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 engages students with key topics that shape contemporary Japanese society and culture. The focus will be on post WW2 with particular attention to the last thirty years as Japan has emerged from a period of being a major leader in Asia and globally to entering a period of stagnation and decline. Each week will debate the effects of this transition on change in Japanese society. We will explore the impact of economic decline and societal disruption; the changing Japanese family and social structures; the impact of climate change; decline in birth rates and increases in numbers of aged; urban and rural differences; minority communities and multiculturalism; disaster and recovery and how these factors affect Japanese national identity, and contemporary Japanese society and culture.
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
This course explores Japan with the goal to assist students in critically analysing and theorising contemporary Japanese social and cultural issues. Through a range of themes and topics students will be able to gain a sound understanding of contemporary local and global influences on contemporary Japan through an historical lens, especially in the period since the end of World War II.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Critically examine and discuss a range of issues on contemporary Japanese
LO2.
Contest stereotypical assumptions made about Japanese society and culture
LO3.
Communicate effectively in writing on topics relating to the course
LO4.
Communicate effectively in oral presentation or group work on topics relating to the course.
LO5.
Demonstrate knowledge of historical elements which have shaped Japanese contemporary society.
LO6.
Demonstrate knowledge of scholarly works from a range of disciplines relating to Japanese Japanese society and culture.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reflection |
Reflection Tasks
|
30% |
Task 1 - 24/03/2025 5:00 pm Task 2 - 14/04/2025 5:00 pm Task 3 - 19/05/2025 5:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Research Presentation
|
30% |
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
In-class presentation, from WEEK 3 to WEEK 13. Students sign up for a timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment. |
| Essay/ Critique |
Research Essay
|
40% |
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13 |
Assessment details
Reflection Tasks
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Task 1 - 24/03/2025 5:00 pm
Task 2 - 14/04/2025 5:00 pm
Task 3 - 19/05/2025 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L05, L06
Task description
This task consists of 3 submissions of 500 - 600 words on the major themes of the course. The task is available for 6 days before the due date. The submissions must engage a critical thinking approach related to the topic for the particular task and reference the recommended readings for the particular Major Theme. Submission is online through Blackboard. A rubric will be used to provide feedback and assessment.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Online through Blackboard.
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.
This is a sequence task (due on the dates provided). The task is available for 6 days before the due date. Each task is designed to consolidate content covered in class and feedback is provided soon after submission of the task.
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.
Research Presentation
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 26/05/2025
In-class presentation, from WEEK 3 to WEEK 13. Students sign up for a timeslot. The student's assigned timeslot will be considered the due date and time for this assessment.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Students will give one ten-minute presentation with 5 minutes for discussion on a topic relating to the themes introduced up until that point in the course. The presentation should have a critical analysis approach with a well-structured and coherent argument and a synopsis of no more than 500 words and academic sources. The argument must be supported by at least 5 academic sources. The academic sources may be journal articles or book chapters from the recommended reading list, or other reputable, high quality sources from outside the list. Material from newspapers, magazines, film and other media can also be used to support the argument providing the material is appropriate, relevant and accurate - maximum of 2 sources. All sources must be referenced.
The presentation is used as a means to publicly express ideas and receive feedback from an audience and the lecturer that will be used in the final research essay. The presentation topic and final essay must be on the same topic.
The presentation time slots will be allocated to students based on a sign on system via the Doodle platform. This preference/sign on system will be completed online during the semester and the schedule confirmed in the same week. Any student who does not participate in the preference/sign on system will be assigned a time slot by the lecturer. Effective powerpoint is mandatory and must be submitted online in the LTCS2028 BlackBoard site along with a written synopsis of the presentation that includes main argument, critical thinking approach and references.
The presentations may be individual or as a pair. Individual submissions are required for the synopsis and equal time in presenting for each presenter is also required.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The research presentations will be conducted in-person. Students must also submit their PowerPoint presentation along with a written synopsis of the presentation through the link on the Blackboard site and Turnitin.
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.
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.
