Vietnam is the source of one of the largest of Australia's migrant streams and is one of the most popular destination countries in Asia for tourists from Australia.  It is also of increasing economic importance in the region and aims to be a key member of regional groupings such as ASEAN and is, thus, a vitally important neighbour for Australia.  This course provides an introduction to contemporary Vietnamese society, in both Vietnam and in the communities of the Vietnamese diaspora, through a study of topics which include an overview of the physical and historical background, religious and other traditional experiences, societal issues such as modernity and changing gender roles, language and ethnic groups, overseas Vietnamese experiences, and economic challenges.  The course is taught by making use of visiting lecturers and researchers and thus other topics are also covered as the opportunities arise.

Two essay assignments: Essay 1 (1,500 words): 20 per cent, Essay 2 (3,000 words): 40 per cent , Tutorial presentation: 15 per cent , Tutorial participation and tutorial reports: 25 per cent .

3 hours per week

6 university courses (36 units).

ASIA2413 Revolution and Resistance – 20th Century Vietnam, and ASHI2413 ‘Vietnam in the 20th Century - Modernity and Resistance’

Jamieson, Neil, Understanding Vietnam, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1995;
Kolko, Gabriel, Vietnam: Anatomy of a Peace, London: Routledge, 1997;
Taylor, Philip, Fragments of the Present: Searching for Modernity in Vietnam's South, Allen & Unwin, 2001.