In order to interact with the Japanese, it is necessary to know: (i) how to produce correct sentences - which is the object of traditional language teaching; (ii) when to use particular sentences and other means of communication in encounters with the Japanese, and (iii) common ways in which Japanese think and behave.
All of the above are taught in the department. The department's courses are integrated in various ways. `Japanese language' subjects (which teach mostly language and communication), include components dealing with Japanese culture and society. `Japanese studies' subjects (which concentrate on the understanding of Japanese culture and society) include components directly useful in mastering the rules of language.
Two major sequences and two minor sequences are offered in the department. The Japanese language major and minor consist of `Japanese language' subjects. In the faculty nomenclature these subjects are prefixed with `JPL'. The Japanese studies major and minor consist of `Japanese studies' subjects prefixed with `JPS'. Some subjects in the `Japanese language' can also be included in the major and minor in Japanese studies. For details see below.
Students who intend to work in the area of Australia-Japan relations are advised to complete a Japanese language major as well as a Japanese studies major. Selected students doing the major sequence in the Japanese language and the major sequence in Japanese studies may be able to complete the last semester of the BA program in Japan. The major sequence in Japanese studies must be accompanied by a minor or major in the Japanese language.
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