CQUniversity Unit Profile
JALC11003 Japan and its Culture
Japan and its Culture
All details in this unit profile for JALC11003 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit enables students to develop concepts and practices relating to the way in which social norms are classified and communicated in Japanese society. Students will examine both historical and contemporary phases of Japanese society, Japanese people and their behaviour so that they can develop an appreciation of Japanese culture. The unit develops knowledge of a range of weekly topics such as history, family system, the indigenous people, education, religions, career life, entertainment, the legal system and politics in Japan. Through engagement in a variety of learning experiences, students develop the skills required to analyse these topics and concepts within the context of their own society. The unit is taught in English and no prior knowledge of Japan or Japanese language is required.

Details

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 1
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 10
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 1 - 2019

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation
Weighting: 50%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 40%
3. Online Quiz(zes)
Weighting: 10%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Have Your Say.

Feedback

I received no feedback from students in terms of making any changes.

Recommendation

I will continue to monitor the unit closely, paying attention to detail and offering a worthwhile learning experience.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Communicate effectively and confidently in a range of selected high frequency contexts such as family and school
  2. Comprehend and analyse a range of texts in selected high frequency contexts
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relatedness of language and culture
  4. Demonstrate use of selected metacognitive skills and ability to function as an independent learner.
Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Presentation - 50%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Communication
2 - Problem Solving
3 - Critical Thinking
4 - Information Literacy
5 - Team Work
6 - Information Technology Competence
7 - Cross Cultural Competence
8 - Ethical practice
9 - Social Innovation
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
1 - Presentation - 50%
2 - Written Assessment - 40%
3 - Online Quiz(zes) - 10%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

Understanding Japanese Society (Fourth Edition)

Fourth Edition (2013)
Authors: Joy Hendry
Routledge
Oxon Oxon , England
ISBN: 978-0-415-67914-5
Binding: Other

Additional Textbook Information

Copies can be purchased from the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • CQUniversity Library
  • Word processing
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Michael Danaher Unit Coordinator
m.danaher@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 11 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Historical Foundations of Japanese Identity

Chapter

1

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 2 Begin Date: 18 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

The House and Family System

Chapter

2

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 3 Begin Date: 25 Mar 2019

Module/Topic

Socialisation and classification

Chapter

3

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 4 Begin Date: 01 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Community and Neighbourhood

Chapter

4

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 5 Begin Date: 08 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

The education system

Chapter

5

Events and Submissions/Topic

Vacation Week Begin Date: 15 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 22 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Status, hierarchy and ethnic diversity

Chapter

6

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Item 1 (The first presentation must be done by Week 6).

Week 7 Begin Date: 29 Apr 2019

Module/Topic

Religious Influences

Chapter

7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 8 Begin Date: 06 May 2019

Module/Topic

Ritual and the life cycle

Chapter

8

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 9 Begin Date: 13 May 2019

Module/Topic

Working Life in Japan

Chapter

9

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 10 Begin Date: 20 May 2019

Module/Topic

Arts, entertainment and leisure

Chapter

10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Item 1 (The second presentation must be done by Week 10).

Week 11 Begin Date: 27 May 2019

Module/Topic

Politics, Government and Environment

Chapter

11

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 12 Begin Date: 03 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

The legal system and social control

Chapter

12

Events and Submissions/Topic

Written Assessment Due: Week 12 Friday (7 June 2019) 11:45 pm AEST
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 10 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 17 Jun 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation

Assessment Title
Two Power Point Presentations (25% each)

Task Description

Full details of Assessment Details are provided in the Unit on Moodle.

You are required to choose two sub-topics from a list (available from Unit Assessment Details on Moodle). Then research your chosen sub-topic and prepare a Power Point Presentation with a voice over audio for each sub-topic. You are expected to choose one sub-topic from Weeks 1-6, and the other one from Weeks 7-12. These choices of subtopics are also provided within each Lesson on Moodle, where you can view them in context. For each sub-topic, firstly, describe or define what it means. Then critically analyse the significance of that sub-topic to the broader Lecture topic from where it came. Critiquing means to question and to evaluate. Think about how your chosen topic relates or impacts on Japanese society. What is the significance and implications of your sub-topic? Why is it important to Japanese society? You should make at least four pertinent points about your chosen sub-topic. Your concluding slide should list your pertinent points. All students should use PowerPoint slides, and provide a Bibliography (in large font) of the sources you have used in your final slide. Use at least 6-7 scholarly sources for each Presentation. Use the Harvard system of referencing.


Assessment Due Date

The first is due at the end of Week 6, and the second is due at the end of Week 10.


Return Date to Students

The assessment will be returned within 10 days of receiving them.


Weighting
50%

Assessment Criteria

Content: ability to research the selected topic critically; in some depth; to demonstrate a good understanding of the topic; and to provide four pertinent points.

Presentation: Ability to present own research in an effective and clear manner. This includes having an effective Introduction and Conclusion.

Referencing: Ability to locate and use scholarly and specialist sources, and to reference them correctly using the Harvard system.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in a range of selected high frequency contexts such as family and school
  • Comprehend and analyse a range of texts in selected high frequency contexts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relatedness of language and culture
  • Demonstrate use of selected metacognitive skills and ability to function as an independent learner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Written Assessment

Task Description

Students are required to choose one essay question from the list provided, and then research and write an essay on that question of 2,500 words length. Ensure you do not choose a Topic that is the same or very similar to one of your PP Presentation topics. Use 9-10 scholarly sources, and reference your essay using the Harvard Referencing system. Details of the choice of essay questions are provided in the Unit Assessment Details on Moodle.


Assessment Due Date

Week 12 Friday (7 June 2019) 11:45 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Friday (21 June 2019)

The essays will be marked and returned within two weeks of receipt by the Unit Coordinator.


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

Content: ability to research the selected topic critically; in some depth; and to demonstrate a

good understanding of the topic.

Structure: Ability to present own research in an effective and clear manner. This includes having

an Introduction and Conclusion.

Referencing: Ability to locate and use scholarly and specialist sources, and to reference them

correctly using the Harvard system.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in a range of selected high frequency contexts such as family and school
  • Comprehend and analyse a range of texts in selected high frequency contexts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relatedness of language and culture
  • Demonstrate use of selected metacognitive skills and ability to function as an independent learner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence

3 Online Quiz(zes)

Assessment Title
Online Quiz

Task Description

This Quiz has 20 questions, each with 4 multiple choice answers. Only one answer is correct for each question. The questions refer to material in all of the 12 Study Guide Lessons and PP Slides, and from the Joy Hendry textbook. The questions assess your general understanding of Japanese social and cultural aspects across the entire Unit. Once you start the quiz, you have to continue and complete it at the first attempt. Therefore, don't start it until you are prepared. You are given 2 hours to complete the Quiz. Each question is worth 0.5%. It is an open book quiz, so you can refer to all of your resources in order to help you complete it. 


Number of Quizzes

1


Frequency of Quizzes


Assessment Due Date

The Quiz opens on Thursday 6 June at 6am, 2019 and runs until Thursday 13 June, 2019 at 11pm.


Return Date to Students

The quiz will automatically be graded.


Weighting
10%

Assessment Criteria

 Ability to synthesise Unit material and discern fact from fiction.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Communicate effectively and confidently in a range of selected high frequency contexts such as family and school
  • Comprehend and analyse a range of texts in selected high frequency contexts
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the inter-relatedness of language and culture
  • Demonstrate use of selected metacognitive skills and ability to function as an independent learner.


Graduate Attributes
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Cross Cultural Competence

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?