High-performing students who have completed their core program requirements can design an individual, in-depth research project on a topic in Asian Studies not otherwise offered. Students develop a specialised focus of study in consultation with an academic supervisor. Through regular supervisory meetings, students design a research plan, discuss and analyse material, and reflect on ethical considerations, including the use of artificial intelligence tools. Students engage with scholarship written in English and assessments are completed in English. Students with skills in other languages relevant to Asian Studies are also encouraged to make use of those skills as appropriate to their project.
It is expected that students have completed relevant courses in their area of interest and understand core background material before commencing. This course assumes prior knowledge of basic research skills, critical analysis, and essay writing. It requires high levels of student initiative and responsiveness to supervisory feedback. Successful completion of ASIA 3039 is strongly recommended. The course is suitable for students who wish to gain academic research experience in preparation for Honours, to cultivate specialised expertise that builds upon previous coursework, and/or to build capacity in managing complex independent projects. The final research project may take the form of a scholarly essay or a nontraditional research output as agreed upon with the supervisor.
Enrolment in this course is subject to the availability and agreement of appropriate supervisors. Students are responsible for approaching potential supervisors, and it is a requirement that students obtain written confirmation of supervision from a member of academic staff before enrolling in the course. The ASIA3012 project proposal form outlines the project design and enrolment process step by step and is available from the course convener. Once students have secured supervision and completed the proposal, they should send the form back to the course convener to confirm their eligibility.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of a specialised area of Asian Studies;
- Define a research question that demonstrates critical thinking through engagement with relevant scholarly debates;
- Design an independent research project, showing consideration for methods, sources and ethics;
- Analyse primary and/or secondary sources through critical thinking practices and active independent learning;
- Communicate ideas clearly and coherently, both orally and in writing, in scholarly, multimedia and/or applied forms.
Work Integrated Learning
Projects
This WIL component provides you with the opportunity to deeply engage with the course content, drive your leaning, build skills and confidence, and perform the learned tasks more effectively.
Indicative Assessment
- Research Proposal (500 words) (15) [LO 1,2]
- Methods, Sources and Ethics Reflection (500 words) (15) [LO 3]
- Research Project (3,500 words or equivalent) (60) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Participation in Supervisory Discussions (fortnightly meetings or equivalent) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The total workload for the course is 130 hours including independent study.
There will be fortnightly meetings (or equivalent) to discuss material covered, on a one-to-one basis.
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the School of Culture History and Language to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Texts will be determined on a one-to-one basis between student and supervisor.
Assumed Knowledge
Familiarity with basic conventions for researching, writing, and formatting a research essay in humanities/social sciences. Familiarity with background material relevant to the topic.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4340 | 22 Feb 2027 | 01 Mar 2027 | 31 Mar 2027 | 28 May 2027 | In Person | N/A |
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9352 | 26 Jul 2027 | 02 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | 29 Oct 2027 | In Person | N/A |