Digital Frontiers in the Asia-Pacific
03 February 2016
From farmers who use Facebook in Myanmar to fighting Islamic militants with memes, digital spaces and technologies are transforming media, politics and society in Asia and the Pacific.
They are also reshaping how we research and communicate our ideas to the world, providing exciting opportunities for careers that bring together journalism and academia.
Now a new undergraduate course offered by the ANU College of Asia and the Pacific will help prepare students for the opportunities and challenges that ‘digital disruption’ offers, as well as give them the transferable expertise to work across both the academic and media worlds.
Digital Frontiers in the Asia-Pacific (ASIA 3024), sees students join the student-driven online publication Monsoon as part of a one- or two-semester media practicum.
The course is led by Dr Nicholas Farrelly and James Giggacher – scholars from the ANU Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs who have long worked across media, online publishing and Asian studies.
“As part of an editorial team students will learn how to take complex ideas and translate them into accessible, engaging and innovative content driven by the digital revolution,” says Giggacher.
“Students will also be shown how they can take what they learn in the classroom and contribute meaningfully to public discussion and debate that enhance knowledge and engagement with critical issues.
“As one of the world’s leading institutions for scholarly engagement with Asia and the Pacific we see this as not only beneficial for the professionals of tomorrow, but a key responsibility.”
Monsoon editor and third-year Asian studies student Catia Rizio says the course is an innovative offering that allows students to explore different career options.
“The speed of technological change and uptake across Asia and the Pacific means that there are now more and more opportunities for non-traditional media practitioners to effectively work in this space,” says Catia.
“This course is a ‘hands-on’ experience that lets students apply their specialist knowledge and passion for the region in new ways. And they get to work on a great student publication at the same time.
“Interested students can find out more about the course andMonsoon by coming along to our information session at 5.30pm on Tuesday 9 February.”
Digital Frontiers in the Asia-Pacific runs in semesters one and two as a six or 12 unit course, but places are limited. Find out more at ANU Programs and Courses.
