to studying the Region. ASIA1025 is one of two required foundational courses for the Bachelor of Asian Studies degree. It assumes no prior knowledge of Asia and the Pacific. It is also highly suitable for students from other programs who would like to build their understanding of Asia and the Pacific region, or to understand global forces through an Asian and Pacific perspective. The course provides students with key conceptual tools for understanding the historical and cultural forces that shape our understanding of Asia and the Pacific today. This course provides students with foundational conceptual and analytical tools useful for deepening their understanding of Asia and the Pacific.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental issues and themes relevant to Asia and the Pacific
- Evaluate different theoretical and methodological perspectives for analysing Asia and the Pacific, particularly Australian indigenous and Pacifica perspectives.
- Articulate their own approach to knowledge of Asia and the Pacific
- Demonstrate core research skills, including critical reading of scholarly texts, university-level writing, and academic presentation.
- Transfer analytical and conceptual skills, including indigenous perspectives, formed in and with respect to Asia and the Pacific to complement learning across various disciplines.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly workbook submissions of 200-300 words per week. First submission (10%) covers weeks 1-4. Total word limit for first submission of 800-1200 words. Second submission (30%) covers weeks 5-12. Total word limit for second submission of 1600-2400 words. (40) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Essay (Word limit: 1500 - 2000 words). (30) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Podcast (group activity) (20) [LO 2,3,4,5]
- Tutorial Participation (10) [LO 3,5]
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
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including in class time and independent study.
Prescribed Texts
There is no single prescribed text for this course. Readings will be provided from various sources and made available on Wattle.
Preliminary Reading
Readings for this course will be from a variety of sources, and will include introductory texts to the Asia and Pacific region from the perspectives of a wide range of disciplines.Assumed Knowledge
This course assumes no prior knowledge of Asia and the Pacific.
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.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3505 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |