Social Problems in Japan

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

2.5 contact hours/week , 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8.5 hours per week.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.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.

• 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.

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%.

Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 75% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Materials supplied by the Institute.

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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.

• 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.

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.