Social Problems in Japan

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Time commitment totals 170 hours.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

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.

On successful completion of this subject, students should:

be able to demonstrate an understanding of the heterogenous aspects of Japanese society;
understand the political, economic and social ideologies which foster inequality between different social groups in Japan;
be able to present one's knowledge and ideas clearly and effectively in writing;
acquire skills to critically think and analyse social issues through required readings, research, essay writing and class discussions;
be able to communicate one's knowledge and ideas clearly and effectively through tutorial discussions and group presentations.

• Class participation, 10% (ongoing throughout the semester)
• In-class exercises, 20%, totalling 800 words (weekly)
• A group presentation 10%, 350 words (due during semester, each group is required to give a presentation between weeks 3-12)
• A reflection on group presentation, 10%, 350 words (due 2 weeks after group presentation)
• A research outline and bibliography, 5%, 200 words (due mid-semester)
• A research paper, 45%, 2,300 words (due during the examination period)

Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Materials supplied by the Institute.

None.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

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.

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.