Critical Issues in Contemporary Asia
UndergraduateLTU-AST3CIA2026
Course information for 2026 intake View information for 2025 course intake
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 22 Feb 2026
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 12 weeks
- Price from
- $2,174
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Critical Issues in Contemporary Asia
About this subject
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Analyse local social and cultural groups and institutions in Asia in relation to historical and contemporary global processes.
- Engage in peer teaching/learning activities in pairs and in groups.
- Evaluate diverse positions and/or arguments regarding a relevant topic in Asian Studies.
- Identify and evaluate the ethical and moral implications of key stereotypes and ideas as they relate to Asian societies.
- Summarise research and arguments on a relevant topic in Asian Studies.
- Development in East Asia
- Political, Linguistic and Religious Issues in South and Southeast Asia,
- The Transformation of the Himalaya
- Maritime Disputes
- The Conflict in Afghanistan
The subject aims to explore the diversity of Asia, problematize the neat categories and ideas that underpin popular perceptions about 'Asia', while showcasing the research expertise of those working within Asia within the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. The broader and critical issues examined include identity, education, culture, language and minorities, development, displacement, environmental concerns, politics, and conflicts, etc. We explore these topics by first framing them in terms of long-term questions raised in the humanities and social sciences. Second, we sketch out the relationships between these questions. While the disciplinary backgrounds we bring to these questions include sociology, anthropology, linguistics, education, cultural studies, religion, philosophical studies, and political science, it will become evident that answers to these questions require a multidisciplinary approach. This is a level 3 subject. Please consider the subject prerequisites before enrolling.
- One short critical analysis writing task (500 words equiv) (20%)
- 2 quizzes (1200 words equiv) (20%)
- Final research essay (1300 words equiv) (35%)
- One long critical analysis writing task (800 words equiv) (25%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The third university established in Victoria, La Trobe University has a diverse community of more than 38,000 students and staff. Its commitment to excellence in teaching and research prepares students to make a bold and positive impact in today's global community. La Trobe provides Open Universities Australia with its core tenets, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
Learn more about La Trobe University.
Explore La Trobe courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 17
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 16
Entry requirements
Others
Prerequisites: Students must have completed 30 credit points of Level two subjects
Additional requirements
No additional requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateLAT-ART-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-BUS-DEG
UndergraduateLAT-HSC-DEG
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
UndergraduateLAT-AHS-DEG
Bachelor of Psychological Science
UndergraduateLAT-PYS-DEG
Bachelor of Information Technology
UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.