University of Technology Sydney

97209 Japanese Media and Current Issues

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: International Studies: International Studies and Languages
Credit points: 8 cp
Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): 97206 Japanese Language and Culture 6 OR 97207 Japanese Films and Popular Culture OR 97208 Japanese Language and Identity OR 97210 Transcultural Communication in Japanese

Description

This subject is taught in Japanese and is designed for students who have completed Japanese 6 at UTS, or its equivalent, and have intermediate to advanced level reading, listening, speaking and writing skills. Students are guided to understand, interpret and discuss, in written and oral form, a series of texts on the topics of Japanese Media and Current Issues and to gain deeper understandings of the target culture and society. Students take an active part in collaborative learning activities to practice and consolidate their language skills.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Comprehend and respond to intermediate–advanced level texts in oral and written language.
b. Produce intermediate-advanced level texts in oral and written language.
c. Demonstrate critical transcultural awareness across two or more cultural contexts.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (INT = International Studies CILOs):

  • Understand and employ effective strategies to operate within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.1.1)
  • Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
  • Analyse, generate and communicate creative solutions to work-related problems within professional and everyday settings across diverse cultures in Australia and internationally. (INT.2.2)
  • Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
  • Communicate effectively and appropriately in an additional language for everyday and professional purposes. (INT.3.2)
  • Engage critically with current issues to act in socially responsible ways in Australian and international settings. (INT.5.1)
  • Communicate clearly and effectively in written and spoken language using diverse digital technologies. (INT.6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject proposes a blended, practice-based and research-inspired learning experience. A series of authentic materials (books, articles and videos) are used to promote the use of real-life scenarios and situations such as interviews and discussion.

Students are encouraged to customise their learning experience with Japanese peoples and societies. The learning activities are designed to prepare students to engage with current affairs in Japanese through critical reflection and multimodal methodologies. In addition to the in-class work, students are expected to complete a series of online activities, which strengthen their independent learning skills and facilitate a customised learning experience. The approximate time commitment expected from students is 12 hours per week, including class time.

Content (topics)

Students will examine both domestic and international current issues of Japan through various media, and will develop a sound understanding of these issue's cultural context. The subject will provide students considerable opportunities to explore both Japanese and their own culture in light of recent social phenomena. They will develop linguistic competence further, specifically by gaining advanced knowledge in kanji scripts and vocabulary. This will be achieved through the study of news articles, commentaries, essays as well as artworks that feature certain current issues.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Learning Portfolio

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Ability to independently expand knowledge on various Japanese language skills as an advanced learner 25 a, b INT.1.1
Regular participation, engagement and contributions to online discussion 25 a, b, c INT.5.1
Critical reflection on current issues in Japan 20 a, b, c INT.3.1
Demonstration of clear summary and interpretation of the topic and its ideas 15 a, b, c INT.3.1
Effective academic written expression as an advanced learner 15 a, b, c INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Reseearch Project (Oral Presentation)

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
Length:

5-10 minutes per student x 2
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstration of comprehensive analysis and understanding of the chosen topic (i.e., background and cultural context) 20 c INT.2.1
Demonstration of a logical, consistent, cohesive and balanced argument 20 a, b, c INT.2.2
Demonstration of critical and creative thinking, and reflection in relation to key issues 25 a, b, c INT.3.1
Demonstration of use of studied language (i.e., complexity, accuracy, fluency, comprehensibility) 20 a, b INT.3.2
Demonstration of appropriate presentation style (i.e., oral and visual delivery, use of research material, correct referencing) 15 c INT.1.1, INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Newsletter

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
Length:

Approximately 5,000 characters in total.
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Demonstration of comprehensive analysis and understanding of the chosen topic (i.e., background and cultural context) (Group marks) 20 c INT.2.1
Demonstration of a logical, consistent, cohesive and balanced argument (Group marks) 20 a, b, c INT.2.2
Demonstration of critical and creative thinking, and reflection in relation to key issues (Group marks) 20 a, b, c INT.3.1
Demonstration of use of studied language (i.e. complexity, accuracy, fluency, comprehensibility) 30 a, b INT.3.2
Demonstration of appropriate presentation style (i.e., visual delivery, layout, formatting and, correct referencing) 10 c INT.1.1, INT.6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Attendance at tutorials is essential in this subject. Classes are based on a collaborative approach that involves essential work-shopping and interchange of ideas with other students and the tutor. A roll will be taken at each class. If you are late to class and not present when the roll is taken, it is your responsibility to tell your tutor at the end of that class so that your attendance can be recorded. Please note that if you are more than 30 minutes late, you will be noted as absent. Students must attend at least 85% of their classes. Students who fail to do so will be refused the opportunity to take or submit their final assessment (see Rule 3.8). In order to pass this subject, students must earn an overall total of 50 marks or more.

