Japanese Through the Media

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Time commitment totals 170 hours.

Japanese 8 (formerly Japanese 4B) or equivalent.

New students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the Japanese Program, based on evidence of prior learning and/or results of a placement test as required. Placement Test information here

JAPN30004 Japanese Through the Media

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 focuses on key social and political issues that are part of the public discourse in the media in Japan and Australia. These may include topics such as Japan’s aging society, education and language policies, gender equality, disaster relief and recovery, youth issues and fads/fashions. It compares the coverage of these issues in print and electronic media, including websites and television programming. Through project work and classroom discussions, students will analyse and engage with contemporary media. Students will also develop an understanding of media idioms and usage, culturally specific expressions and Japanese socio-cultural norms.

To deepen understanding of idioms and usages in Japanese media, including Japanese socio-cultural norms and culturally specific expressions.
To understand current issues in Japan and be able to analyse and contribute to public discourse by reflecting on required and recommended reading, essay writing and class discussion, and by assessing the strength of arguments.
To deepen understanding of social, political, historical and cultural contexts and international awareness/openness to the world through contextualisation of judgements and knowledge, developing critical self-awareness, being open to new ideas and aspects of Japanese culture, and by formulating arguments.
To deepen awareness of the social and cultural diversity in Japanese communities and engage with contemporary local, national and global issues.

• Written work of 1000 words due early semester (25%)
• Written work of 1000 words due mid semester (25%)
• Project work with reflexive analysis component of 2000 words due end of semester (50%)

Hurdle requirement: Class attendance is required for this subject; if you do not attend a minimum of 80% of classes without an approved exemption you will not be eligible for a pass in this subject.

Note: 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.

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

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.

New students will have their appropriate entry point determined by the Japanese Program, based on evidence of prior learning and/or results of a placement test as required. Placement Test information here