University of Technology Sydney

97210 Transcultural Communication in Japanese

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 97209 Japanese Media and Current Issues

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 transcultural communication 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 intercultural 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. 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 be called upon to analyse major linguistic and socio-cultural aspects of the source texts. They will develop a sound understanding of Japanese language and cultures in the context of globalisation and be sensitive to intercultural difference, a respect for other cultures and a commitment to international citizenship.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Language Learning portfolio

Intent:

Students will keep a reflective journal in response to authentic texts and audio-visual resources offered in the class.

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
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 synchronous/ asynchronous learning activities 25 a, b, c INT.5.1
Demonstration of clear summary and interpretation of the topic and the contentions 25 a, b, c INT.3.1
Ability to write effectively in an academic situation as an advanced learner 25 a, b, c INT.3.2
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Research Project - Oral presentation

Intent:

Students are required to choose one of the themes that will be given for the assignment and design and conduct a research project on that theme. Students will examine the relationship between Japanese language ideology, context and culture, users and actual language use.

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 30%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Comprehensive analysis and understanding of the chosen topic? (i.e. background and cultural context) 25 c INT.2.1
Logical, consistent, cohesive and balanced argument 20 a, b, c INT.2.2
Critical and creative thinking, and personal reflection in relation to key issues 20 a, b, c INT.3.1
Use of studied language (i.e. complexity, accuracy, fluency, comprehensibility) 20 a, b INT.3.2
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: Research Project - Written report

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 40%
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Comprehensive analysis and understanding of the chosen topic? (i.e. background and cultural context) 20 c INT.2.1
Logical, consistent, cohesive and balanced argument 20 a, b, c INT.2.2
Critical and creative thinking, and personal reflection in relation to key issues 20 a, b, c INT.3.1
Use of studied language (i.e. complexity, accuracy, fluency, comprehensibility, clarity) 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

  • ????? (2010) ?????????????????????????????????????), ?????
  • ?????????(???(2008) ??????????????????????????????????????????????A??????
  • ?????????????????????? (2009) ?????????? ????? ???. (Multicultural Children in Japan,) ????
  • ?? ??, ????? ????, ??? ?????? , (2009) ???????, ???
  • ???? (2009) Voices From Japan ??????????????, ??????
  • ???? ?2008) ??????????????????????????, ????
  • ?? ???? (2009?2010, 2012) ?????????????? Media Factory
  • ????????(2010) ????????????????????????????????????????, ??????
  • ????? (2002, 2004) ???????? 1& 2 (My darling is ambidextrous),???????????
  • Japanese on the Move: Live Stories of Transmigration
  • (http://www.languageonthemove.com/japanese-on-the-move)
  • Ingrid Piller (2011) Intercultural Communcation: A critical introduction, Edinbourgh: Edinbourgh University Press

Other resources

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.

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.

Japan Foundation
Students are also encouraged to join the library and use the facilities of the Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park, 28 Broadway Central Park, Chippendale NSW 2008

Phone: (02) 8239 0055
Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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.

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 (not your UTSOnline account, which uses your student number).

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