Experience Mongolia without leaving campus. ASIA3084 is a two-week intensive course that examines Mongolian history, culture, and society through a combination of lectures and structured practical activities. The course has been delivered successfully for seven years as an in-country program in Mongolia, but this year the course will be offered for the first time on-campus. This two-week intensive course will continue a strong emphasis on experiential learning, allowing for comparative conceptual examples and varied themes across history, anthropology, archaeology, Asian Studies, Mongolian language, and international relations. Morning lectures will introduce key historical, social, and environmental themes, while afternoon sessions will involve engagement with Mongolian cultural practices, including the construction of a Mongolian yurt (ger), traditional Mongolian dance, language and food preparation. These activities will be integrated with the academic objectives of the course and used as material for critical reflection and analysis. This course is open to undergraduate students of all disciplines across the ANU and is particularly relevant for students interested in Asian studies, Inner Asian history, environmental humanities, pastoralism, nomadic societies, cross-cultural and ethnographic approaches to learning.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Describe the current challenges of Mongolia from a cultural and historic perspective
2. Comprehend the historical, economic and political underpinnings of Mongolia's domestic politics, national identity and national security
3. Discuss the tension between nomadic herding culture and sedentary industrial development as part of a growing capitalist economy
4. Demonstrate introductory familiarity with Mongolian language and cultural terms
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate cross-cultural forms of analysis effectively to a broad audience

Research-Led Teaching

Students will review either a book or film and present their analysis and critique to the class, including a class discussion. There will be formative (ungraded) feedback on aspects of the book or film review assessment.

In addition there will be a research-based essay, based on relevant literature, conversations and experiences relating to Mongolian cultural practices during the intensive course.

Field Trips

There will be two visits external to the ANU campus: a visit to DFAT and a visit to the Mongolian Embassy in Canberra.

Additional Course Costs

There will be a final dinner at Naadam restaurant in Woden, but this is optional. We will rely on individual transport and car pooling for the visits to DFAT and the Mongolian Embassy.

Examination Material or equipment

No examination.

Required Resources

No required resources, apart from private transportation in relation to site visits (although we can carpool).

Recommended Resources

There are two documents with a list of suggested reading material and popular sources that can assist with getting to know the literature and with the four forms of assessment (available via the ANU library or online).

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• Written comments
• Verbal comments
• Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	29 June: Introduction	Workshop: construction of ger on campus.
2	30 June: History and Material Objects	Material aspects within the ger.
3	1 July: Mongolian language and classic script	Language lesson IVisit to Embassy of Mongolia
4	2 July: Family, food and kinship	Assessment: 2-3 book/film reviewsWorkshop: making Mongolian food, games
5	3 July: Archaeology of Mongolia	Assessment: 2-3 book/film reviewsWorkshop on classic Mongolian script
6	6 July: The steppe and climate change	Assessment: 2-3 book/film reviewsFeature film and photo essays
7	7 July: Religion, belief and philosophy	Language lesson IIAssessment: 2-3 book/film reviews
8	8 July: Economic development and resource diplomacy	Assessment: 2-3 book/film reviewsVisit to DFAT
9	9 July: Cultural heritage and UNESCO world heritage	Assessment: 2-3 book/film reviewsDance workshop
10	10 July: Final showcase and reflections	Assessment: Group presentations on cultural practices.Final dinner in evening.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Book or Film Review (10min presentation, 10min discussion) (20%)	20 %	02/07/2026	1, 2, 3, 5
Oral reflection (in groups) (20%)	20 %	10/07/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Daily journal reflections (1500-2500 words) (30%)	30 %	24/07/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Research Essay (up to 2500 words) (30%).	30 %	03/08/2026	1, 2, 3, 4, 5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

The oral presentations involved in Assessment tasks 1 and 2 will require active participation. A lack of involvement in the group/class will influence the grade for each of these tasks.

Examination(s)

No examination.

Assessment Task 1

Book or Film Review (10min presentation, 10min discussion) (20%)

The book or film review will involve a 10 minute presentation in class, comparing an AI analysis with your own form of analysis. There will be discussion and feedback in class.

The review will be marked based upon the following criteria:

1.    Relevance to the course.

2.    Presentation and description of the work.

3.    Evidence of informed analysis and critique: strengths and limitations of the work.

4.    Ability to answer questions and to stimulate discussion.

Assessment Task 2

Oral reflection (in groups) (20%)

Presentations will be in groups of three-four (20 mins maximum with 5-10 mins for discussion). The content should be oriented toward historical and/or socio-cultural practices across Mongol cultural areas.

The group oral reflection will be marked based upon the following criteria:

1.         Clear relevance and examples from the practice-based experience components

2.         A cohesive and well-supported argument on the chosen topic

3.         Evidence of working together as a group to form a coherent whole

4.         Level of participation within the group

Assessment Task 3

Daily journal reflections (1500-2500 words) (30%)

This assessment is designed to encourage creative and deep forms of engagement with the course content during your Modern Mongolia experience and then editing down those ideas into concise written form. You may include drawings and sketches, diagrams, poetry or other forms of creative output. The intention is to help you to develop research skills to then develop them further to formulate the information into content for a wider audience.

 

The journal reflections will be based on the following criteria:

1.    Understanding of themes and concepts relating to the in-country course content.

2.    Attention to detail with specific on-the-ground examples from journal entries.

3.    Evidence of a flexible and creative approach to working with observational, qualitative material.

4.    Evidence of an awareness of the ethical considerations in the use of the material (i.e., in being respectful in relation to cross-cultural points-of-view and perspectives).

Assessment Task 4

Research Essay (up to 2500 words) (30%).

When selecting a topic of your own choosing, the essay content should be based on some aspect of your experience during the course, whether it was from one of the presentations, in relation to an afternoon workshop, or from your own observations and research along the way. Part of the essay will need to include either an in-person or online discussion with someone of Mongolian heritage, who has knowledge of Mongolian cultural and/or historical aspects with quotes from this person incorporated within the essay.

The essay will be marked based on the following criteria:

1.   Clear exposition of the research question and its relevance to the course.

2.   Presents a complete, cohesive and well-supported argument on the chosen topic.

3.   Evidence of careful observations and subsequent analysis, demonstrated through appropriate use of sources, including relevant and consistent citation and referencing practices.

4.   Presentation of a clear, well-written and appropriately structured essay.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

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.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date.

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students