JPL3071

Theory and research in Japanese studies A

Ross Mouer

4 points
* 1.5 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: Current enrolment in or completion of a Level C, D or E Japanese language course or equivalent

Objectives On completion of this subject, students should have become familiar with some paradigms for dealing with Japan and methodologies commonly used in Japanese studies research. They will have formulated a topic for a research project, carried out a literature search, and defined an area of research and a hypothesis to work on.

Synopsis This subject may be taken as part of a Japanese language sequence (JPL3071) or studies sequence (JPS3071). During the first third of the subject students will be introduced to selected key theoretical and meta-theoretical issues in Japanese studies, and will be required to develop a research problem consciousness related to one such issue. During the remainder of the subject students will be introduced to central methodological issues in the social sciences and humanities as they relate to intercultural analysis. Students will be divided into two different groups according to the areas for their specialisation: the society and culture group or the linguistics and communication group. The subject is designed to prepare students to do field research in Japan or research about key aspects of Australia- Japan relations in Australia. The subject will be textbook based, utilising two or three textbooks on theory, fieldwork and methodology. Students who plan to enter honours should take JPL3071 (or JPS3071) and JPL3072 (or JPS3072).

Assessment Written (2000 words): 75%
* Examination (1 hour): 25%