Students

JPS 316 – Intercultural Perspectives: Japanese and English

2019 – S2 Online

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit Convenor
Wes Robertson
Contact via Email
AHH Level 2
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
JPS301
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit is offered specifically for Japanese language learners with a high level of Japanese language proficiency, students with Japanese language background and Japanese native speakers. It examines the complexity and sensitivity of the cross-cultural and linguistic issues of bilingualism, through detailed comparisons of Japanese and English materials in diverse genres. It aims at further developing students' intercultural competence that would assist them in their future career as well as Japanese/English bilingual capacity, consolidating the foundations for professional translation and interpreting.  

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:

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

General Assessment Information

Late Submissions, Extensions and Supplementary Tests

Assessment tasks are compulsory and must be submitted on time. If you anticipate unavoidable difficulty in completing an assessment task (in class and/or online), contact the convener, your seminar teacher(s), and/or Macquaire Student Services/Wellbeing as soon as possible.

Late Assessment Penalty

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.

Special Consideration

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 Special Consideration Policy. To access this support, students must notify the university via ask.mq.edu.au. Students should refer to the Policy for further information (see the link provided in the 'Policies and procedures' section of this unit guide). It is also a good idea to let your teachers and the unit coordinator know that you will be/are applying for special consideration as soon as possible.

Examples of Assessment Tasks

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

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Participation 10% No Weekly
Online Quizzes 15% No Weekly
Literature Gathering Report 10% No End of Week 3
Student Presentations 20% No Per Individual Sign-up
Comparative Essay 10% No Sept 21st
Final Essay/Study 35% No Week 13

Participation

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%

Participation requires active engagement with class content, assisting peers in their study, and contributing to a positive learning environment. Internal students are expected to regularly participate in class discussions, and develop thoughtful questions during in-class student presentations. External students are expected to participate in the online forum discussions and external activities, and engage fully with the ECHO recordings of class content.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Online Quizzes

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 15%

Online quizzes open at the end of each module (Thursday of Weeks 4, 7, 10, & 13) and close the following Monday. Students must answer questions within a limited time period relating to course readings, discussions, and/or content.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.

Literature Gathering Report

Due: End of Week 3
Weighting: 10%

The literature gathering report requires students to choose a topic related to Japanese linguistics and/or intercultural communication in English and Japanese, utilize a variety of methods to access original research relating to the topic, reflect on the productivity of said methods, and produce a reference list in accordance with APA conventions. The report is completed using an template available on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Student Presentations

Due: Per Individual Sign-up
Weighting: 20%

Students will present on a topic (specific details available on iLearn) related to Japanese linguistics and/or intercultural communication in English and Japanese. For internal students, the presentation will occur in class. For external students, the presentation will be recorded and shared with other external students online. The presentation requires the use of slides and a reference list.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Comparative Essay

Due: Sept 21st
Weighting: 10%

Students will write a short essay (800-1,200 words) comparing two research articles relating to a similar topic and drawing an original conclusion based on this comparison. Further details and a list of possible topics are available on iLearn.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Final Essay/Study

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 35%

Students will either write a critical report regarding a topic related to a major concept in this course, or conduct a small-scale analysis of data drawing upon one of the frameworks or themes discussed during the semester. In either case, the ultimate submission will be between 2,000-2,5000 words, and engage thoughtfully with academic literature, course themes, and course discussions.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Delivery and Resources

REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS

All materials are provided via iLearn

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.

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. 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

Week 1: Introduction

Module 1: What is Language/What is Communication?

Week 2: What is English?/What is Japanese?

Week 3: Standard Language Politics/Policy in English/Japanese

Week 4: Language Socialization

Module 2: Language & Identity in/across English & Japanese

Week 5: (Im)politeness in/across Japanese & English

Week 6: Gender, Language, & Ideology in English/Japanese Contexts

Week 7: Defining and Representing "Others" Through English/Japanese

Module 3: Japanese & English in Con(tact/flict)

Week 8: Translation Between English & Japanese

Week 9: Intercultural (Mis-)Communication

Week 10: Language & Subculture in Japanese & English Contexts

Module 4: Language Horizons

Week 11: Japanese, & English, and their Digital World(s)

Week 12: Writing the Self

Week 13: Japanese and English in Con(vergence/flux)

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/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/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@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

  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Gathering Report
  • Student Presentations
  • Comparative Essay
  • Final Essay/Study

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

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment task

  • Student Presentations

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

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Gathering Report

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

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Gathering Report
  • Student Presentations
  • Comparative Essay
  • Final Essay/Study

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

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Gathering Report
  • Student Presentations
  • Comparative Essay
  • Final Essay/Study

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

  • Acquire key concepts of contemporary theories in fields relating to communication, linguistics, translation, and cultural studies.
  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment tasks

  • Online Quizzes
  • Literature Gathering Report
  • Student Presentations
  • Comparative Essay
  • Final Essay/Study

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

  • Become able to critically apply sociocultural/sociolinguistic concepts during written and spoken discussions of Japanese and English language use, contact, and conflict.
  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Engage and improve effective communication strategies across both speech and writing.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Literature Gathering Report
  • Student Presentations
  • Comparative Essay
  • Final Essay/Study

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 and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Student Presentations
  • Final Essay/Study

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

  • Develop and actively utilize skills and knowledge relating to intercultural competence.
  • Expand Japanese and English language skills, vocabulary, grammar, and related knowledge.
  • Refine and utilize critical thinking skills and problem solving skills, especially to evaluate wide ranges of data and draw originals conclusions.

Assessment tasks

  • Participation
  • Student Presentations
  • Final Essay/Study

Changes since First Published

Date Description
28/06/2019 Restructured task %
26/06/2019 None
25/06/2019 Updated small inaccuracies in the participation assessment task.