ASIA 4002 - Honours Asian Studies Theory and Methodology

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2022

This course provides an advanced interdisciplinary approach to the field of Asian Studies and will attend to theoretical and methodological issues. The principal aim of this course is to critically explore the key issues in Asian Studies and help honours students develop own research issues in relation to them. Honours students will gain a sound background in key issues in the Western social and cultural analysis of Asia. Topics to be covered may include the following: modernisation theory and Asia, Orientalism, Asian modernity, politics of Asian studies, Asian democracy, Asian popular culture, research method, and thesis construction.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ASIA 4002
    Course Honours Asian Studies Theory and Methodology
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 6
    Contact 2 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites Completed degree (72 units) including 12 units of Asian Studies courses or equivalent for non-language students, and 9 units of Asian Studies courses or equivalent plus 6 units of Level III Asian language courses.
    Restrictions Available only to students admitted to the relevant Honours program
    Assessment Attendance and participation including short reflection papers (10%), 2,000-2,500 word seminar paper (35%), 4,000-4,500 word research paper (55%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Professor Melissa Nursey-Bray

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course contributes to the broader curriculum in that it constitutes the core course for all students undertaking an Honours year in Asian Studies.

    On the completion of this course the student will be able to
    1 understand key concepts relating to theoretical and applied issues relating to current
    debates in Asian studies and evaluate their potential contribution to a research problem
    2 demonstrate a familiarity with current debates at a deep level in one chosen area of focus
    3 understand the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of a
    research project in the discipline of Asian Studies including the appropriate use of primary and secondary sources
    4 demonstrate proficiency in research techniques including proficiency in computer-based research and analysis (where applicable)
    5 demonstrate highly developed skills in critical reasoning, analysis and written communication
    6 understand ethical debates and apply the principles of ethical research in relation to areas of research
    7 recognise the ethical, social and cultural issues in relation to the identified research topic.
    University Graduate Attributes

    No information currently available.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Honours Theory and Methodology seminars will be used to present broad introduction to research areas via guided reading and seminar discussion. Students will be supported with development of specific research question.
    Workload

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

    WORKLOAD TOTAL HOURS
    1 x 2 hour seminar per week 24 hours per semester
    6 hours research per week 72 hours per semester
    6 hours mandated reading per week 72 hours per semester
    10 hours writing work (drafts, editing,
    re-writing) per week
    120 hours per semester
    In addition, a further 24 hours in week 13 is expected in the
    preparation of the final assessment piece
    24 hours per semester
    TOTAL 312 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    The principal areas of knowledge will be the detailed and deep understanding of a selected research topic in the field of Asian
    Studies. The Theory and Methodology course will develop the following skills:
           
    • The ability to conduct research      
    • The application of detailed and critical analysis of sources and evidence
    • The development of a rational argument based on evidence
    • The clear presentation of research findings in ways that show strong communication skills.
  • 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 Weighting Learning Outcome
    Attendance
    and participation including short reflection papers
    Formative and Summative 10%
    2000-2500
    word seminar paper
    Formative and Summative 35%
    4000-4500
    word research paper
    Formative and Summative 55%
    Assessment Detail
    Rationale for assessment: the Honours level assessment is intended to develop research skills and necessary confidence to
    construct research proposal so that students are well prepared to undertake research and write up their thesis in semester two.
    Submission

    No information currently available.

    Course Grading

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

    M11 (Honours Mark Scheme)
    GradeGrade reflects following criteria for allocation of gradeReported on Official Transcript
    Fail A mark between 1-49 F
    Third Class A mark between 50-59 3
    Second Class Div B A mark between 60-69 2B
    Second Class Div A A mark between 70-79 2A
    First Class A mark between 80-100 1
    Result Pending An interim result RP
    Continuing Continuing CN

    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
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.