ASIA6039 Burma/Myanmar: a Country in Crisis

Offered By	Faculty of Asian Studies
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Asian Studies
Offered in	First Semester, 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	Although Burma/Myanmar has long been overlooked as a dedicated subject of study, there is a growing interest in this country. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, society and contemporary politics of Burma. The first part of the course introduces the colonial and post-colonial history and politics of Burma. The second part examines a range of contemporary issues such as military rule, conflict and ethnic insurgency, refugees and human rights, the drugs trade, the environment, the economy, and debates around international pressure for change.
Learning Outcomes	At the end of this course, students will have a critical understanding of Burmese history, politics, and cultural issues. The course initially deals with historiography and questions of ethnicity, as well as militarism and social problems. Students' attention is focused on composing assigned and original analytic essays on course materials, thus increasing students capacity in analysing varied source materials and honing their expository skills.
Indicative Assessment	20% Tutorial attendance and participation; 20% Discussion paper (1500 words); 30% Essay (2000 words); 30% Examination at the end of semester. Post-graduate students are assigned critical summaries of the readings, as well as two 2,000 word analytical essays. Their final papers for the course, an independent research paper on a topic of the students' own choosing indicates students' ability to pursue a line of inquiry related to a relevant issue, amass sufficient material useful to their analyses, and write an in-depth, polished essay. Attendance 10% Two assigned essays 30% Independent project 50% Critical summaries 10%
Workload	Students can expect to spend 10 hours on this course inclusive of two lectures and one tutorial per week.
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest	Non Language Asian Studies
Requisite Statement	ASHI1001, or ASHI1002 and ASHI1003, or ASIA1025 and ASIA1030, or permission of coordinator.
Prescribed Texts	A reading list to be provided in the course outline.
Programs	Master of Asia-Pacific Studies
Other Information	Delivery Mode: On Campus
Academic Contact	Dr Hazel Lang

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