Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies
The Melbourne Institute of Asian Languages and Societies (MIALS) was set up on 1 February 1998 at the University of Melbourne, charged with the responsibility for co-ordinating and developing Asian Studies across the University. It is a major teaching and research initiative aimed at establishing the University as a major international university in its programme of Asian Studies. The founding director of MIALS is Professor Merle Ricklefs, who previously held the position of the Director of the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University. The Institute promotes the study of the rich intellectual, cultural, political, and religious traditions of Asia and their contemporary manifestations in the modern world. Within its own departmental structure and in collaboration with other departments and faculties in the University of Melbourne, it gives particular emphasis to the study of Japan, China, Indonesia and the Arab and Islamic worlds. The interests of MIALS and the University of Melbourne's do not stop at these regions but extend across many other regions of Asia and a wide range of disciplines. New courses introduced or to be introduced next year include: Bridges to China (a web-based Graduate Certificate in Modern Chinese), MA (Japanese Linguistics), MA (Islamic Studies) which is available in an on-line mode for external students, and a Master in Contemporary Asian Analysis, a cross-faculty inter-disciplinary programme.
The study of Asia at Melbourne encompasses disciplines as diverse as anthropology, geography, political science, political economy, art and architecture, history, philosophy, gender studies, law, economics, music, Islamic and other religious studies, linguistics, languages and literature. Academic staff and students have interests in many societies other than China, Indonesia, Japan, and the Middle East, notable examples being Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and India.
MIALS collaborates with colleagues across the university to offer comprehensive programmes of study at all levels, from undergraduate degrees to the doctorate. The Law School offers the opportunity to study constitutional law, commercial law, and dispute resolution in countries such as Japan, China, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, and Taiwan. Architecture, Building, and Planning offers a focus on the architecture of Asian countries, in areas of urban policy and design, planning and architectural theory, history and contemporary practice of architecture. Teacher education is consolidated by in-country visits to Beijing, Vietnam, or Indonesia. Engineers learn about technological choice in developing and industrializing countries, especially those of Asia. In-country study opportunities are available in a number of programmes.
In addition, Melbourne Abroad Language scholarships offer students the opportunity to practise their language skills, and observe at first-hand, the customs and lifestyles of the peoples of Asia.
The Asian studies programme at the University is both strengthened and enhanced by the University's membership of Universitas 21 (an international consortium of like-minded universities) and its exchange agreements with a number of other international universities. These structures facilitate the exchange of staff and students, and collaborations across a broad range of research activities.
For its outreach programmes, MIALS works closely with Asialink, a non-academic department of the University which promotes understanding of Asia in the wider community. The University of Melbourne has been invited to provide 100 bilingual students (Chinese/English) and a smaller number of Thai/English speaking students to be Australian 'ambassadors' to visiting Asian business entrepreneurs attending the 5th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention which will be held in the Melbourne Exhibition Centre from 6-9 October. MIALS will be working closely with the International Centre to select and provide training to these student ambassadors.
MIALS works with other University departments and/or faculties and other universities to host conferences and seminars. MIALS has recently been host to a number of major international Asian conferences, e.g. on the Indonesian crisis, on Islam, and Chinese Linguistics. MIALS will be hosting the 13th Biennial Asian Studies Association of Australia Conference next year (3 &endash; 5 July 2000). The theme Whose Millennium? is expected to attract a significant number of participants, both from within Australia and from overseas, and promises to generate challenging and lively discussions.
For more information see http:// www.asaa2000.unimelb.edu.au/.
In affirmation of the importance the University of Melbourne has placed on the study of Asia and its societies, a new six-level building with a 500-seat lecture theatre and the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities has been commissioned to house both MIALS and Asialink. The Sidney Myer Asia Centre is expected to be completed for occupation by 2001.
MIALS reflects the importance in the modern world of understanding Asian societies. It is also powerful evidence of the commitment of the University of Melbourne to the study of Asia. *
MELBOURNE INSTITUTE OF ASIAN LANGUAGES AND SOCIETIES
Fifth Floor, John Medley Building, East and West Towers
The University of Melbourne
Parkville Victoria 3052
Australia
Tel: +61-3-9344 5555 / 5554 / 0160
Fax: +61-3-9349 4870
http://www.mials.unimelb.edu.au/