Required texts

Subject reader and materials distributed either in class or via UTS online. There are no required texts to purchase.

Recommended texts

  • Yamamoto K., Tayama N. & Sakamoto M. 1987, Dokukai Enshû Hajimete no Senmonsho (First Steps in Japanese Academic Reading), Bonjinsha
  • Academic Japanese Kenkyûkai 2001, Daigaku/ Daigakuin Ryûgakusei no Nihongo - Sakubunhen (Japanese for International College/ Graduate Students - Composition), ALC Press
  • Sato M., Kano C., Tanabe K. & Nishimura Y. 1986, Jissen Nihongo no Sakubun, Bonjinsha
  • Hamada M., Hirao T. & Yui K. 1997, Daigakusei Ryûgakusei no tame no Ronbun Workbook, Kuroshio Shuppan
  • Kurahachi J., 2008, Writing skills in Japanese: Intermediate and Advanced, Kokin Shoin
  • Oka M., 2010, J?ky? e no tobira : kontentsu to maruchi media de manabu Nihongo - J?ky? e tsunageru kiso kanji 800, Tokyo, Kurosio
  • Asakura, M., Setoguchi, A.,Yamamoto, K., 2010, G?kaku dekiru nihongo n?ryoku shiken N2, Tokyo, Aruku
  • Ishizaki, A., 2010, G?kaku dekiru nihongo n?ryoku shiken N1, Tokyo, Aruku
  • Bonjinsha, 2010, Tanki masut? Nihongo n?ryoku shiken doriru: N2, Tokyo, Bonjinsha
  • Bonjinsha, 2010, Tanki masut? Nihongo n?ryoku shiken doriru: N1, Tokyo, Bonjinsha

References

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  • ????????????? (2010) ?????474????
  • ???????????? (2010) ????378????
  • ?????????????????????????? (2012) PHP??786?PHP???
  • ??????????????????? (2010) ?????
  • ???????????????????????????????(2001) The Japan Times
  • ?????????????????????????(2011)????????????
  • ?????????????????????????(2010)????????????
  • Oka, M., Ishikawa, S., Kondo, J., Tsutsui, M., Emori, S., and Y. Hanai. (2010) Power up your Kanji: 800 Basic Kanji as a gateway to advanced Japanese. Kuroshio Publisher, Tokyo.
  • Makino, S. & M. Tsutsui (1986 and 1989), A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar, The Japan Times, Tokyo.
  • ??????????????????? ?, ?? ??, ?? ???, ????? ??????: ????????; ??? (2012/5/25)
  • ????????????????82 ?????????? ??, ?? ???????: ??????????? (2009/11)
  • ????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???: ??????; ?? (2010/11/29)
  • ??????????50????????????????? ??, ?? ??, ?? ??????: ??????????? (2010/08)
  • ???????? ???????? ??40 ???????, ????, ???? ???: ??????????? (2013/8/9)
  • Marugoto: Japanese language and culture Intermediate1 B1 / ???? ????????? ??1 B1??????????, ????, ?????, ?????, ????? ???: ??? (2016/9/27)
  • ?????????????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ?, ?? ??, ?? ??, ?? ??, ?? ??, ???????????? (??)????: ???????????; ??? (2009/07)
  • ????????????????????????? ???? ????? ??, ?? ??, ?? ??, ?? ??, ??? ?, ???????????? (??)????: ???????????; ??? (2009/09)
  • ???????II CD? 17???? ????????? (?, ??)????: ????????? (2012/11/1)
  • ???????????????????? ?? ?? ??????????????????????????: ??????????? (2013/2/23)

Other resources

JAPAN FOUNDATION
Students are strongly encouraged to visit the Japan Foundation library. The libary holds a wide range of resources and boasts a largest collection of Japanese langauge learning materials.The Japan Foundation is in the Central Park just across from Tower Buidling.

