Social Problems in Japan

Subject JAPN30002 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2.5-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.
Prerequisites: Any two second-year subjects from the core subejcts listed in the Asian studies major or equivalent. For pre-2008 students: Usually 50 points of 1st year study in the Faculty of Arts.
Corequisites: None.
Recommended Background Knowledge: None.
Non Allowed Subjects: None.
Core Participation Requirements: None.

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Carolyn Stevens

Contact

Dr Carolyn Stevens

Subject Overview:

This subject aims to prepare students for more specialised studies in Japanese society and culture. The subject offers interdisciplinary views of the political, economic, religious and cultural ideologies which foster inequality between different social groups in Japan. Students should become aware of the heterogeneous aspects of Japanese society, as well as the public and private institutions that deal with these issues, such as ethnicity, caste and disability. The subject will also include an examination of the relevant institutions (such as the family registry system, employment protection laws and social welfare programs) which promote or attack prejudice against heterogeneous social groups.
Objectives:
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the heterogenous aspects of Japanese society.
  • understand the political, economic, religious and cultural ideologies which foster inequality between different social groups in Japan.
  • demonstrate a familiarity with the English language writings on these issues.
  • acquire skills to critically think and analyse through required reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining the strength of an argument.
  • be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through essay and examination writing, and tutorial discussion.
Assessment: seminar participation (on going) 10%. a seminar presentation and reflexive essay (on going. 500 words) 20%. essay plan (mid semester. 1000 words) 20%. and a final essay (beginning of exam period. 2500 words) 50%
Prescribed Texts:

Materials supplied by the Institute.
Recommended Texts: None.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • written communication through essay writing and seminar discussion.
  • research through competent use of the library, and other information sources and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research.
  • attention to detail through essay preparation and writing.
  • time management and planning through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion.
  • public speaking through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations.
  • critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument.
Notes: Formerly available as 110-121 and 110-447 Social Problems in Japan. Students who have completed 110-121 or 110-447 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Course(s): Diploma in Modern Languages (Japanese)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies
Asian Studies Major
Japanese
Japanese
Japanese Major

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