Japanese Major | 2018

The major is available for students studying the Bachelor of Arts, or as a secondary major in the Bachelor of International Studies.

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.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this 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.

Major Study 

Beginner Entry

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. The Beginner stream assumes no prior knowledge of the language. For students commencing studies at the Beginner level, the major in Japanese consists of at least 54 credit points.

The Japanese program does not offer language subjects suitable for native Japanese language speakers. 

Intermediate Entry

Students who took Japanese Continuers or Extension at the HSC level enter at the Intermediate level JAPA241 in Autumn 2018 semester. All students who wish to enter directly into Intermediate level must consult with the appropriate Subject Co-ordinator. Some students will need to take a placement test. For students commencing studies at the Intermediate level in 2018, the major in Japanese consists of at least 54 credit points.

Electives:

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 Beginner Japanese 1 in Autumn session: or
• JAPA101 An Introduction to Japanese in Summer session (when on offer); 
• JAPA102 Japanese Studies for Educational Purposes in Spring (when on offer); or
• JAPA103 Japanese Studies for Business Purposes in Spring (when on offer).

JAPA101, JAPA102 and JAPA103 are for students who are interested in basic Japanese for travelling, teaching or business purposes. They are not pre requisites for any subject in the Japanese minor or major 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.

JAPA220 (The Making of a Globalised Japan) is 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 also 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) (UOW Course Code: 2605). Applications to both Future Students and the Office of Global Student Mobility are required.

Subjects that are complementary (but not required)

Students who are interested more generally in how language and communication work may wish to take ELL 110 (Language in Social Life), ELL 230 (Communication Across Cultures) &/or an English Language and Linguistics (ELL) minor.

Timetables

Click on subject codes in the above course structure for information on sessions of offer for each subject.

To find out specific information on timetables, tutorials, and classes, visit the Timetable page.

Minor Study

A 24 credit point minor in Japanese consisting of four sequential language subjects is available.

Information regarding minors, including which subjects to take to complete a minor, are available on the 2018 General Schedule of Minors page.

Minors appear on the transcript (academic record), but do not appear on the testamur. To have a minor study recorded, students must submit an Application to Declare or Change Intended Major/Minor.

Work Integrated Learning

Undertaking a work integrated learning (WIL) experience during your university education is now a significant contributor to being competitive in securing employment in your field of choice when you graduate from UOW.

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and the Arts internship program provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their degree in a workplace setting.

Students are also encouraged to consider CRLP200 (6cp). CRLP200 includes a quality assured workplace internship or industry project to give you that competitive edge by developing your professional skills through authentic learning in a real world context. You will focus on your career goals and receive career direction guidance, strengthen your resume and gain skills to navigate the rapidly changing world of work, develop your communication skills and begin to build a professional network.

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).

Entry Requirements & Credit Arrangements

Information on academic and English language requirements, as well as eligibility for credit for prior learning, is available from the UOW Course Finder

Other Information

For further information email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au