110-447 Social Problems in Japan

Formerly available as 110-121. Students who have completed 110-121 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

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.

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.

• gain skills in written communication through essay writing and seminar discussion;

• gain skills in research through competent use of the library, and other information sources and the definition of areas of inquiry and methods of research;

• learn attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;

• gain skills in time management and planning through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;

• gain skills in public speaking through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations;

• be capable of critical thinking and analysis through recommended reading, essay writing and tutorial discussion, and by determining strength of an argument.

A seminar presentation and a 500-word summary 20% (students are to sign up for different weeks at the start of semester), a 1000-word essay plan 20% (due mid-semester), a final essay of 2500 words for 3rd-year students and 3500 words for 4th-year students 50% (due at the end of semester) and continuous seminar participation 10%. A hurdle requirement of 70% attendance of all seminars.

Readings from journals and edited volumes as well as:

• Suzuki and Oiwa, The Japan We Never Knew. Allen & Unwin 1996.
• M Weiner (ed), Japan's Minorities. Routledge 1997.