ASIA301 Topics in Asian Studies

Overview

A comparative study of selected themes in the history of Asian societies, such as nationalism, modernisation, and transnational issues.

In this seminar/discussion paper, we will look at how the practice of meditation has deeply influenced a number of national cultures across Asia, from India, Tibet and China to Thailand, Korea and Japan. We will explore this question from a variety of different perspectives: scientific, psychological, historical, philosophic, religious and aesthetic.

About this paper

Prerequisite

One of ASIA 201, CHIN 242, CHIN 243, CHIN 244, CHIN 245, JAPA 242, JAPA 243, JAPA 244, JAPA 245

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Notes

Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department.

Contact

roy.starrs@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convenor: Associate Professor Roy Starrs

Paper Structure

Co-ordinated by Associate Professor Roy Starrs, this course provides a seminar for the discussion and assessment of issues that are of major significance in contemporary Asian societies. Students will be encouraged to assess these issues critically in order to develop a better understanding of their complexity and to be more aware of the way in which historical factors may influence future developments within the region.

The main topics will revolve around the issue of how the practice of meditation has deeply influenced a number of national cultures across Asia, from India, Tibet and China to Thailand, Korea and Japan. Also, how have Asian meditative traditions adapted to the modern world and how have they influenced modern Western culture? We will explore these questions from a variety of different perspectives: scientific, psychological, historical, philosophic, religious and aesthetic.

Teaching Arrangements

This paper is taught via seminar-style discussion with some lectures.

Textbooks

The required readings for the seminars can be downloaded from Blackboard.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By actively participating in the seminar discussions, students will gain:

• A wide understanding of the history and cultural traditions of the Asian region in both their national and transnational aspects
• An understanding of some of the key issues impacting on Asian societies and cultures today
• A more in-depth knowledge of some more specialised disciplinary approaches to the study of Asia

By reading the assigned material and completing the assigned tasks, students will develop:

• A capacity for critical analysis of scholarship on issues related to Asian cultures, societies and histories
• An ability to independently investigate a specific cultural, social or historical issue in the Asian region, understand its meaning in context and explain its role and importance both within and beyond Asian geopolitical and cultural boundaries

Timetable

Overview

A comparative study of selected themes in the history of Asian societies, such as nationalism, modernisation, and transnational issues.

In this seminar/discussion paper, we will look at how the practice of meditation has deeply influenced a number of national cultures across Asia, from India, Tibet and China to Thailand, Korea and Japan. We will explore this question from a variety of different perspectives: scientific, psychological, historical, philosophic, religious and aesthetic.

About this paper

Prerequisite

One of ASIA 201, CHIN 242, CHIN 243, CHIN 244, CHIN 245, JAPA 242, JAPA 243, JAPA 244, JAPA 245

Schedule C

Arts and Music

Notes

Students who have not passed the normal prerequisite may be admitted with approval from the Head of Department.

Contact

roy.starrs@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convenor: Associate Professor Roy Starrs

Paper Structure

Co-ordinated by Associate Professor Roy Starrs, this course provides a seminar for the discussion and assessment of issues that are of major significance in contemporary Asian societies. Students will be encouraged to assess these issues critically in order to develop a better understanding of their complexity and to be more aware of the way in which historical factors may influence future developments within the region.

The main topics will revolve around the issue of how the practice of meditation has deeply influenced a number of national cultures across Asia, from India, Tibet and China to Thailand, Korea and Japan. Also, how have Asian meditative traditions adapted to the modern world and how have they influenced modern Western culture? We will explore these questions from a variety of different perspectives: scientific, psychological, historical, philosophic, religious and aesthetic.

Teaching Arrangements

This paper is taught via seminar-style discussion with some lectures.

Textbooks

The required readings for the seminars can be downloaded from Blackboard.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised

Global perspective, Lifelong learning, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Information literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.

Learning Outcomes

By actively participating in the seminar discussions, students will gain:

• A wide understanding of the history and cultural traditions of the Asian region in both their national and transnational aspects
• An understanding of some of the key issues impacting on Asian societies and cultures today
• A more in-depth knowledge of some more specialised disciplinary approaches to the study of Asia

By reading the assigned material and completing the assigned tasks, students will develop:

• A capacity for critical analysis of scholarship on issues related to Asian cultures, societies and histories
• An ability to independently investigate a specific cultural, social or historical issue in the Asian region, understand its meaning in context and explain its role and importance both within and beyond Asian geopolitical and cultural boundaries

Timetable