Research Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
30/05/2025 5:00 pm
Friday, WEEK 13
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
The final essay will be on the same topic as the presentation. The essay will engage critical thinking analysis to argue a point based on clear, concise and sufficient evidence from reliable sources. This is where feedback provided for the presentation should be utilised to improve the quality of the submission. The essay must be approximately 1500 words. 5% will be taken off the overall mark for every 100 words over or under a total of 1500 words. Feedback and assessment will be provided through an assessment rubric.
The essay must be submitted through Turnitin where it will be verified for originality.
STATEMENT ON AI & MT
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission is through the link on the Blackboard site and Turnitin.
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.
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.
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 submits no work of any acceptable quality. The student has not contributed to discussions or prepared a presentation. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates only very sketchy knowledge of material covered in the course with large gaps. The research essays contain little analysis and may not answer the question being posed. No evidence is advanced to support claims. Written skills are poor. The student has made minimal contributions to discussions and the preparation of a presentation. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: The student demonstrates poor knowledge of material covered in the course. Participation in discussion andﾠpreparation of aﾠpresentationﾠhave been limited. In the research essays, description predominates with only very occasional analysis. No or very little evidence is advanced in support of claims. Written skills are poor. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a satisfactory grasp of material covered in the course. The student has participated actively in discussions and prepared a sound presentation. The research essays show coverage of the topic, some attempts at analysis, and demonstrate satisfactory written presentation skills. Evidence is usually presented to document claims. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a good grasp of material covered in the course. The student has participated actively in discussions andﾠprepared a goodﾠpresentation. The research essays and the portfolio show showﾠsystematic coverage of the topic, a good level of analysis and good written presentation skills. Evidence is usually presented to document claims. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates a very good grasp of material covered in the course. The student has participated actively in discussions and prepared a very good presentation. The research essays show extensive and systematic coverage of the topic, a high level of analysis and very good written presentation skills. Evidence is always presented to document claims. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: The student demonstrates an excellent grasp of material covered in the course. The student has participated actively in discussions and prepared an excellent presentation. The research essays show extensive and systematic coverage of the topic, a very high level of analysis, and excellent written presentation skills.ﾠ Evidence is always presented to document claims. |
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
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 1 - Orientation Orientation to the course and getting to know classmates. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 2 - Tradition and Modernity Historical Context: Explore the interplay between tradition and modernity in Japanese history, from the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration and beyond. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 3 - Tradition and Modernity Cultural Expressions:Analyse how traditional arts and cultural practices have adapted to modern times. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 4 - Tradition and Modernity Social Issues: Discuss contemporary challenges related to balancing tradition and modernity, such as generational gaps, gender roles, and cultural preservation. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Week 5 - Identity and Belonging National Identity: Explore the concept of "Nihonjinron" and the complexities of Japanese national identity. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 6 - Identity and Belonging Multiethnic/Multicultural Japan: Discuss the experiences of minority groups in Japan, such as Ainu, Burakumin, and Zainichi Koreans. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 7 - Identity and Belonging Topic 2: Identity and Belonging Gender and Sexuality: Analyse gender roles, LGBTQ+ rights, and the evolving notions of masculinity and femininity in Japan. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Week 8 - Disaster, Resilience and Reconstruction Natural Disasters and Climate Crisis: Examine the impact of natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons) on Japanese society and culture. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Mid-semester Break (no classes) |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 9 - Disaster, Resilience and Reconstruction Technological Innovation: Discuss Japan's response to disasters through technological advancements and disaster preparedness. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 10 - Disaster, Resilience and Reconstruction Social and Psychological Impact: Explore the long-term effects of disasters on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 11 - Global Japan Economic Powerhouse: Examine Japan's rise as an economic superpower and its impact on global markets. Monday 6th May Labour Day public holiday - no classes. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Week 12 - Global Japan Cultural Influence: Discuss the spread of Japanese pop culture (anime, manga, video games) and its global influence. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Tutorial |
Week 13 - Global Japan/Final Presentations International Relations: Analyse Japan's role in international affairs, including its relationship with the United States, China, and other regional powers. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06 |
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.