1. Handbook
  2. Bachelor of Arts
  3. Majors, Minors and Specialisations
  4. Japanese Studies

Japanese Studies

Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2020

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Overview

The undergraduate program in Japanese Studies comprises coursework designed to build students’ knowledge and skills in understanding and analysing Japanese language and society.

Japanese subjects are organised in a progressive sequence (of units) from Japanese 1 through to Japanese 8 with several additional units. Entry and exit points are determined by the student’s background in the language, placement testing, prerequisites, or at the discretion of the Japanese program. Students normally progress through the subjects in consecutive order. Mid-year entry is also possible into subjects with even numbers, subject to appropriate prior experience and approval from the convenor of the Japanese Studies program.

The language-society subjects are designed to maximise acquisition of the language and to develop their communication skills in various types of texts, interactional contexts and strategic aspects of meaning making. The curriculum also allows students to develop a broad understanding of cultural, social and historical aspects of Japan. Non-language subjects such as Social Problems in Japan help students understand the complexity and diversity of the society, and challenge stereotypes. Teaching staff create a meeting place where students from a variety of cultural backgrounds can explore intercultural language activities to promote intercultural as well as communicative competence.

Intended learning outcomes

Students that complete this major will:

  • Gain effective oral and written communication skills in Japanese, and an in-depth knowledge of Japanese language, culture and society, relative to their entry level,and develop a capacity to combine knowledge of the Japanese language with one or more disciplines through critical research inquiry.

  • Gain knowledge of the social and cultural diversity of Japan and develop the skills to work with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

  • Gain the ability to set goals and manage time and priorities and work effectively both independently and in groups.

Last updated: 18 December 2020