ASIA 1104 - Introduction to Asian Cultures

How can Australian students begin to understand what happens when they go to China, Japan or other Asian countries? How can Asian students better understand the often unspoken differences between what they are used to at home and what often happens to them in Australia? This course can help. Introduction to Asian Cultures introduces first year students to some of key cultural features of China and Japan (and East Asia more generally) and provides explicit concepts and explanations about aspects of Asian culture they are likely to experience. This approach is about providing tools for understanding and adjustment as well as more effective communication. ASIA 1104 examines the ways in which these difference are reflected in language, social interactions, love & friendship etc. The nature of personal relations and business will also be explored while the ways that culture can influence government-to-government relations and diplomacy may also be discussed. Along the way, the course teaches the key differences between description and analysis. This course is also a great preparation for ASIA 2007 Cultures and Identities in second year.