110-121 Social Problems in Japan

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

50 points of study in Japanese or Asian studies for third year. Admission to the Postgraduate Diploma or Fourth Year Honours in Japanese or Asian Studies for fourth year.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject aims to prepare students for more specialised studies in Japanese society and culture. The subject offers interdisciplinary views of the political, economic, religious and cultural ideologies which foster inequality between different social groups in Japan. Students should become aware of the heterogeneous aspects of Japanese society as well as the public and private institutions that deal with these issues, such as ethnicity, caste and disability. The subject will also include an examination of the relevant institutions (such as the family registry system, employment protection laws, and social welfare programs) which promote or attack prejudice against heterogeneous social groups.

Assessment

Written work totalling 4000 words for third year, 5000 words for fourth year, and class participation. Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of all classes in order to be eligible to submit the final essay.

Prescribed Texts

• Suzuki & Oiwa, The Japan We Never Knew. Allen & Unwin, 1996.
• M Weiner (ed), Japan's Minorities. Routledge, 1997.
• K Oe, The Silent Cry. Serpent's Tail, 1974.