Japanese

The study of Japanese focuses on developing the linguistic skills necessary to understand Japanese ways of life, and how the past affects the present. It also aims to facilitate intercultural understanding and competence for the increasingly globalised world and workplace.

Students may begin their Japanese language studies at the Beginner or Intermediate levels depending on their language proficiency.

Beginner level

Students with no previous study of Japanese and those who took Japanese Beginners at NSW HSC level (or equivalent in other states) commence their studies at the Beginner level (JAPA141) in Autumn semester.

Intermediate level

Students who took Japanese Continuers or Extension at the HSC level enter at the Intermediate level (JAPA243) in Autumn semester. All students who wish to enter directly into Intermediate level must consult with the appropriate Subject Co-ordinator of Japanese. Some students will need to take a placement test.

Elective subjects

Japanese language studies are available as an elective for all non-native Japanese background students. Students with no prior Japanese language studies who wish to take Japanese as an elective may take:

• JAPA141 in Autumn session; or
• JAPA101 in Summer session (when on offer);
• JAPA102 in Spring (when on offer); or,
• JAPA103 in Spring (when on offer).

JAPA101, JAPA102, and JAPA103 are for students who are interested in basic Japanese for either teaching or business purposes respectively. They are not prerequisites for any subject in the Japanese major or minor and nor can they be counted towards a minor or major in Japanese. Only ONE of these subjects (that is, JAPA101, JAPA102 or JAPA103) can be credited to a degree. Students who wish to continue their Japanese language studies will need to take JAPA141 in Autumn semester even if they have completed JAPA101, JAPA102 or JAPA103.

JAPA216 (The Making of a Globalised Japan) is a compulsory cultural subject for all students majoring in Japanese. JAPA216 is also available as an elective subject for students from other disciplines who wish to familiarise themselves with Japanese civilisation and society

Study Abroad

Study Abroad opportunities are available to students wishing to pursue language or Japan-related studies in Japan. Scholarships, awarded on academic performance, are available.

Suitably qualified graduates with a major in Japanese wishing to pursue further language studies at a Japanese university may apply for the Graduate Diploma in Arts (Japanese).

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Japanese major students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the Japanese language and grammar
2. Comprehend spoken and written Japanese to at least B1 Level in the Japan Foundation's (JF) Japanese Language Educational Standard
3. Communicate in both spoken and written Japanese to at least B1 Level in the JF’s Japanese Language Educational Standard
4. Critically analyse and evaluate historical events and socio-cultural forces that have shaped modern Japan, its people and language

Subjects Required for Major Study

The major in Japanese consists of:

• 6 sequential language subjects and JAPA310,
• a civilisation subject (JAPA216); and
• an elective subject.

Beginner major

The Beginner’s stream assumes no prior knowledge of the language. For students commencing studies at the Beginner level, the major in Japanese consists of 66-68 credit points.

Intermediate major

For students commencing studies at the Intermediate level, the major in Japanese consists of 70-72 credit points depending on the elective chosen.

Subjects Required for Minor Study (28 or 32cps)

Students may take a minor which consists of any four sequential language subjects in Japanese. The minor in Japanese consists of 28 or 32 credit points of language study, depending upon the level of entry.

Whilst the minor will not be stipulated on the students’ testamur at graduation, it will be recorded on the academic transcript.

Diploma in Languages

Students who wish to undertake a Diploma concurrently with their Bachelors Degree course should refer to the Diploma in Languages for further information.

Honours

Honours in Japanese is available to high-achieving students with a major in Japanese, and may be incorporated into or alongside a program of study in Japan.

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au