Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit moves beyond popular stereotypes and essentialist understanding of Japan to provide students with a critical understanding of the sociocultural processes underpinning the emergence of that nation as a major global industrial power in the second half of the twentieth century, as well as an appreciation of the dynamics of contemporary twenty-first-century Japanese society. In particular, the unit complements the Japanese language units on offer by reinforcing students' appreciation of the sociocultural context within which the language operates. Using a multidisciplinary approach and with reference to both academic and popular culture texts and resources, the unit draws attention to the complex interplay between discourses, institutions and practices of work, family, culture, nation/citizenship and gender and sexuality in the day-to-day dynamics of Japanese society. These issues are examined both with reference to domestic Japanese society and in relation to the broader Asia–Pacific context.

The first half of the unit provides a framework for understanding Japan's sociocultural and economic transformations of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, both with reference to domestic society and in relation to the wider Asia–Pacific region. The second half of the unit focuses on specific 'case studies' and discussion topics including: (1) Japan in relation to research debates on sociocultural change; (2) changing discourses of identity and nation; (3) popular culture and urban consumer culture; (4) shifting discourses of gender and sexuality; and (5) changing attitudes to work and corporate culture.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 3 core unit in the JPNSB Japanese Studies; JPNSP Japanese Studies; JPNSI Japanese Studies major sequences
  • Level 3 option in the Asian Studies major sequence
  • Level 3 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) apply knowledge and analytical skills of Japanese society acquired through this unit to their Japanese language study; (2) understand the theoretical concepts necessary for Japan and Asia-related units in the Humanities and Social Sciences; (3) apply this critical understanding to their own societies, thereby demonstrating 'ethical sensitivity towards our diverse and globalised world'; (4) use academic and popular culture texts and resources to augment and reinforce their understanding of the sociocultural dynamics of Japan; (5) devise their own research topic in areas related to the unit; (6) independently research that topic by collecting, reading and critically analysing data and information; (7) draw on research skills and express themselves clearly and persuasively in writing, using an appropriate theoretical framework; and (8) express their ideas and appraise the ideas of others orally through active discussion in tutorials.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial paper; (2) research project/essay; and (3) tutorial discussion leading and contribution. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Laura Dales
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
any one level 2 Unit(s) from the School of Social Sciences
or Humanities
Incompatibility
ASIA2218 Japan: Social and Cultural Tensions.
ASIA2214 Japan in Changing Asia.
ASIA2217 Shifting Identities in Japan
Contact hours
lectures: 20 hours
tutorials: 9 hours
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.