Dr Natsuko Akagawa
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
In this course, students will be provided with the opportunity for oral communication in various forms of conversation, interview, public speaking and performative settings. The material used in this course is a collection of accounts by people living in Japan. The course will not only enrich students' experience of the target culture but also develop their understanding of formal and informal spoken features and conventions. This is an advanced level course, for students who have completed JAPN3020 or equivalent.
In this course, the students will further develop knowledge, cultural awareness and understanding of Japanese society and culture. Students will learn how to make informed judgements as to the suitability of a certain style of language in a given social or discursive context. The course aims to expose students to real-life situations and critically analyse problems independently, based on informed judgement. The focus of the course is to develop students’ confidence in their oral communication skills through discussions, public speaking, debates and interviewing The course will cover a range of topics and encourage students to develop their comparative perspectives on cultural and social issues throughﾠin-class activities.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is for students who have completed JAPN3020 or equivalent and can be taken by students enrolled in Advance Major and Advance Extended Major. The course is not for native speakers of Japanese. Students new to Japanese at UQ must complete a Japanese Language Questionnaire through our online Language Course Placement Advisor: https://courseplacements.languages-cultures.uq.edu.au/. Please use UQ credentials/email to fill in this form.
Please also note that enrolment may be refused on the basis of such knowledge or abilities, and enrolment in a different course may be recommended. If a student enrols in a course for which they hold incompatible qualifications, they may be advised to cancel their enrolment, and continued enrolment may result in a forfeiture of credit for this course. Any misrepresentation in the placement process may be raised as a misconduct matter.
Students who do not fulfil those prerequisites, but who have an equivalent knowledge of Japanese (e.g. from equivalent formal prerequisites gained interstate or overseas, or from residence in Japan) are permitted to enrol in this course if they have been placed here via the online Language Course Placement Advisor.
Please be reminded that students placed/enrolled in JAPN3110 are not permitted to enrol in JAPN1011 or JAPN1012 or JAPN2021 or JAPN2022 or JAPN3020 at the same time. Students are also not permitted to backtrack to lower levels in Japanese language studies. Students are advised to check the prerequisites for each course carefully.
Visit below for more information on pathway.
Extended Major Japanese Advanced
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
JAPN3003 or equivalent, JAPN3020 or equivalent
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
JAPN2540
Course staff
Course coordinator
Dr Mayumi Parry
Lecturer
Dr Natsuko Akagawa
Dr Mayumi Parry
Dr Kaz Hagiwara
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Public holidays:
Alternative arrangements for affected students will be announced through the Blackboard site.
Class allocation:
In order to optimise the student experience, it may be necessary to reallocate students to a different class from their first choice. Before this happens, every effort will be made to enable students to voluntarily change into an alternative class that is suitable.
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email hass.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full name,
- Student ID, and
- the Course Code
Additional information and support can be found here.
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to further develop students’ knowledge, cultural awareness and understanding of Japanese society and culture. This awareness will enable students to make informed judgements as to the suitability of a certain style of language in a given social or discursive context. The course aims to expose students to real-life situations and critically analyse problems independently, based on informed judgement. Students will be exposed to insights on Japanese society and culture through the eyes of Japanese people as well as from international perspectives, to appreciate cultural diversity and gain knowledge of other cultures. The course also aims to build resilience, confidence, and the ability to learn through self-reflection, interaction with peers and teachers in class. The focus of the course is to develop oral communication skills through various speaking activities.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
apply Japanese linguistic and cultural knowledge acquired in class to engage in and conduct discussion through effective interaction.
LO2.
demonstrate cultural awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity through the application of knowledge and insights acquired in class.
LO3.
employ and demonstrate to understand and use specific culturally embedded concepts, and social and historical background addressed in the course.
LO4.
demonstrate ability to independently critically self-reflect, evaluate, understand, express, convey ideas and opinions in Japanese on issues/topics addressed in this course.
