Students

JPS 124 – Japanese Contemporary Culture

2017 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor/Lecturer
Mio Bryce
Contact via Email
Online Tutor
Jason Davis
Contact via Email
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit comprehensively explores Japanese contemporary culture from socio-cultural, psychological, philosophical and literary perspectives. It will place a particular focus on manga and anime, providing insights into their unique visual and linguistic narratives (such as symbolism, conventions, and the specific features and issues characterising manga/anime creation and circulation) as well as socio-cultural, political and economic influences. Furthermore, this unit is designed to help students to develop their appreciation of Japanese traditional cultural assets and their continuity with Japanese popular culture. In addition, as a 100 level unit, this unit incorporates basic skills training for research and essay writing. This unit is conducted in English and is open to students of any Faculty interested in Japan.

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:

  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

General Assessment Information

Supplementary Tests & Late Submissions

If you anticipate unavoidable difficulty in sitting for tests (in class and online), contact the convener, lecturer or your tutor as soon as possible. A request for a supplementary test will be considered only in the case of serious illness or disruption. 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.

Disruption to Studies

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). 

Examples of Assessment Tasks

Indicative examples of assessment tasks will be available in class and/or iLearn.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Unit Participation 15% No Weekly
Online Quizzes 20% No Weekly
Performing Our Story 25% No October 8
Essay Presentation 5% No W13
Essay 35% No November 12

Unit Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 15%

Internal students are required to attend classes and actively participate in in-class discussions. External students are required to participate in the external discussions via iLearn whilst studying independently as instructed. All students need to participate in peer-reviews and online discussions. The instruction and marking criteria will be provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner

Online Quizzes

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 20%

This task requires you to complete the weekly online quiz.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Performing Our Story

Due: October 8
Weighting: 25%

This group presentation involves creation of a story in your chosen format (e.g., manga, anime, drama, skit, cosplay, music and drawing) and analytically discuss the work. Your presentation should be audio recorded and uploaded via VoiceThread. You are also required to complete the self assessment. The instruction and marking criteria will be provided in iLearn.

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Essay Presentation

Due: W13
Weighting: 5%

This task requires you to give a 2-minute presentation on your essay, using only one Powerpoint slide. The instruction and marking criteria will be provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Essay

Due: November 12
Weighting: 35%

Using appropriate examples and scholarly references, this task requires you to write a 1500 words essay analytically discuss one of the essay questions. The questions, instructions and marking criteria will be provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Delivery and Resources

No textbook is required for this unit. A comprehensive list of weekly essential and further readings (with links) will be found in iLearn.

TECHNOLOGY USED AND REQUIRED

Online Unit (iLearn)

Login is via: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au/

Is my unit in iLearn?: http://help.ilearn.mq.edu.au/unitsonline/ to check when your online unit will become available.

Technology

Students are required to have regular access to a computer and the internet. Mobile devices alone are not sufficient.

For students attending classes on campus we strongly encourage that you bring along your own laptop computer, ready to work with activities in your online unit. The preferred operating system is Windows 10.

Students are required to access the online unit in iLearn by the end of Week 1 and follow any relevant instructions and links for downloads that may be required.

Please contact your course convenor before the end of Week 1 if you do not have a suitable laptop (or tablet) for in-class use.

Unit Schedule

The unit schedule will be provided 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

Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.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 (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html

Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration

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.

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

  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner

Assessment tasks

  • Performing Our Story
  • 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 outcome

  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

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

  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

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

  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Performing Our Story
  • Essay Presentation
  • 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

  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • read and interpret academic materials to build understanding of Japanese popular culture related concepts and/or Japanese popular culture productions
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Essay Presentation
  • 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

  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Assessment tasks

  • Performing Our Story
  • 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

  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Performing Our Story
  • Essay Presentation
  • 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

  • develop an insight into the expressive power of Japanese popular culture, and analyse their cultural, social and political significance
  • develop an understanding of Japanese popular culture production
  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • 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

  • actively engage with other students and teaching staff and express your ideas and critical opinions both orally and in writing
  • develop and articulate your original views on Japanese popular culture related topics in a clear, analytical and cohesive manner
  • search for academic references or other relevant materials
  • plan, revise and submit assignments according to schedule and instructions.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Performing Our Story
  • Essay