This unit is a compulsory core unit for the Master of Asian Studies. The unit will explore some of the most challenging and sensitive issues confronting Asian societies today while providing training in the conceptual methods used to critically and objectively examine those issues. Where do globalization and rapid economic change leave human rights, minority groups, women, civil society, environment, the poor and the ideals of religious and cultural integrity? Case studies will be used to illustrate concepts, theories and critical methods that can help our thinking on such issues.

This unit is open only to MA (research) and Honours students. Students will be introduced to the theories and intellectual perspectives in humanities and social sciences that are important in the Asian context. They will also learn different methodological approaches to Asian Studies, including archival and library research, ethnographic fieldwork, and interview techniques. Students will pursue their own research projects to apply and demonstrate some of the theories and research methods they have learned.

Asia is fast becoming the centre of new developments in the mass media. Focusing on East and Southeast Asia, this unit will introduce major regional trends in film and television, differences in media systems, and cross-cultural understandings of Asian media. Particular focus will be on the analysis of feature films and television from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and/or China, and on pan-Asian developments. These analyses will include discussions of the social, cultural and political roles of media.

This unit takes a cross-cultural approach to analysing the interactions of speakers of Asian languages and other language backgrounds, both Asian and non-Asian. Theoretical approaches are introduced through case studies, focusing on cultural key words, language systems and interaction styles. Students will reflect on their own cultures, languages and interaction styles, and undertake cross-cultural research, using primary and secondary sources. This is not a language unit; no knowledge of Asian languages is assumed.

This unit examines the development and challenges of media industries in East Asia; Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, and China. It takes a broad comparative approach to identify political, economic, social, cultural and technological factors that affect the industries in this dynamic region. The unit covers various aspects of old and new media in the region, such as development and transformation of media industries, state regulation and policy, and the implications of the emergence of new communications technologies.

This unit of study gives students an opportunity to begin or improve their proficiency in an Asian language in order to deepen their understanding of Asian cultures and societies. Students will develop comprehensive linguistic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition, analysis of the structure of the language and its sociocultural context will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the society in which the language is utilised.

This unit of study gives students an opportunity to improve their proficiency in an Asian language in order to deepen their understanding of Asian cultures and societies. Students will develop comprehensive linguistic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition, analysis of the structure of the language and its sociocultural context will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the society in which the language is utilised.

This unit of study gives students an opportunity to further develop their proficiency in an Asian language in order to deepen their understanding of Asian cultures and societies. Students will advance to intermediate levels of Asian language study to develop comprehensive linguistic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. In addition, analysis of the structure of the language and its sociocultural context will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the society in which the language is utilised.

This unit of study gives students an opportunity to further develop their proficiency in an Asian language in order to deepen their understanding of Asian cultures and societies. Students will advance to higher intermediate levels of Asian language study to develop comprehensive linguistic skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. in addition, analysis of the structure of the language and its sociocultural context will enhance their knowledge and understanding of the society in which the language is utilised.

Research and writing towards a dissertation of 10-15000 words on an approved topic under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Students should consult the postgraduate coordinator to formulate a topic prior to enrolment. Agreement of a supervisor must also be secured before enrolment. This unit is followed by ASNS6092.

Completion and submission of a dissertation of 10-15000 words on an approved topic, written under the supervision of an academic member of staff. Follows ASNS6091.

An opportunity, subject to special authorisation, to pursue individual interests under the direction of a qualified staff member in the relevant department. Students authorised to enrol in a supervised reading unit will complete a program of readings selected in consultation with the supervisor, that will be equivalent to the total workload for a normal 6 credit point postgraduate unit. Students will be required to produce 5000 words of written work in English and to meet regularly with the supervisor to report on and discuss the agreed readings.

An opportunity, subject to special authorisation, to pursue individual interests under the direction of a qualified staff member in the relevant department. Students authorised to enrol in a supervised reading unit will complete a program of readings selected in consultation with the supervisor, that will be equivalent to the total workload for a normal 6 credit point postgraduate unit. Students will be required to produce 5000 words of written work in English and to meet regularly with the supervisor to report on and discuss the agreed readings.

This unit investigates the development of Asian art exhibitions and the role of the curator of Asian art. Course material will be based on the broad range of activities of local curators, including the Art Gallery of New South Wales, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Asian Australian Arts Centre. Issues examined include museum policy, research resources, staffing structures, publicity and educational activities. Comparative case studies will be made of pre-modern, modern and contemporary Asian art exhibitions.