The study of Asia is known to be challenging. Australians who study their own society already have a wide general knowledge of their subject, which is often not the case when they study Asia and the Pacific. Similarly, someone who grew up in one Asian country may lack general knowledge of other Asian or Pacific countries, given the great diversity of the region. An aim of the core coursework is to provide contextual knowledge and background. However, general knowledge by itself is not enough. It is also necessary to have a good understanding of different methodologies that are useful in the study of Asia and the Pacific. Fortunately, the ANU's unique concentration of Asia-Pacific specialists working on an extremely wide geographic area from very varied disciplinary perspectives enables the Faculty to equip students to meet the varied challenges the future will bring. The Core Coursework does this by examining four themes - Religion, Nationalism, Popular Culture, and History - through a number of Asia and Pacific case studies. Some of the case studies will be relevant to one particular Asian or Pacific country or region (such as the forest fires, the fall of Suharto, Fijian coups, the Tiananmen massacre); others will be relevant to Asia or the Pacific more generally (such as economic booms and crises); and still others will be relevant not just to Asia but to the world (epidemics such as SARS, globalised media, the drug trade and so on).

Enhance knowledge of regions of Asia and the Pacific through a variety of disciplinary lens.  Develop critical analytical ability by exposure to and experience with variety of disciplinary and trans-disciplinary methodologies.  Develop research and writing skills through paper of topic decided in consultation with the lecturers.

The assessment regime for each course will be published annually. Consistent with normal practice, students may expect written details of the assessment regime in their individual course outline at the time of commencement of each course. Students are encouraged to discuss their course assessment regime with the course convener and if necessary their own academic advisor.

Participation in discussions in class and WebCT (10%); Group Presentation (20%); Reflection Paper (20%); Final Paper (50%, or 10% for Plan and 40% for Paper).

The course meets for three hours a week for 12 weeks.  Outside of the contact hours, two outside hours per contact hour for preparation and review would be common.

Meet entry requirement for the MAPS, or consent of PA or delegate.