Course syllabus

City Campus, Semester 2, 2017

General Education Schedule B

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course gives an overview of Asia from a New Zealand perspective with a special focus on East Asia.

Our objective is to convey knowledge of Asia and its relationship to New Zealand, particularly Asia’s growing presence in New Zealand in all its manifestations.

We address the question ‘what is the relationship between New Zealand and Asia?’

The course answers this question through a range of themes which show the various ways in which Asia and New Zealand have been and are linked, as well as examples which point to the limitations of having New Zealand considered as ‘an Asian country’.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

The course is designed for those who are generally interested in Asian countries, and particularly in their relationship with New Zealand.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the successful completion of this course, you should acquire a critical understanding of the evolving political, social, economic, cultural, and strategic relations between this country and Asia. You should also develop an understanding of the issues relating to New Zealand’s efforts to re-position itself in relation to Asia, as well as understand more about the diversity of the Asian region. You will also develop a degree of familiarity with some of the current debates on globalisation, and on national and regional identity.

Most importantly, you will develop some basic academic skills such as analysis of data, interpretation skills, and critical thinking.

TOPICS COVERED

• New Zealand and Asia: Then & Now
• Politics, Strategic, and Economic Issues
• Migration, Globalisation and Culture

There is no text book for this course.  All readings will be available on this site.

COURSE DELIVERY

Weekly 2-hour lecture, and a 1-hour tutorial from the second week.

ASSESSMENT

Assessment in this course is divided between coursework (50%) and an examination (50%).

Bibliographic exercise     10%          (due week 3)   

Mid-semester Test          15%          1 hour   (week 7 - time and location to be advised)

Essay                             25%          1,500 words  (due week 9)

Exam                             50%          2 hours

COURSE CO-ORDINATOR

Dr. Hilary Chung         h.chung@auckland.ac.nz

Rm 437, Arts 2 Building, 18 Symonds Street

Phone: 09 373 7599 ext 84603

Office Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 2-3