AST1000/Introducing Asia and the Pacific/The Asia-Pacific region

Towards defining the Asia-Pacific region
In order to have an understanding of regional relations in the Asia Pacific, we first need to consider what constitutes the Asia-Pacific region. This is a term often used, but what does it actually mean? For instance, what is an Asia-Pacific country? The term ‘Asia-Pacific’ is often used as a homogenous grouping. However, this incorrectly portrays the region, which is quite diverse in many respects. Before we consider the diversity that exists in Asia and the Pacific, we must first consider which countries comprise the region. This is the purpose of our first E-learning activity for this Module.

In this Module we start by individually compiling a list of the countries that comprise the Asia-Pacific region in the e-learning activity. When compiling your list of countries, you should think about the geographic diversity contained in the region. You should also think about the different peoples, societies, cultures and climate across this region. These factors will provide further evidence of the diversity that exists in the region. You may also be intrigued by countries that fit the categorisation of an Asian-Pacific country, although they may not instantly come to mind. Just where do the boundaries lie for this very dynamic, ever-changing region of states (countries)?

From general to specific
After compiling your list of countries in the Asia-Pacific region, you will then be asked to focus on one country in particular and prepare a country profile of your selected country.

You should read about your country in-depth so you have a clear understanding of its history, society, culture and government. Your only restriction here is that the country must be located in the Asia-Pacific region. You are free to select a country you know nothing about, or one that you have always had a keen interest in or desire to travel to. This again reflects the pedagogy of discovery used in this course. After completing both of the e-learning activities, be sure to spare some time to read the overall comments made by the e-moderator. They should provide you with useful feedback on this exercise and links back to the learning objectives for this Module.

Finally, be sure to enter the details of any sources you find to be of interest and relevance to these e-learning activities into the [ Regional Relations Source Repository] on the StudyDesk. By the end of the semester you will have your own database of online sources and links to more information on Regional Relations.