ASIAN 702 : Approaches to Research in Asian Studies
Arts
2020 Semester One (1203) (30 POINTS)
Course Prescription
Course Overview
This course will introduce students to a range of research methods utilised in the multidisciplinary field of Asian studies. Over the course of the semester students will be expected to critically engage readings that cover the variety of approaches to research in the humanities and social sciences as practiced by University of Auckland staff specialising in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese studies, as well as the emerging field of transnational Asian studies. The course has a practical orientation, which is to develop the skills required for conducting original research and presenting the results in both oral and written form appropriate to the chosen field. Readings and seminar discussions will focus on the key elements involved in independent research, which includes the formulation of a research question, reviewing the relevant literature, critical consideration of theoretical perspectives, and identifying the methodological approaches and sources of data that will be useful for addressing the research question.
It is expected that postgraduate students in Asian studies will have the ability to draw on materials—both publications and data sources—in the Asian language of the student’s specialisation. Stylistic conventions vary across the humanities and social sciences, so students will acquire knowledge of what is expected for written presentations, citations, and references for publications in each field as well as the protocol for incorporating Asian languages, terminology, and references into the body of a paper and in citations. Through a critical literature review on a specific topic in Asian studies, students will develop a research area and a researchable question in the field, and identify the appropriate methods and sources of data (texts, archives, human subjects) for addressing the question. A research proposal will then be developed in consultation with the Asian studies staff on a topic for which expertise and supervision is available. By the end of the course, students should be equipped with the basic skills for pursuing independent research on a range of topics in Asian studies.
Capabilities Developed in this Course
| Capability 1: | Disciplinary Knowledge and Practice |
| Capability 2: | Critical Thinking |
| Capability 4: | Communication and Engagement |
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an interdisciplinary understanding of the approaches and methods used in humanities and social science research in Asian studies. (Capability 1.1)
- Acquire knowledge of how Asian languages are incorporated and used in academic English publications in the field. (Capability 1.1, 2.3 and 4.1)
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of key issues in contemporary Asian studies. (Capability 1.3, 2.1 and 2.2)
- Develop a research focus and researchable question in Asian studies. (Capability 1.2, 1.3 and 2.2)
- Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written presentation of research findings, including use of foreign language materials. (Capability 2.3, 4.1 and 4.2)
Assessments
| Assessment Type | Percentage | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| Seminar Presentations and Reading Reports (1000 words) x 2 | 20% | Individual Coursework |
| Critical Review (2000 words) | 20% | Individual Coursework |
| Literature Review (3000 words) | 30% | Individual Coursework |
| Research Proposal (3000 words) | 30% | Individual Coursework |
| 4 types | 100% |
Workload Expectations
This course is a standard 30 point course and students are expected to spend 20 hours per week on each 30 point course that they are enrolled in, including class time and personal study and assignment preparation
Digital Resources
Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).
Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.
Academic Integrity
The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed against online source material using computerised detection mechanisms.
Inclusive Learning
All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.
Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website at http://disability.auckland.ac.nz
Well-being always comes first
We all go through tough times during the semester, or see our friends struggling. There is lots of help out there - for more information,
look at this Canvas page (https://canvas.auckland.ac.nz/courses/33894),
which has links to various support services in the University and the wider community.
Special Circumstances
If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.
If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.
This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.
Student Feedback
At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.
Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.
Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.
Student Charter and Responsibilities
The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter (https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html).
Disclaimer
Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.
In this course you may be asked to submit your coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. The final decision on the completion mode for a test or examination, and remote invigilation arrangements where applicable, will be advised to students at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date of the assessment, or in the case of an examination when the examination timetable is published.