LO5.
expand the knowledge and resilience acquired in class to communicate effectively across cultures/in other contexts/develop intercultural communication skills and work and collaborate effectively with others and in group settings in the target language.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation |
Kanji Concentration Talk
|
25% |
21/08/2024
Depending on the enrolment numbers, assessments may take place during both Sessions 1 and 2 in Week 5. |
| Presentation |
Kuizu Show
|
30% |
18/09/2024
Depending on the enrolment numbers, assessments may take place during both Sessions 1 and 2 in Week 9. |
| Presentation, Project |
Oral Assessment
|
45% |
2/11/2024 - 8/11/2024
Students are able to sign-up to their preferred time slots during the designated day/time [TBA] of the exam period. |
Assessment details
Kanji Concentration Talk
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
21/08/2024
Depending on the enrolment numbers, assessments may take place during both Sessions 1 and 2 in Week 5.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This task is for you to demonstrate cultural awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity through the application of knowledge and insights acquired in class. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate effective use of Japanese linguistic tools acquired in class to engage in and conduct effective interaction.
You are required to do an individual presentation of approximately 4-5 minutes duration.
You are to choose one kanji or kanji compound to present to the whole class. You need to explain, for example, the meaning, how it is read, how it was formed, why you chose and/or like this kanji or kanji compound.
Use of AI / MT in this assessment
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due and to support the sequence of content covered in class.
Kuizu Show
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
18/09/2024
Depending on the enrolment numbers, assessments may take place during both Sessions 1 and 2 in Week 9.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
This task is an opportunity to employ and demonstrate your ability to understand and use specific culturally embedded concepts, and social and historical background addressed in the course. This task is also for students to demonstrate your effective interaction and ability to work collaboratively with others and in group settings in the target language.
Students will form groups of 3-4 members (this may vary depending on the number of enrolments in the class) to perform a real-life Japanese TV quiz show format and conduct a group presentation. Each group will choose a theme from the list provided by the teacher and each student will participate in the presentation by performing a role they have chosen.
The presentation will be approximately 4-5 min/student (Turn-taking needs to be distributed equally among the group members.)
Students will be assessed individually.
Reference: How to work collaboratively: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/study-skills/group-work
Use of AI / MT in this assessment
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension (individual) only applies to the student who has applied for and been approved for an extension.
The maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due and to support the sequence of content covered in class.
Oral Assessment
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral
- Category
- Presentation, Project
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
2/11/2024 - 8/11/2024
Students are able to sign-up to their preferred time slots during the designated day/time [TBA] of the exam period.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This task is for you to demonstrate your ability to independently critically self-reflect, evaluate, understand, express, convey ideas and opinions in Japanese on issues/topics addressed in this course. The entire process of preparing for the assessment will provide you with an opportunity to apply Japanese linguistic tool acquired in class to engage in and conduct discussion through effective interaction.
This is an individual oral assessment.
You will choose a topic from a list of themes covered in class during the semester, which will be provided by the teacher during class. You will conduct a mini research project based on the topic you choose, which will form the basis for your presentation.
For this assessment, you must conduct interviews with classmates during class in Week 13. You need to document the interview session, write a report and submit it to the examiner before your presentation through the Blackboard portal by the designated day/time. Assessment instructions and briefings will be provided during class and posted on Blackboard.
On the day of your presentation, you will present your research to the assessor (4 - 5 min). There will be a Q & A session after the presentation.
Use of AI / MT in this assessment
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
This is an end of semester assessment during the exam period. Approved extensions will be rescheduled based on assessors' availability.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideas with lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates sound understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study; evidence of ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates very good understanding off fundamental concepts of the field of study; frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates excellent understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study; consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
The above descriptors are generic in nature. Since knowledge and the various language skills develop at different rates depending on the individual, students may exhibit behaviours from two or more grade levels in different skills and knowledge areas. The final grade will be determined on the basis of the total marks awarded for the various assessment tasks.
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
While we encourage students to use opportunities to practise Japanese with native speakers or fellow students/friends/family members, it is regarded as "plagiarism" if they have their oral presentation scripts or any other assessment items written or edited or corrected by a native speaker/friends/family members or another student.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
General contact hours |
Critical analysis Critically analyse problems independently, based on informed judgement. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
General contact hours |
Develop confidence in oral communication Develop confidence in oral communication skills through discussions, public speaking, debates and interviewing. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
General contact hours |
Cultural awareness and understanding Develop knowledge, cultural awareness and understanding of Japanese society and culture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.