JAPN 2214 - Japanese In-Country Summer School

North Terrace Campus - Summer - 2015

The Japanese In-Country Summer School is an intensive language and cultural study tour to Japan from early January to early February 2015. The course is offered in conjunction and articulated with the Centre for Asian Studies at the University of Adelaide and Ritsumeikan University, where the intensive Japanese language and culture program is undertaken. Ritsumeikan University is one of Japan's leading universities. The course includes intensive Japanese language study, cultural activities and seminars and visits to cultural and historical sites in Kyoto. It will greatly enhance student's linguistic abilities and their understanding of Japanese society and culture. All Japanese language courses will be conducted at the Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto. Language classes are conducted for three hours every weekday morning, providing a thorough introduction to the Japanese language. Although particular emphasis is placed on oral communication skills the program maintains an overall balance between conversation, reading and writing, thus providing a solid foundation for future studies of the Japanese language. For Japan studies, seminars focus on topics such as business, history, sociology and traditional culture. In addition to having the chance to become more familiar with the finer aspects of Japanese culture in class, students also have the opportunity to take part in various fieldwork activities to reinforce what they have learned in class and become immersed in Japanese culture. After completion, students will be required to submit their academic transcript and graduation certificate from Ritsumeikan University and a 1,000 word reflection paper on their experience in English.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code JAPN 2214
    Course Japanese In-Country Summer School
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Summer
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 20 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites JAPN 1002 or equivalent
    Assumed Knowledge Japanese at beginner's level
    Restrictions Only available to students enrolled in Japanese language courses
    Quota 30
    Assessment Class tests and final exams at Ritsumeikan University (80%) and one 1,000 word reflection paper in English (20%)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Akiko Tomita

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Obtain knowledge and understanding of the Japanese language and many aspects of Japanese
    culture and society
    2 Acquire the ability to use independently a variety of sources to further your own
    understanding of the Japanese language
    3 Acquire the ability to work to strict timelines on regular exercises and assessments
    4 Develop the ability to work collaboratively with peers
    5 Develop an understanding of and respect for cultural difference and diversity combined
    with a knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in intercultural communication
    6 Develop a heightened awareness and understanding of different ways of seeing the world,
    specifically the Japanese world views
    7 Acquire the ability to research, synthesise, analyse and present information related to
    Japanese language and culture and using appropriate technologies and resources
    8 Develop increased critical and analytical thinking skills
    9 Gain an understanding of, and commitment to, the importance of life-long learning
    through a passion for Japanese language and culture that will, we hope,
    encourage you to travel to, study or work in Japanese speaking countries in the
    future
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,6-9
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3,7
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2-9
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 7
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 9
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 9
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbooks are provided in Japan
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Intensive learning classes, culture seminar and activities, visits to historical and cultural sites.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This intensive course will include a minimum of 3 contact hours per day for 4 weeks, plus historical and cultural visits, in addition to research, reading and assigmment preparation, for a total of 156 hours.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Available on enrolment.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    a) Class tests and final exams at Ritsumeikan University 80%
    b) One 1,000 word reflection paper in English, assessed by staff at the Centre for Asian Studies in Adelaide 20 %
    Assessment Detail
    Students are expected to attend all classes and activities in Japan. Upon completion of the language classes and cultural programs in Japan, students are required to submit their reflection paper within 2 weeks from the end of the tour in Japan.

    Requirments and Criteria of Assesment on Reflection paper

    · Minimum 1,000 English words.
    · High level of English expression
    · This writing has to be succinct and to the point.
    · The writing has to say something about your understanding of yourself and what and how you change as a result of your experience. What did you learn?
    · The writing should reflect an effort to make the most effective use of the word limit to convey serious personal reflection
    · References to written works, websites, etc and welcome but thiese need to be properly referenced.
    Submission
    Students are required to submit their academic transcript and graduation certificate from the Japanese University upon return to Adelaide.

    The English reflection paper is to be submitted vie MyUni after the tour ends.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.