Students

JPS 221 – Modern Japanese Society

2016 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor
Mio Bryce
Contact via Email
Lecturer & Tutor
Alison Luke
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
12cp
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit explores various aspects of contemporary Japanese society. Japan was the first Asian nation to embrace modernisation. More than a century later, what has Japanese society now transformed into? What makes it distinctively Japanese? Topics covered include: cultural dynamics of the contemporary family; politics and civil society; economic cycles of boom and stress; environmental issues and tipping points; education, the pathway to adulthood, and learning to be part of the group; reconstructions of gender; Japanese selfhood and ethnic difference; minorities and social peripheries; religion and ethics; and forms of popular culture. This unit is taught in English and no prior knowledge of Japanese language is required.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

General Assessment Information

Assessment tasks are compulsory and must be submitted on time. Extensions will not be granted without a valid and documented reason (e.g. medical certificate). Late submissions will be penalised by 5% for each day (including weekends) the assessment task is late. No assessment tasks will be accepted after assessment tasks have been corrected and feedback has been provided. Assessment tasks handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date.

If a student is prevented by serious and unavoidable disruption from completing unit requirements in accordance with their ability, they may apply for support under the Disruption to Studies Policy. To access this support, students must notify the university via ask.mq.edu.au. Students should refer to the Disruption to Studies Policy for further information (see the link provided in the 'Policies and procedures' section of this unit guide).

JPS221 also has unit-specific assessment policies. Please see iLearn for details. 

Assessment rubrics for all assessment tasks will be provided in iLearn.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Due
Unit Participation 15% Ongoing
Online Quizzes 30% 4 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov
Literature Review 25% 11:59pm Sun 18 Sept (Week 7)
Essay 30% 11:59pm Sun 30 Oct (Week 11)

Unit Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

Participation refers to much more than simply being in attendance. Students must consistently demonstrate their commitment to the course by being punctual and well prepared for all classes. Participation marks are also gained through active involvement during the class, demonstrated by asking and answering questions, participating constructively in activities as required, and showing consideration for the teaching staff and other students by behaving in a mature and co-operative manner. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

Online Quizzes

Due: 4 Sep, 16 Oct, 13 Nov
Weighting: 30%

Students are required to complete three online quizzes (each worth 10%), due at 11:59pm on the Sunday of Week 5, Week 9 and Week 13. Each quiz is based on the unit content up to and including the week of the quiz (i.e. lectures, tutorials, essential readings and any other relevant materials). Each quiz may include the following question types: multiple choice, true/false, short response and medium response. 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Literature Review

Due: 11:59pm Sun 18 Sept (Week 7)
Weighting: 25%

Length: 1500 words

Format: typed A4, Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced

Students are required to select two readings from any week between Weeks 2 and 13 and produce a critical literature review. Further instructions and guidance will be provided in the tutorials.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Essay

Due: 11:59pm Sun 30 Oct (Week 11)
Weighting: 30%

Length: 2000 words

Format: typed A4, Times New Roman 12 point font, double-spaced

Students are required to choose one question (out of two options) and respond to it in an essay. The essay question options will be provided in class and in iLearn. Further instructions and guidance will be provided in the tutorials.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

Each teaching week there will be a one hour lecture (on campus or via iLecture) and a one hour, on-campus tutorial. Tutorial attendance is compulsory for all students.

This unit has an online presence. Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/ 

Students are required to have regular, reliable access to a computer and the internet to complete this unit. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For technical support go to: http://mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/informatics/help 

For student quick guides on the use of iLearn go to: http://mq.edu.au/iLearn/student_info/guides.htm

Required and recommended texts and/or materials

There is no textbook for this unit. Information on the weekly essential readings is available in iLearn.

Unit Schedule

The weekly unit schedule is available in iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html

New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/

Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html

Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html

Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html

Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html​

Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.

In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Late assignment policy

Assignments are compulsory and must be submitted on time. As a general rule, extensions will not be granted without a valid and documented reason (e.g. medical certificate). Late submissions will be penalised by 5% for each day (including weekends) the assignment task is late. No assignments will be accepted after assignments have been corrected and feedback has been provided. Assignment tasks handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a wide range of aspects of Japanese culture and society, of their relationships with tradition and modernization, and of the written, visual and social media in which they are embodied
  • Generate reasoned, considered and original analysis and evaluation, both orally and in writing
  • Present information in a clear, focused, and well-structured manner, both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrate initiative and competence in research, including independently locating appropriate sources, and writing in an efficient and timely manner with correct referencing
  • Demonstrate a high level of interpersonal communication skills through class participation

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Review
  • Essay