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ASIA3009 Knowledge and Society

Later Year Course

Offered By School of Culture, History and Language
Academic Career Undergraduate
Course Subject Asian Studies
Offered in ASIA3009 will not be offered in 2010
Unit Value 6 units
Course Description

The course focuses on the ways in which contemporary societies produce knowledge and are in turn shaped by knowledge systems. It considers how traditional knowledge systems and modern scientific systems function and interact, paying particular attention to ideas regarding how knowledge is generated, communicated, accumulated, and institutionalised.

Perspectives on knowledge to be explored include religious experience and social tradition as knowledge; scientific knowledge and ideas of development and progress; links between knowledge, power and control; and knowledge as systems of shared meaning or understanding. The course examines the experience of a range of Asian societies as well as drawing on western experience. In assignments it will be possible for students to concentrate on countries in which they have a particular interest.

Students who want to do honours are encouraged to take this course.

Learning Outcomes Students will develop their ability to reflect critically on their own epistemological beliefs and assumptions, as well as those underlying major historical and contemporary knowledge systems, and how those beliefs and assumptions influence the production and transmission of knowledge. They will develop research, analytical and communication skills essential for knowledge production and transmission while gaining insight into the intellectual and social forces that shape knowledge
Indicative Assessment

Tutorial contribution (25%), two essays (25% each) and a final take home exam (25%), OR tutorial contribution (25%), one essay (25%) and a learning journal written during the course 50%).

 

Workload

Students can expect to spend 10 hours on this course inclusive of 3 class contact hours.

Areas of Interest Non Language Asian Studies
Requisite Statement

6 university courses (36 units).

 

Preliminary Reading

Vervoorn, A., Re Orient: Change in Asian Societies, Melbourne, Oxford University Press, 1998
Wertheim, M., Pythagoras' Trousers: God, Physics, and the Gender Wars, London, Fourth Estate, 1997

Majors/Specialisations Cognitive Major (Asian History), Cognitive Major (Asian Politics and International Relations), Cognitive Major (Asian Religions), Cognitive Major (Contemporary Asian Societies), Asian Politics, and Northeast Asian Studies
Academic Contact Dr Aat Vervoorn

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.

Updated:   13 Nov 2015 / Responsible Officer:   The Registrar / Page Contact:   Student Business Solutions