ASIA 2007 - Asia: Cultures & Identities

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2022

Asia is not only increasingly important economically, Asian culture is also more and more relevant around the world. Cultures and Identities will highlight the diversity of this culture, particularly in China and Japan as these are the most influential in both Asia the West. How did we get from Confucianism to cosplay and anime shaping Western pop culture? How did one result in the other? This course will both explain traditional forces like Confucianism and Shinto shaping culture and identity as well as explore how modernisation has helped bring about Lolitas in Japan and angry young men (fenqing) in China. This exploration will help us understand how tradition was reshaped by modernity and eventually today's desire for ever higher levels of consumption. The course therefore covers traditional society and religion, the influence of imperialism and the modernisation imperative of the 19th Century, the social consequences of the post-war economic miracle and the rise of communism as well as the influence of contemporary globalisation and the digital revolution.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ASIA 2007
    Course Asia: Cultures & Identities
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study
    Assumed Knowledge Adequate level of English writing and comprehension is assumed
    Course Description Asia is not only increasingly important economically, Asian culture is also more and more relevant around the world. Cultures and Identities will highlight the diversity of this culture, particularly in China and Japan as these are the most influential in both Asia the West. How did we get from Confucianism to cosplay and anime shaping Western pop culture? How did one result in the other? This course will both explain traditional forces like Confucianism and Shinto shaping culture and identity as well as explore how modernisation has helped bring about Lolitas in Japan and angry young men (fenqing) in China. This exploration will help us understand how tradition was reshaped by modernity and eventually today's desire for ever higher levels of consumption. The course therefore covers traditional society and religion, the influence of imperialism and the modernisation imperative of the 19th Century, the social consequences of the post-war economic miracle and the rise of communism as well as the influence of contemporary globalisation and the digital revolution.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Shoko Yoneyama

    Dr Shoko Yoneyama
    Dr Gerry Groot
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    1. Obtain knowledge and understanding of contemporary Asian culture and identity issues.
    2. Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical evidence
    3. Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners
    4. Analyse issues in Asian culture and identity critically and creatively
    5. Use IT in researching, writing and presenting information
    6. Develop skills and confidence in participating in public discussion
    7. Develop essay writing skills
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1, 4

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    2, 4,

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    3, 6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    5, 6, 7

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1, 3, 4

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    1, 4

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    5, 7

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1, 3, 4, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Students are expected to use Myuni and undertake out of class work as well as use the course reading materials provided.
    Recommended Resources
    MyUni and Turnitin will be used for assignment submission and marking.
    Online Learning
    MyUni will be used extensively.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures will include non-standard presentations such as films and guest appearances where possible, to allow students to engage with not only abstract ideas, but concrete examples and personalities embodying some the cultures and identities.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    WORKLOAD TOTAL HOURS
    1 x 1-hour lecture per week 12 hours per semester
    1 x 2-hour workshop per week 24 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL = 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    1 Introduction
    2 ‘Chineseness’
    3 ‘Japaneseness”
    4 Theories
    5 Method
    6 Pop/sub-cultures: Japan
    7 Pop/sub-cultures: China 
    8 Japanese Youth
    Mid-semester break
    9 Chinese youth
    10 Diversity in Japan
    11 Diversity in China
    12 Conclusion

    *Learning activities are subject to change and will be confirmed at the beginning of the semester.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    ASSESSMENT TASK TASK TYPE WEIGHTINGS COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)
    Personal Identity Exercise Summative and Formative 10% 1, 3
    Notebook Summative and Formative 20% 1-7
    Research Proposal Summative and Formative 20% 1, 2, 4, 5
    Research Essay Summative 50% 1-7

    Assessment Detail


    *Assessment details will be confirmed at the beginning of the semester.
    Submission
    Mosty online submission through MyUni and Turnitin where possible. 
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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