Students

JPNX101 – Introductory Japanese I

2017 – S2 OUA

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Mio Bryce
Contact via Email
Online Tutor
Tetsuya Okada
Contact via Email
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit provides introductory Japanese language instruction for students with no previous knowledge of Japanese. The unit helps students acquire kana scripts and the basic elements of grammar. Students develop their skills in all four areas of speaking, writing, listening and reading, as well as develop their understanding of the cultural factors which can affect communication in Japanese. Opportunities for interactive learning and the use of online resources provide students with opportunities to use Japanese as much as possible. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

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).

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Unit Participation 15% No Ongoing
Weekly Quiz 15% No Weekly
Speaking Test 10% No Week 7
Written Test 1 20% No Week 8
Exercise: Skit Performance 10% No Week 13
Written Test 2 30% No 19 November 2017

Unit Participation

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 15%

For this task, you are required to study independently and complete all weekly activities including weekly Homework submission and group discussions, as instructed. Further details are provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Weekly Quiz

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 15%

For this task, you are to complete the weekly quizzes.  Each quiz comprises 10 questions and will be available from Sunday to the following Sunday (11:59pm). You may attempt the quiz twice, however, you will see different questions. You are NOT allowed to consult ANY resources during the quiz. Self Tests are provided as examples.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.

Speaking Test

Due: Week 7
Weighting: 10%

This test requires you to read aloud a short passage and answer questions in Japanese, using the grammar, expressions and vocabulary studied during Weeks 1-6. Instructions, marking criteria and examples are provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Written Test 1

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 20%

This is a 90-minute, comprehensive test of reading, writing and listening skills, covering the content of Weeks 1-7. This is a hand-written test and you are required to download the test paper and submit your scanned completed test paper within 120 minutes (includes 10 minutes reading time and 20 minutes for printing/scanning/submitting). You are NOT allowed to consult any resources during the test. Further instructions and examples are provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.

Exercise: Skit Performance

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 10%

This task requires you to create and perform a skit, either individually or with a fellow student. Each presenter should talk for approximately 2 minutes, using the grammar and expressions taught in this unit. The recording and the script of the performance should be submitted via iLearn. Instructions, marking criteria and examples are provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Written Test 2

Due: 19 November 2017
Weighting: 30%

This is a 120-minute, comprehensive test of reading and writing skills, covering the content of Weeks 1-12. You may consult lecture slides, workbooks and dictionaries, however, you are not allowed to seek any other person's help. Instructions and examples are provided in iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.

Delivery and Resources

Required and recommend texts and/or materials

No textbook is required for this unit; lecture slides, Workbook and other resources are provided in iLearn.

A printer/scanner is required for the Workbook Exercises, Homework and Test 1.

Students must have regular, reliable access to a computer and the Internet to complete this unit. Completion of assessment tasks will also require a computer with Japanese fonts enabled. Basic computer skills (e.g., Internet browsing) and skills in word processing in Japanese and English are required.

Online Unit

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. 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. If applicable, students are required to download the relevant language package prior to Week 2.

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 are provided in iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

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

  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Written Test 1
  • Exercise: Skit Performance
  • Written Test 2

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:

Assessment task

  • Unit Participation

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:

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Exercise: Skit Performance

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

  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Weekly Quiz
  • Speaking Test
  • Written Test 1
  • Exercise: Skit Performance
  • Written Test 2

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

  • Reading: understand very short simple texts in hiragana and katakana a single phrase at a time, picking up familiar names, words and basic phrases and rereading as required.
  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Weekly Quiz
  • Speaking Test
  • Written Test 1
  • Written Test 2

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 outcome

  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Weekly Quiz
  • Written Test 1
  • Written Test 2

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

  • Listening: understand enough to be able to meet needs of a concrete type provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated; understand phrases and expressions related to areas of most immediate priority (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment) provided speech is clearly and slowly articulated.
  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Speaking Test
  • Written Test 1
  • Exercise: Skit Performance
  • Written Test 2

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

  • Writing: write short, simple formulaic texts in hiragana and katakana relating to matters in areas of immediate need; write a series of simple phrases and sentences linked with simple connectors like “and”, “but” and “because”.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Exercise: Skit Performance

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

  • Spoken Interaction: interact with reasonable ease in structured situations and short conversations, provided the other person helps if necessary; manage simple, routine exchanges without undue effort; ask and answer questions and exchange ideas and information on familiar topics in predictable everyday situations; communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar matters to do with work and free time; handle very short social exchanges but is rarely able to understand enough to keep conversation going on his/her own accord.
  • Spoken Production: give a simple presentation of people, living or working conditions, daily routines, likes/dislikes etc. as a short series of simple phrases and sentences linked into a list.

Assessment tasks

  • Unit Participation
  • Exercise: Skit Performance