Dr Natsuko Akagawa
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Languages & Cultures School
This course will further develop students’ awareness and deeper understanding/appreciation of the importance of the Japanese cultural context, societal norms and rules. It will expand students’ cultural awareness, respect and sensitivity through analysing the context in which different levels of politeness appear in relationships between the interlocutors. The course will enable students to effectively communicate by employing appropriate and polite Japanese expressions in both speaking and writing. This is an upper advanced level course, for students who have completed JAPN3102 or equivalent.
This course will further develop students’ awareness and deeper understanding/appreciation of the importance of the Japanese cultural context, societal norms and rules. It will expand students’ cultural awareness, respect and sensitivity through analysing the context in which different levels of politeness appear in relationships between the interlocutors. The course will enable students to effectively communicate by employing appropriate and polite Japanese expressions in both speaking and writing. During the class, students will be exposed to real-life situations including formal and public settings in the Japanese corporate world.
Course requirements
Assumed background
This is a course for students who are enrolled in Japanese Advanced Major and Extended Advanced Major. The prerequisite for enrolling in JAPN3210 is JAPN3102 or equivalent.
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/ when they enrol in the Program. Please use UQ credentials/email to complete this.
Enrolment in this course may also be approved based on proficiency, which prospective students have acquired outside of studying at The University of Queensland. For students who do not fulfill the prerequisites, the online Language Course Placement Advisor can recommend an appropriate course for enrolment.
If a student enrols in a course for which they hold incompatible qualifications, they may be advised to drop their enrolment for this course and/or may be recommended to study another course if available. The continued enrolment may result in a forfeiture of credit for this course. Any misrepresentation on the placement interview may be raised as a misconduct matter.
Please be reminded that students enrolled in JAPN3210 are not permitted to enrol in JAPN1011 or JAPN1012 or JAPN2021 or JAPN2022 or JAPN3010 or JAPN3101 at the same time. Students are also not permitted to backtrack to lower levels in Japanese language studies. Students are advised to check the Please check the prerequisites for each course carefully.
Visit here for more information on pathway.
Extended Major Japanese Advanced
Courses available are also listed on UQ's Courses and Programs site.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
JAPN3102 or equivalent
Course staff
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Classes for this course will not be recorded.
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’ awareness and understanding of the importance of different levels of politeness, formality and contextually appropriate expressions in the Japanese language and society. 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 including formal and public setting in the Japanese corporate world.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate a deeper understanding/appreciation of the importance of the Japanese cultural context, societal norms and rules
LO2.
acquire comprehensive knowledge, understanding and ability to apply the use of keigo in real-life situations including formal and public settings.
LO3.
develop cultural awareness, respect and sensitivity through analysing the context of text in which different levels of politeness appear in reference to the relationship of the interlocutors.
LO4.
generate and formulate effective communication by employing polite Japanese and appropriate expressions in their correct form in both speaking and writing.
LO5.
expand the knowledge and resilience acquired in class to communicate effectively across cultures/in other contexts/develop intercultural communication skills.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination |
Reading and Writing exam
|
25% |
26/03/2025
This exam will be conducted in-person, in the second tutorial session of Week 5. |
| Presentation |
Oral presentation 1
|
35% |
16/04/2025
Students will present in-person in their allocated second tutorial session of Week 8. However, depending on the number of students, the assessment may also take place during the first tutorial session on Monday of Week 8. |
| Presentation |
Oral presentation 2
|
40% |
28/05/2025
Students will present in-person in their allocated second tutorial session of Week 13. However, depending on the number of students, the assessment may also take place during the first tutorial session on Monday of Week 13. |
Assessment details
Reading and Writing exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
26/03/2025
This exam will be conducted in-person, in the second tutorial session of Week 5.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The aim of this exam is to review the students’ understanding of the concept and use of Japanese polite expressions which reflects and demonstrates the deeper understanding of the Japanese cultural context, societal norms and rules. This is an in-class online test conducted in the second tutorial session of Week 5.
The exam covers materials from weeks 1-4. It consists of multiple choice questions and short answers.
