ASIA6509 Knowledge and Society
| Offered By | School of Culture, History and Language |
|---|---|
| Academic Career | Graduate Coursework |
| Course Subject | Asian Studies |
| Offered in | ASIA6509 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. This course satisfies the pre-honours requirement for students planning to do an honours degree in Asian Studies. |
| 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 per week on this course, inclusive of 3 hours class contact. |
| Areas of Interest | Non Language Asian Studies |
| Requisite Statement |
6 university courses (36 units). |
| Preliminary Reading |
Vervoorn, A., Re Orient: Change in Asian Societies, 3rd edition, Melbourne, Oxford University Press, 2006. |
| Programs | Master of Asia-Pacific Studies |
| Other Information | Students who want to do honours are encouraged to take this course. |
| 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.
