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Course profile

Language and Society in Japan (JAPN3500)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

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

This is an upper advanced level course, for students who have completed JAPN3102 or equivalent. This course will deepen students' understanding of the intellectual and social context of language in Japan, and provide students with academic reading and writing skills in Japanese. The course will further develop the research and analytical skills needed for Honours.

Language and Society in Japan is a Japanese Capstone course designed for students of an advanced level. The course offers intensive reading, writing and discussion. Students will beᅠ taken ᅠthrough various topics on the Japanese language to develop their understanding of the nexus of the Japanese language and society, i.e. how gender, age and other socio-cultural factors both cause and reflect linguistic differences and variations. Students conduct research on a relevant topic and present its findings in oral and written forms in the target language.

Course requirements

Assumed background

This course is a Japanese Capstone course and is designed to be takenᅠtowards the end ofᅠa Japaneseᅠmajorᅠ(extended majors for Streams B and C,* or a single major for C).ᅠ Prior to taking this course, students should have completed at least JAPN3102. (*NB For students in A Stream, JAPN3500 is not a compulsory capstone although they can include the course in their extended major.)

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

JAPN3102 or equivalent

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

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

In this course we expand our understanding of Japan through critical thinking and a deeper engagement with Japanese culture and society through the Japanese language.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate increased understanding of the written styles and conventions of the language

LO2.

Demonstrate increased understanding of authentic oral or written materials (in print or on-line) and the ability to elicit the necessary information from them

LO3.

Demonstrate increased awareness of how language and society are closely connected with and influenced by each other

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Project Project proposal
  • Online
15%

2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024

Project Project essay
  • Online
30%

30/09/2024 - 4/10/2024

Presentation Individual Oral presentation
  • In-person
20%

7/10/2024 - 18/10/2024

Examination Final Exam
  • Online
35%

4/11/2024 - 11/11/2024

Assessment details

Project proposal

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Project
Weight
15%
Due date

2/09/2024 - 6/09/2024

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Students will submit a research outline and plan for the project they will report on in written and oral form later in the semester. The main part of the plan (i.e. excluding the project timetable and the references) should be written in a document of 400 characters or less. The title and the name should be included in the submitted document but they are outside the 400 character limit. The main text should be written in sentences and paragraphs rather than dot points.

Include:

  • a working title (this may be modified later but it should show clearly the specific topic of your project rather than the broad area such as 漢字の歴史 or 敬語. The topic must be relevant to the course "Language and Society in Japan". It is strongly advised that students select one of the general topics included in the textbook.
  • aim of your research
  • rationale (why you have chosen the topic)
  • research question(s) (what specific question(s) you want to prove or investigate about the topic)
  • methodology (how you conduct the research)
  • research resources (what materials you will use for your analysis)

The above may be used as headings but the outline should be in sentences and paragraphs rather than in dot points. See the sample on Blackboard.

In addition to the main body, submit also the following as attachments. 

  • aa project timetable showing a weekly schedule for completion
  • major references (include one relevant section of the main text and at least one other than the main text) and resources (indicate your primary sources, e.g. internet sites; magazines; TV drama). Japanese sources must be cited in Japanese with appropriate citation style.

Use plain written style (rather than desu/masu style), avoiding colloquial expressions. More detailed instructions will be given in class in previous weeks and made available on Blackboard.

Submit an electronic copy of MSWord document through Turnitin. No handwritten document will be accepted.

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

Submit an electronic copy (text without the cover sheet) through Turnitin.

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.

Maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due.' 


Project essay

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Project
Weight
30%
Due date

30/09/2024 - 4/10/2024

Other conditions
Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The length of the essay should not exceed 2400 characters + notes and bibliography. Detailed guidelines will be distributed in class and via Blackboard.

Submit:

  1. Submit an electronic copy of your MSWord document through Turnitin. Handwritten documents will not be accepted. Ask the instructor for permission in special cases.
  2. Send a copy to your peer reader at the same time. Be sure to get the peer reader's contact email first. If you have difficulty finding a peer reader, use the Blackboard Discussion Board.

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

Submit an electronic copy (text without the cover sheet) through Turnitin.

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.

Maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due.' 


Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Individual Oral presentation

  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance
Category
Presentation
Weight
20%
Due date

7/10/2024 - 18/10/2024

Other conditions
Peer assessment factor.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

Students will present a summary of their research findings orally (in Japanese) to the rest of the class. Each presentation should be up to 5 minutes + 3 min Q&A. Detailed instructions will be given in class. Students may use Powerpoint presentation and/or handouts. Presenters should ensure that everthing is set up before the start of the class and that the total presentation time (including playing of a video, if applicable) does not exceed 5 minutes.

