About this major

In the Asian Century, the task of understanding the region is vital to the future. Understanding Asia relies on gaining a foundation in its major civilisational traditions, as well as in the issues of contemporary culture and society.

This major will introduce and identify major cultural, historical, social and political trends and issues, including ethnicity and mobility (or diaspora); the major religions and belief systems (particularly Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam); other trans-regional trends, including economic and political relationships between Asia and other parts of the world (for example forms of imperialism); major political and social developments and movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries and their effects (e.g. nationalism, revolution, military rule, democracy); and mass or popular culture (including topics such as manga and K-Pop). These trends and issues are particularly taught in relation to China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia and South Asia.

Asian Studies is taught in English and draws on the cutting-edge research being carried out by the academic staff of the program. Language units of study cannot be counted towards the Asian Studies major, however you are strongly encouraged to study an Asian language in conjunction with Asian Studies units.

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

This major is offered by the Asian Studies.