ATS2648 · Contemporary Japan

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the dynamics of continuity and change in the society, culture, and politics of Japan today. You will examine important aspects of contemporary Japan such as employment, education, domestic life, and consumer culture in historical perspective. You will also engage with selected issues currently being debated in the Japanese media and political arena. Throughout the unit, you will be introduced to key theoretical approaches and analytical tools used in the study of contemporary Japan. No knowledge of the Japanese language is required; however, if you are also studying Japanese, you will have opportunities to extend your language skills through optional assessment tasks and class activities.

Areas of study: Global Asia Japanese studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify the key institutions and issues in contemporary Japan, and the historical context for their development;
2. demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts and terms used to describe and discuss contemporary Japanese society and culture beyond Japan;
3. apply a range of disciplinary approaches to analyse major issues and debates in contemporary Japan, both individually and in collaboration with others;
4. reflect on the relevance of Japanese experiences of social change to other national and individual circumstances;
5. explore how contemporary Japanese social and cultural phenomena are reflected in, and shaped by, Japanese language use;
6. read critically and engage with existing research on Japan.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.