You can study a major in Asian Studies consisting of eight units, a minor of four units, or individual units as electives. You do not need to study a language to do a major, minor or electives in Asian Studies. This major offers a lot of choice and students can structure their degree to suit their interests: e.g. interests in politics, overseas study, film and culture, or a particular country: China, Japan, Indonesia.
A major in Asian Studies (HMA) has two core units at introductory level:
HMA101 Asia: Enduring Traditions and HMA102 Asia: Transformation and Change.
In these units you will learn fundamental research and study skills and explore Asia as a region comprising a great diversity of people, cultures, religions and ideas.
Choose two Asian Studies units to take at intermediate level. These examples are available in 2013:
HMA251 Volunteering in Asia: This unit covers issues relating to working as a volunteer in Asia through case studies, examples, interactive seminars and presentations. You will learn about the practical aspects of volunteering - cultural awareness and knowledge, cross cultural communication skills, and dealing with culture shock.
HMA226 Reacting to the Past: Role-Playing Asia: In this unit you will investigate the independence of India through participating in a structured role-play.
Choose four units at advanced level. As a minimum, one of these must be offered by Asian Studies (HMA). Up to two others may be chosen from studies units offered by the Chinese, Japanese, and Indonesian programs. You may choose one Asia focused unit offered by other schools. All available units can be found in the Bachelor of Arts (Asian Studies) course structure in the Course and Unit Handbook.
Overseas Study
Students can undertake volunteer work in Asia in any semester and count this towards their degree through HMA253/353 Professional Placement. HMA251/351 Volunteering in Asia is the pre-requisite for this unit.