110-455 Japanese Language and Culture

Formerly available as 110-136. Students who have completed 110-136 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

110-109 Advanced Japanese B and 110-452 Advanced Grammar or equivalent. Or admission to fourth-year honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Japanese for fourth-year students.

In this subject, Japanese social norms will be illuminated through reading Japanese authentic texts on some social issues in Japan. Such norms will be used to account for/make sense of the meaning of certain linguistic choices or culture-specific expressions that occur in a specific context. This subject focuses on the relationship between Japanese social norms/values and certain linguistic expressions, taking factual and historical background into account. Students will engage in project work investigating the relationship between Japanese language and culture. Through a project work and classroom discussions, students should develop an understanding of Japanese sociocultural norms and Japanese cultural way of speaking and behaviour. On completion of the subject, students should have skills to use various research tools effectively; have an knowledge of some Japanese social expectations; and be able to recognise some culture specific expressions and use them appropriately.

Assignments totalling 2000 words for 3rd year, 3000 words for 4th year, and examinations totalling 2000 words. Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of all classes in order to be eligible to take examinations.

Materials will be available from the Institute.