ASIA 1102 - Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course provides an introduction to the study of Japanese society and culture, both as background knowledge for language students and as preparation for later-year courses, especially in BA courses in Asian, Cultural or International Studies. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not required to enrol in the course. However, students of Japanese language are strongly encouraged to take this course. The primary focus is modern Japan and its historical heritage. Aspects of society, culture, economics and politics will be presented both in traditional as well as modern contexts. By the end of the semester students will be familiar with some of the central concerns of Japanese society and culture and with some of the main approaches to study them. Teaching will combine lectures, tutorials and video presentations.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ASIA 1102
    Course Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Course Description This course provides an introduction to the study of Japanese society and culture, both as background knowledge for language students and as preparation for later-year courses, especially in BA courses in Asian, Cultural or International Studies. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not required to enrol in the course. However, students of Japanese language are strongly encouraged to take this course. The primary focus is modern Japan and its historical heritage. Aspects of society, culture, economics and politics will be presented both in traditional as well as modern contexts. By the end of the semester students will be familiar with some of the central concerns of Japanese society and culture and with some of the main approaches to study them. Teaching will combine lectures, tutorials and video presentations.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sejin Pak

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
    1 Gain knowledge and understanding of various issues in the identity formation in Japanese society from the modern to the contemporary period
    2 Research and write about a chosen topic
    3 Work in team work and communicate with people of diverse cultural backgrounds
    4 Use IT technology in learning, researching, writing, communicating, and presenting
    5 Raise intellectual curiosity about Japan in relation to other societies
    6 Gain intercultural and reflective understanding of the social and cultural issues in a globalised environment
    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
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 2
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 5
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 3
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 4
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 5
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 5, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Online Learning
    Additional resources will be located in MyUni. Students will be required to participate in a discussion board.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures supported by problem-solving tutorials which develop the lecture material. Participation in online discussion board is also required.
    Workload

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

    2 x 1-hour lectures (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 1-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    6 hours reading per week 72 hours per semester
    2 hours research per week 24 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Introduction
    Geography: physical and human
    Week 2 Language: roots, ways of thinking
    The Origin of People and Culture
    Week 3 Tokugawa Japan 1
    Tokugawa Japan 2
    Week 4 Meiji Restoration 1
    Meiji Restoration 2
    Week 5 Imperialism and Militarism
    Imperialism & War
    Week 6 War, Defeat, & Occupation
    The US Occupation
    Week 7 Postwar Politics
    Bureaucracy
    Week 8 Mid-term exam
    Japanese company
    Week 9 Education 1
    Education 2
    Week 10 Women
    Family, marriage
    Week 11 Religion
    Media, Popular culture
    Week 12 Minorities
    Review
  • 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
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Attendance and participation Formative and Summative 10% 1-6
    Tutorial presentation Formative and Summative 15% 1-6
    Discussion board contribution Formative and Summative 5% 1-6
    1200-1400 word tutorial paper Formative and Summative 20% 1-6
    Mid-term test Formative and Summative 20% 1-6
    Exam Summative 30% 1-6
    Assessment Detail
    Attendance and participation: attendance and participation in tutorials - 10% weighting.

    Tutorial presentation: students make a presentation and submit a handout on their chosen topic - 15% weighting.

    Contribution to online discussion board: students contribute approximately 100 words during the semester - 5% weighting.

    1200-1400 word tutorial paper: students submit a paper on their chosen topic, which must be different from the tutorial presentation - 20% weighting.

    Mid-term test: conducted in class - 20% weighting.

    Exam: students are given a take home exam - 30% weighting.
    Submission
    All assignments are submitted electronically via MyUni. The discussion board submissions are direct to the discussion board.
    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
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    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.

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