ATS1074 · Introduction to comparative studies: Historical backgrounds

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the historical, cultural, and theoretical backgrounds of comparative Asian and European studies. We will take, as starting points, examinations of the history and mythology of Marco Polo’s travels from Italy to what is now called China (circa 1255-1325 AD), and the Berber-Maghrebi scholar Ibn Battuta’s missions through Islamic lands (circa 1325-1355). You will consider how the concepts of the East and the West, and the self and the other, developed during this time. Using examples of cultural, economic, philosophical and religious exchanges between Asia and Europe, you will examine the ideas that came to govern the interaction between Europe and Asia.

Areas of study: Comparative Asian and European studies

Offerings

The Handbook publishes no offerings for this unit.

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Critically analyse and evaluate, from a comparative perspective, historical concepts of Europe and Asia;
2. Reflect on how historical interactions between Asia and Europe, and their perception today, shape our contemporary world;
3. Apply comparative methodologies to the study of Asia and Europe;
4. Independently research and critically evaluate primary and secondary sources;
5. Communicate effectively in scholarly writing and oral presentation formats, with appropriate citation and referencing, individually and in collaboration with peers.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.