What constitutes Asia?
ASIA is a geographical construct.
ASIA is one of the seven continents on Earth.
ASIA’S neighbouring continents are Europe, Africa and Australia.
ASIA and Europe meet at the Bosporus in Turkey [the start of the ‘Orient’] and with Africa at the Red Sea.
ASIA’S sub-units are: East Asia, North Asia, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia and Central Asia.
The Arab World and West Asia are not the same thing. The Arab World includes parts of North Africa, some islands of the Mediterranean Sea and some of West Asia.
Not all Arabic peoples are Muslim and not all Muslims are Arabic.
West Asia is often mistakenly called the ‘Middle East’ but this is only true if you are in Europe. This terminology is a ‘hangover’ from European colonial times and is merely a European construct. Although Egypt may be considered to be part of the ‘Middle East’, it is not part of Asia.
ASIA includes 70% of the world’s population and 30% of the land surface.
ASIA is the source of ALL of the major world religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
The decision on what constitutes Asia should not be flexible nor open to political, economic or religious imperatives.
ASIA is one of the seven continents on Earth.
ASIA’S neighbouring continents are Europe, Africa and Australia.
ASIA and Europe meet at the Bosporus in Turkey [the start of the ‘Orient’] and with Africa at the Red Sea.
ASIA’S sub-units are: East Asia, North Asia, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia and Central Asia.
The Arab World and West Asia are not the same thing. The Arab World includes parts of North Africa, some islands of the Mediterranean Sea and some of West Asia.
Not all Arabic peoples are Muslim and not all Muslims are Arabic.
West Asia is often mistakenly called the ‘Middle East’ but this is only true if you are in Europe. This terminology is a ‘hangover’ from European colonial times and is merely a European construct. Although Egypt may be considered to be part of the ‘Middle East’, it is not part of Asia.
ASIA includes 70% of the world’s population and 30% of the land surface.
ASIA is the source of ALL of the major world religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.
The decision on what constitutes Asia should not be flexible nor open to political, economic or religious imperatives.
Australian Curriculum
The Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia cross-curriculum priority provides a regional context for learning in all areas of the curriculum. It reflects Australia’s extensive engagement with Asia in social, cultural, political, and economic spheres.
Many Asian nations are growing rapidly and are regionally and globally influential. Immigrants from all these countries have historically contributed to Australia’s development and will continue to do so in the future. An understanding of Asia underpins the capacity of Australian students to be active and informed citizens working together to build harmonious local, regional and global communities, and build Australia’s social, intellectual and creative capital. It also builds understanding of the diversity of cultures and peoples living in Australia, fosters social inclusion and cohesion and is vital to the prosperity of Australia.
This priority will ensure that students learn about and recognise the diversity within and between the countries of the Asia region. They will develop knowledge and understanding of Asian societies, cultures, beliefs and environments, and the connections between the peoples of Asia, Australia, and the rest of the world. Asia literacy provides students with the skills to communicate and engage with the peoples of Asia so they can effectively live, work and learn in the region.
For more information
Many Asian nations are growing rapidly and are regionally and globally influential. Immigrants from all these countries have historically contributed to Australia’s development and will continue to do so in the future. An understanding of Asia underpins the capacity of Australian students to be active and informed citizens working together to build harmonious local, regional and global communities, and build Australia’s social, intellectual and creative capital. It also builds understanding of the diversity of cultures and peoples living in Australia, fosters social inclusion and cohesion and is vital to the prosperity of Australia.
This priority will ensure that students learn about and recognise the diversity within and between the countries of the Asia region. They will develop knowledge and understanding of Asian societies, cultures, beliefs and environments, and the connections between the peoples of Asia, Australia, and the rest of the world. Asia literacy provides students with the skills to communicate and engage with the peoples of Asia so they can effectively live, work and learn in the region.
For more information
