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

Japanese Studies

Bachelor of ArtsMajorYear: 2025

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Overview

The undergraduate program in Japanese Studies comprises coursework designed to develop students’ ability to interpret, explain and analyse linguistic and socio-cultural phenomena, to participate in meaning-making in Japanese, and as reflexive users of the Japanese language. 

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 Change 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 learning and communication to promote translingual and transcultural understanding.   

Note: Students in the Japanese Studies major are not able to take the Japanese Societies minor due to the "Diversity of Study" course rule.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this major, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication competency in Japanese, and an in-depth knowledge of Japanese language, culture and society, relative to their entry level
  • Combine knowledge of the Japanese language with one or more disciplines through critical research inquiry
  • Apply knowledge of the social and cultural diversity of Japan
  • Collaborate with people from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
  • Employ time management and prioritisation skills to set goals and work effectively both independently and in groups
  • Participate in and contribute to various forms of discussion as an informed user of the Japanese language
  • Evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of Japanese studies to develop new ways of knowing and understanding issues and phenomena in question.

Last updated: 11 December 2024