ATS3649 - Japanese: Language and society - 2018

Building on previously acquired knowledge of Japanese language and culture, this unit introduces students to some core topics in the socio-linguistic study of the Japanese language and system of communication, as well as its use in intercultural communication. Topics include speech acts, politeness, and other key features of the spoken and written language, as well as language variation on the basis of gender and other social identities. Students will analyse examples of Japanese interaction from a range of sources, including popular culture, and will design and complete a mini research project. Basic knowledge of Japanese equivalent to completion of Japanese Intermediate 1 or higher is expected.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Be able to demonstrate an understanding of sociolinguistics and to be able to employ some of the terminology used within the discipline.
2. Be able to explain the processes of communication found in native Japanese communication situations as well as in intercultural contact situations.
3. Be able to display a critical understanding of some issues related to communicating in Japanese or English with native speakers of Japanese.
4. Be able to relate these processes and issues to their own experiences and observations of Japanese use.
5. Be able to employ advanced research skills (research questions, methodologies, data management and analysis)
6. Be able to employ a range of enquiry techniques.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Japanese studies