The aim is to give high-achieving students completing an Asia and Pacific Studies degree an opportunity to apply in a work environment the knowledge and skills they have acquired. This involves placement with an approved professional organisation in Australia or the Asia-Pacific. The student will undertake an agreed project or duties that will provide experience in extending their linguistic and cultural competence while learning about the operations of the organisation itself. During the placement the student will receive advice and direction from a designated supervisor within the organisation and a supervisor from the School. Details of the project to be undertaken will be agreed by the supervisors in consultation with the student.

Due to the time needed to negotiate placements, students are advised to approach the course coordinator with expressions of interest at least three months before the possible placement. Placements are subject to availability and to security assessment.

Due to the individual nature of this course it is not possible to provide an exclusive list of learning outcomes. However, the following is an indicative list of possible outcomes. it is expected that on successful completion of this course students should be able to:
1. identify issues of interest in the field under consideration;
2. discuss these issues coherently and persuasively;
3. assess arguments made in the field;
4. explain the complex attitudes people have to these issues;
5. analyse and compare relevant data;
6. collaborate with other students and staff to select and combine materials for a case study;
7. research, present and justify the results of their collaboration with other students and staff with respect to the case studies;
8. reflect on and articulate how their own views on the field have developed over the course of the semester

Assessment for a 6 unit placement will be based on:

(i) a learning journal (totalling 2,000 words) kept by the student reflecting on tasks undertaken, the organisation and the knowledge and skills acquired, and an overall evaluation of the placement (30%);

(ii) a 4,000 word research essay based on the work they carry out in the placement (50%)

(iii) a report on the student's performance by the organisational supervisor during the placement (20%).

Assessment for a 12 unit placement will be based on:

(i) a learning journal (totaling 4,000 words) kept by the student reflecting on tasks undertaken, the organisation and the knowledge and skills acquired, and an overall evaluation of the placement (30%);

(ii) a 4,000 word research essay based on the work they carry out in the placement (30%)

(iii) a 3,000 word critical review of the literature related to the discipline of the placement (30%)

(iv) a report on the student's performance by the organisational supervisor during the placement (10%).

The assessment for placements where the working language is not English will all be in the target language.

Six to ten weeks placement in an approved professional organisation. Systematic and frequent journal entries, and regular correspondence with the course coordinator. Attendance at on-campus pre-departure briefing sessions (the number of which will vary depending on the placement and the needs of the student). Attendance at one post-placement debriefing session.

8 university courses (48 units), and permission of coordinator.

For non-English speaking placements, the student must have near native competency in the language of the placement.

No special requirements

Students wanting to undertake an assignment should consult with the Coordinator no less than three months in advance.
NB. Placements will be subject to availability.

NOTE: Entry to this course in the summer or winter session is by departmental consent.