Level 4, Central Park, 28 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
Please take a lift to acess to level 4, No escalators available to level 4.
Tel: (02) 8239-0011


UTS LIBRARY
The UTS library holds a variety of Japanese Language and Culture related resources available for loan or in Closed Reserve. Students can access these from the catalogue using, for instance, “Japanese language” as the keywords. The course number can also be used to identify resources in Closed Reserve.
Information on how to access library electronic resources is available at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/faq under ‘online access’. You will need a username and password to access library electronic resources like databases etc. This will be the username and password of your UTS Email account.
If you wish to access library resources from outside UTS, you should read the information available at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/services/off_campus You will need a username and password to access library resources like databases etc from outside UTS. This will be the username and password of your UTS Email account.
If you haven't yet activated your UTS Email account, please go to http://webmail.uts.edu.au If you have trouble activating your UTS email account, please visit one of the IT Support Centre counters at UTS, ring the ITD helpdesk on 9514 2222, or email them at itsc@uts.edu.au
Instructions on how to set up your computer to access the library's resources can be found at: http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/services/off_campus/access
The library web site also offers some online tutorials to help you to develop your Information skills:

  • A tutorial about finding information on the web is available at:
  • http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/information/tutorial_index
  • A tutorial about using Catalyst for research and investigative assignments is at:
  • http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/catalyst/

Details of library locations and hours are available on the Library’s home page.

GRAMMAR AND ITS USAGE

  • Makino, S. & M.Tsutsui (1986 and 1989), A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar, The Japan Times, Tokyo.
  • Makino, S. & M. Tsutsui (1995), A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar, The Japan Times, Tokyo.
  • Chino, N. (1991) Power Japanese: All About Particles, Kodansha International, Tokyo.
  • Brown, D.M. (1987) An Introduction to Advanced Spoken Japanese, Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies, Yokohama.
  • Mizutani, O. & N. Mizutani (1977-1990) Nihongo Notes 1-5, The Japan Times, Tokyo.
  • Mizutani, O. & N. Mizutani (1977-1990), Nihongo Notes 6-10 (or Situational Japanese 1-5), The Japan Times, Tokyo.
  • McClain, Y.M. (1981) Handbook of Modern Japanese Grammar, Hokuseido Press.

CULTURE AND SOCIETY

  • Davies, Roger and Osamu Ikeno (eds) 2002, The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture, Tuttle Publishers, Boston.
  • NHK International Inc, 1994, The Way of Life In Japan, Bonjinsha, Tokyo.
  • Kodansha International, 1982 and 1983, Discover Japan Vol. 1 & 2, Kodansha International, Tokyo.
  • Kodansha International, 1993, Japan: An Illustrated Encyclopaedia, Kodansha International, Tokyo.
  • Japan: A Bilingual Atlas, Kodansha International, Tokyo
  • Neustupny J. V. 1987, Communicating with the Japanese, The Japan Times, Tokyo
  • Nakayama K. 1993, Pictorial Encyclopedia of Japanese Culture, Gakushû Kenkyûsha, Tokyo
  • Gakushû Kenkyûsha, 1993, Pictorial Encyclopedia of Modern Japanese, Gakushû Kenkyûsha, Tokyo
  • Nakayama K. 1993, The Beauty of Japan, Gakushû Kenkyûsha, Tokyo
  • Sugimoto, Yoshio 1997, An Introduction to Japanese Society, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge and Melbourne.


ONLINE RESOURCES
For a wide selection of language and culture related resources available online refer to UTS-online.

FURTHER STUDY & RESEARCH ADVICE
A considerable amount of lecture time is devoted to practising using the language in a variety of real or simulated situations using authentic materials whenever possible. In order to maintain and consolidate those skills, students need to practise the language regularly with Japanese speaking friends or colleagues. Students will regularly be offered opportunities to meet Japanese background speakers. TV and radio news and media articles such as Nichigo Press (monthly local Japanese paper) are recommended to students to further develop their language skills and general knowledge about Japan.