Unit

School Of Humanities And Communication Arts

Foundations of AsiaWestern Sydney University Unit Code: 100867.2

Discipline: SOCIETY AND CULTURE NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED

Student Contribution Band: 1

Level: 1

Credit Points: 10

Equivalent Units
B1281 Introduction to Asian Studies and 100265 Introduction to Asia

About this Unit
This unit provides an introduction to the vibrant and rich diversity of Asia, spanning both contemporary and traditional times. It considers questions and issues such as what constitutes "Asia", the relationship between Asia and Australia, and the challenges and conflicts facing Asia today. It introduces the great religions/philosophies that underpin Asian societies: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Confucianism, as well as the "folk religions" or animist and other traditional beliefs that have persisted to the present day. Broad historical, political, economic, demographic, and other social forces that have helped to shape the civilizations, polities and communities of Asia are also explored. Countries of particular importance to Australia, such as China, India, Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines, are featured.