976211 Contemporary Japan

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 Global Societies
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level:

Undergraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

Requisite(s): (976001 Foundations in International Studies AND 24 credit points of completed study in spk(s): CBK90005 Country Choice combined Degrees with BA IntStud) OR ((64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09089 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09091 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C09093-C09096, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Honours OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10359 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C01361-C10364, and Category Type = Bachelor's Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10365-C10368, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10369 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10370 Bachelor of Communication (Writing and Publishing) Bachelor of International Studies OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10371 Bachelor of Communication (Digital and Social Media) OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10372-C10383, and Category Type = Bachelor's Combined Degree OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10276 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design OR 64 credit points of completed study in spk(s): C10277 Bachelor of Music and Sound Design Bachelor of International Studies))
These requisites may not apply to students in certain courses. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 979511 Contemporary Japan

Description

This subject introduces students to contemporary Japan, and its historical, political, cultural, social and economic dimensions in a local, national and global context.

The subject provides students with critical skills to identify major contemporary issues that shape the present day society of the country, introducing theoretical and methodological frameworks for students to engage in intercultural research. A combination of lecture-based, independent and collaborative learning allows student to develop critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills specific to Japan studies, in particular with regard to cultural diversity, sociocultural change and with attention to ethical best practice. Students develop critical thinking and written/oral communication skills relevant to the multidisciplinary nature of the subject.

In weeks 1 to 3, students follow the general issues and background discussion on contemporary Japan. From week 4, students pursue topics that cover the contested notion of Japanese identity within and beyond Japan, contemporary politics, religion, working life, and the issues related to an aging society.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a.	Reflect on and analyse contemporary Japan in its historical, political, cultural, social, and economic dimensions.
b.	Employ approaches and frameworks to engage in historical, political, cultural, social and economic inquiry.
c.	Apply knowledges of Japan ethically in their reflective and inquiry-based works.
d.	Demonstrate critical problem-solving and research-led analytical skills in the context of Japan.
e.	Communicate effectively in English the findings of independent inquiries and reflections in written form.
f.	Maintain good academic practice, observing ethics and referencing standards.

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):

• Evaluate critically theoretical and specialised knowledge of contemporary societies, cultures and workplaces. (INT.2.1)
• Understand and engage with cultural diversities in Australia and/or internationally. (INT.3.1)
• 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

Contemporary Japan combines lectures, tutorials, collaborative in-class learning, self-study and individual research.

Lectures provide students with an overview of key theoretical concepts and historical context. Assigned readings and in-class activities encourage students to engage with and reflect on these concepts and contexts, providing students with the training and skills required to complete the assessment tasks.

Before each lecture and tutorial, students are expected to have completed all of the preparation activities assigned. Guiding questions help students to focus on the most important aspects of these activities. Tutorials and lectures include preliminary work and formative feedback on assessment tasks.

Tutorials consist of whole class and small group discussions that extend the preparatory learning. Students must come to class prepared to discuss the material and raise questions. Tutorial activities focus on developing the analytical and information literacy skills required both for this subject and subsequent study.

Students receive peer and academic feedback on an initial journal entry early in the session and will have the opportunity to workshop their topic and initial ideas for the literature review.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Reflective Learning Journal Part 1

Objective(s):	a, c, d, e and f
Weight:	20%
Length:	2 x 250 word edited reflections. Total 500 words.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1 Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1 Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1 Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.5.1, INT.6.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Literature Review

Objective(s):	a, b, c, d, e and f
Weight:	40%
Length:	1000 words
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Relevance and appropriateness of topic 15 a, b, c INT.2.1, INT.3.1 Depth of analysis 55 a, b, c, d INT.2.1, INT.3.1, INT.5.1 Clarity and organisation 15 e INT.6.1 Adherence to ethics and referencing standards 15 f INT.6.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Reflective Learning Journal Part 2

Objective(s):	a, c, d, e and f
Weight:	40%
Length:	2 x 500 word edited reflections and 1 x 500 word reflective introduction. Total 1,500 words.
Criteria linkages:	Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs Relevance and strength of evidence 20 c INT.2.1 Depth of reflection 30 a INT.3.1 Strength of scholarly analysis 30 d INT.2.1, INT.5.1 Coherence, clarity of expression and presentation 20 e, f INT.6.1 SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Recommended texts

All readings can be found through e-resource at Library and/or URL in the weekly reading list. If the student finds any difficulties, get in touch with the subject coordinator by e-mail.

References

See the subject resources at e-reading of Library.

Other resources

The library's online journals and databases are the best source of up-to-date scholarly information. Japanese newspapers in English such as Japan Times, Asahi Evening News, Yomiuri Online are excellent sources of information and could be the first steps to gather the information. ?

WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources: http://www.internationalaffairsresources.com/ contains selected, annotated links in international affairs categories.