UWA Handbook 2023

Major Overview

Description

Studying Japanese language, culture and society means taking a significant step towards becoming Asia-literate—an important attribute for future global citizens, particularly in Australia. The Japanese Studies major caters for beginners and for students who have studied Japanese to high school level or equivalent. As well as learning how to speak, read and write Japanese, students examine Japanese history, society and popular culture. Knowledge of the Japanese language offers students access to a major world economic player with strong trade links with Western Australia.

Admission to this major requires a pass in ATAR Japanese Year 12

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) show competence in the Japanese language in the four skills of language acquisition—reading, writing, listening and speaking; (2) operate effectively in daily conversations or complex discussions in social and academic work situations; (3) understand and engage withJapanese-language texts and Japan-relevant English language material—written, audio or visual—of an intellectual nature in particular areas of interest and expertise; (4) understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to their own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner; (5) engage effectively in the key debates on Japanese history, society and culture in a professional manner and produce coherent and well-argued written work; and (6) demonstrate competence in a set of transferable skills, including (but not limited to) digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking, as well as an ability to manage and take responsibility for their own learning processes with minimum guidance.

Broadening guidelines

All students studying towards a Bachelor's Degree at UWA are required to Broaden their studies by completing a minimum of four units (24 points) of study outside their degree specific major. Broadening is your opportunity to explore other areas of interest, investigate new disciplines and knowledge paradigms and to shape your degree to suit your own aspirations and interests. Many of you will be able to undertake more than this minimum amount of broadening study and we encourage you to do so if this suits your aspirations. Over the next few months you will find here some broadening suggestions related to your degree-specific major. While we know that many students value guidance of this sort, these are only suggestions and students should not lose sight of the opportunity to explore that is afforded by your Broadening Choices. Advice can also be sought from your Allocated Student Advising Office.

Prerequisites

Admission to this major requires a pass in WACE Japanese: Second Language JSL3A/3B.

Incompatibilities

Not available to native speakers and/or persons who have been educated above primary level in Japan.

Courses

JPNSI Japanese Studies can be taken as a degree-specific major in the following degree courses:

• BP001 Bachelor of Arts
• BH005 Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)

Units