Working time: 60 minutes (plus 10 minutes reading time)
Use of AI / MT in this assessment: This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | One A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes, single sided, is permitted |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
If a student chooses to use "a single-sided A4 sheet of handwritten or typed notes," they should write their student number, full name (and preferred name, if applicable) on the sheet. Before the assessment begins, the invigilator will check the notes to ensure they comply with the guidelines. If the notes do not comply, a student will not be permitted to use them during the assessment. Notes that are not permitted will be collected immediately. Notes that are permitted will be collected after the assessment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Oral presentation 1
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
16/04/2025
Students will present in-person in their allocated second tutorial session of Week 8. However, depending on the number of students, the assessment may also take place during the first tutorial session on Monday of Week 8.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The aim of this assessment is to evaluate students’ ability to effectively apply keigo in a formal and public setting. This speech requires a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic context in which they are situated. Students must also carefully structure their narrative to demonstrate their appreciation of relevant cultural practices and norms. These elements should be reflected through the effective use of keigo, grammar, vocabulary, and expressions.
Students will be presented with several scenarios in a formal setting approximately two weeks before the presentation day and will choose one to develop into a speech. They are required to present or perform in class, with their classmates and assessors acting as the audience.
Each presentation should be approximately 4 to 5 minutes long. Students are also encouraged to actively participate in the scene presented by the speaker.
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.
Oral presentation 2
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
28/05/2025
Students will present in-person in their allocated second tutorial session of Week 13. However, depending on the number of students, the assessment may also take place during the first tutorial session on Monday of Week 13.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The aim of this presentation is for students to consolidate and demonstrate their understanding/ appreciation of the importance of the use of keigo and apply this in a real-life situation.
Students will be asked to form a group of 3-4 students (this could vary depending on the number of enrolments in one class) to conduct an imagined business presentation. Each group decides on a product and each student will take part in the presentation to ‘sell their product to their potential buyers’. Presentation will be approximately 15-20 minutes per group.
After the group’s presentation, the assessors (buyers) will ask some questions.
Students will be assessed independently.
How to work collaboratively: https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/student-support/study-skills/group-work
Students are also required to submit their presentation materials through blackboard before or straight after their allocated presentation.
*If students apply for an extension, the extension only applies to the student who applied for the extension.
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.
Likewise, while we encourage students to use opportunities to practise Japanese with native speakers or fellow students/friends/family members, students are not permitted to receive help from any other person (native speaker/friends/family members or another student) to complete this task.
Submission guidelines
Students are also required to submit their presentation materials through Blackboard before or after their presentation.
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. Please notes that 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: The student has failed to satisfy any of the basic requirements of the subject. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has failed to satisfy most of the basic requirements of the subjects and skills. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student has demonstrated some understanding of the items introduced in the course, but the standard of work does not satisfy the required level of achievement. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has shown commitment and willingness to all the required assessment items and has demonstrated most of the essentials and some of the desirables with a satisfactory level of competency, but lacks accuracy and confidence overall. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has shown commitment and willingness to all the required assessment items and has demonstrated most of the essentials and some of the desirables with a good level of competency, but lacks accuracy overall. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student hasﾠshown confidence and commitment to all the required assessment items, and has demonstrated all of the essentials and most of the desirables with a good level of competency and accuracy. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student has shown confidence, flair and commitment to all the required assessment items, and has demonstrated all essential and desirable skills with a high level of competency and accuracy. |
Additional course grading information
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.
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
Find the required and recommended resources for this course 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 |
Tutorial |
Acquiring and Applying Japanese Language in Formal Settings Discuss, analyse and apply the concept of politeness and what it signifies in Japanese society. Develop the ability to understand and internalise the concept of honorific expression and applying it effectively in formal settings. Develop a sophisticated use the expressions to differentiate and navigate human relationships by using appropriate forms, vocabulary, and expressions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Speaking and Listening in business and formal settings Analyse the situation and context to facilitate natural and spontaneous interaction. Understand and effectively use polite expressions in various scenarios, such as job interviews, internal office communication, business negotiations (e.g., expressing opinions, providing feedback, and apologising), as well as formally making inquiries and requests in person or over the phone. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Tutorial |
Writing Correspondence in Business and Formal Settings Learn the fundamentals of writing and using official forms and business correspondence, including curriculum vitae, job applications, cover letters, emails, internal documents, and invitations. Develop the ability to understand and internalise the appropriate formats and styles required for various formal and professional contexts. 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.