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.

Maximum extension length allows assessors to give timely feedback before subsequent tasks are due.' 


Final Exam

  • Online
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

4/11/2024 - 11/11/2024

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03

Task description

The final examination will have three sections:

1. 16 multiple choice questions (0.5x16=8 marks)

2. Three short essays (200ji) on topics selected from the list (5x3 = 15 marks)

3. One short essay (300ji) on a passage distributed in class in week 13 (7 marks)

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.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

No calculators permitted

Open/closed book Open Book examination
Exam platform Learn.UQ
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

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: A student awarded this grade has not completed the required assessment items. The student has failed to satisfy any of the objectives of the course.

2 (Fail) 25 - 44

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: A student awarded this grade has not completed the required assessment items. The student fails to demonstrate a basic understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has failed to develop research and academic writing skills.

3 (Marginal Fail) 45 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

Course grade description: The student demonstrates some understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has developed proficiency in at least one skill area to achieve more than one of the course objectives. However, the standard of assignments and other assessed items does not show sufficient effort, and progress was not made during the course.

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has developed some research and academic writing skills to achieve some of the course objectives. The standard of work in the assignments and other assessed items could be improved, and more progress in work standard could be desired.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates a sound understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has developed a sufficient level of research and academic writing skills to achieve most of the course objectives. Assignments and other assessed items are completed to a good standard, and some progress in language and work standard is evident throughout the course.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates good understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has developed a high level of research and academic writing skills to achieve most of the course objectives. Assignments and other assessed items are completed to an excellent standard, and progress is evident throughout the course.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Course grade description: The student demonstrates excellent understanding of the socio-linguistic issues introduced in the course, and has developed a high level of research and academic writing skills to achieve all of the course objectives. Assignments and other assessed items are completed to an exceptional standard, and progress is evident throughout the course.

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.

Additional assessment information

  • It is the student's responsibility to upload their own assignment via Turnitin and to ensure that this assignment is their final draft. ᅠThe copy uploaded is to be taken as the final version submitted.
  • The digital copy uploaded must be the same as the hard copy handed in. ᅠ(The possible exception here is the bibliography, as if this is included in the digital copy uploaded, this can sometimes impact upon the percentage Turnitin gives for copied material.ᅠᅠEnsure that the bibliography is included in the hard copy but not in the digital copy uploaded.)

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.

Other course materials

If we've listed something under further requirement, you'll need to provide your own.

Required

Item Description Further Requirement
新世代の言語学 - Shinsedai no gengogaku (Iino K. et.al) Main textbook own item needed

Additional learning resources information

Students must own this book as it will be used throughout the semester.

The book is available from online bookstores in Australia.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1

(22 Jul - 28 Jul)

General contact hours

Introduction to Japanese language research

W1:Introduction : 「はじめに」 (pp. vii-xiv)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 2

(29 Jul - 04 Aug)

General contact hours

Approach to research

Approach to language research : ことばへのアプローチ (pp.xv - xvi)

Project guide over view : 研究プロジェクトの計画について

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 3

(05 Aug - 11 Aug)

General contact hours

Youth talk

Youth talk : 若者言葉 (pp. 70-76)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 4

(12 Aug - 18 Aug)

General contact hours

Changes in language

Changes in language : ことばの変化 Readings/Ref: Shinsedai (pp. 36-45)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 5

(19 Aug - 25 Aug)

General contact hours

Future of kanji

Future of kanji; assessment guidance : 漢 字のゆくえ (pp. 25-35)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 6

(26 Aug - 01 Sep)

General contact hours

Gender and language

Gender and language : 男ことば・女こと ばとジェンダー (pp. 236-242)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 7

(02 Sep - 08 Sep)

General contact hours

Politeness

Politeness : 敬語 Readings/Ref: Shinsedai (pp. 78-82)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 8

(09 Sep - 15 Sep)

General contact hours

Communication

Communication : コミュニケーション (pp. 89-102)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 9

(16 Sep - 22 Sep)

General contact hours

Loan words

Loan Words : 外来語 (pp. 134-145)

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 10

(30 Sep - 06 Oct)

General contact hours

Bilingual education/Academic writing in Japanese

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 11

(07 Oct - 13 Oct)

General contact hours

Bilingual education

Bilingual education : バイリンガル教育 (197-209)

Academic writing in Japanese : よいレ ポートを書くために

Signup for presentation: プレゼンテーションのサインアップ

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 12

(14 Oct - 20 Oct)

General contact hours

Oral Presentation

Bilingual education : バイリンガル教育 (197-209) continued

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Multiple weeks
Tutorial

Oral Presentation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

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:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.