Some analysts claim we are now living in the 'Asian Century', that is, rapidly growing Asian nations such as India and China do, and will increasingly, exert influence on international economic and political relations into the 21st century. Though others argue these claims are exaggerated, there is no doubt that both Australia and the Asian region are undergoing rapid and far-reaching social, political and economic change.What, then, are some of the key social, political and environmental issues facing this region?  What is being done and/or can be done about them? This course directly addresses these two questions.  Place-based case studies will expand student's knowledge of the region through in-depth discussion about key concepts such as development, colonialism, globalization and power. In the process, students will also explore the different ways that social researchers come to know and think about the problems, people and places of Australia and Asia, learning about and putting into practice some social theoretical approaches.

Note: Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but are assessed separately.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe and critically discuss key social, political and environmental issues in the Asia-Pacific and Australia as explored through place-based case studies
2. Recognise, employ and critically discuss diverse social theoretical frameworks
3. Advance research, writing and presentation skills to enhance participatory approaches to learning
4. Describe in depth and critically discuss two topics of the student's choosing

Assessment will be based on:

• Essay exploring a key theoretical debate (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• 30-minute lecture presentation on agreed topic, demonstrating ability to engage with a specific issue in depth (35%; LO 1, 2, 3, 4)
• Learning portfolio, with five entries each reflecting on a tutorial reading's links with real-world events (20%; LO 1, 3)
• Tutorial contributions based on weekly discussions on readings (10%; LO 1,  3)

65 hours of contact, comprising lectures and tutorials

Bachelor degree; some general social science knowledge.