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) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (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 ofany 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.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.