The Japanese Studies Major is for students wanting to develop a sophisticated and comprehensive understanding of Japan relevant for a diverse range of careers. The Major provides students with nuanced insights into the historical, political and cultural forces that have shaped the Japan of today. Utilizing such insights, students will be able to engage meaningfully with the culture, society and people of Japan while proactively contributing to the enhancement of ties between Japan and Australia. Knowledge of the Japanese language is not required for the Japanese Studies Major, however it is designed to complement the Japanese Language Major. As one of Australia’s key security and trading partners, private and public sector employers actively recruit ANU graduates with detailed knowledge of and experience in Japan.
At the core of this Major lies an immersive and comprehensive exploration of Japan. ANU has one of the largest concentrations of Japan specialists in Australia, offering students unparalleled access to expertise across a broad range of disciplines. Studying with these experts, students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the historical and contemporary dynamics of Japan while delving into specialized topics such as the historical evolution of Japanese society, culture and politics, the development of Japanese culture and its culture industries, and the contemporary economic and geopolitical issues facing the country .
Qualified students can also include advanced Japanese language classes in their Major, covering literature, history, international relations, and contemporary issues.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and evaluate historical and current events and developments that have shaped Japan
- Identify and critique the contemporary socio-cultural and political systems of Japan
- Analyse Japan in regional and global contexts
- Understand the processes and disciplinary approaches through which current knowledge in Japanese studies has developed
- Develop and apply critical thinking skills to argue and communicate about important issues concerning Japan's past, present, and future, as well as its place in the world
Areas of Interest
- Cultural Studies
- History
- International Relations
- Asian Studies
- Asia Pacific Studies
- Literature
- Politics
Relevant Degrees
Requirements
The Japanese Studies Major requires the completion of 48 units, which must include:
12 units from the following compulsory courses:
ASIA2009 The Making of Modern Japan: From Samurai to Economic Superpower and Beyond
ASIA3040 Literary and Cultural Discourse in Modern Japan
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 18 units from the following list of advanced courses:
ASIA3011 Samurai Society and Social Control in Japan
ASIA3012 Readings in Asian Societies and Histories
ASIA3027 Issues in Japanese Policy in their global context
ASIA3039 Research Project in Asian and Pacific Studies
ASIA3220 Asia-Pacific In-Country Learning (6-12 units)
A minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24 units from the following list of Japan studies courses:
ASIA2017 History of International Relations in Northeast Asia
ASIA2031 Japanese Politics
ASIA2058 Japanese Popular Culture: Manga, Anime, Film & the Visual Arts
INTR2018 Japanese Foreign and Security Policy
LING2028 Japanese Linguistics
A maximum of 6 units from the following list of contextual courses:
ASIA2001 Language in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA2016 The Mongol Empire in World History
ASIA2074 Popular Culture in East Asia
ASIA2302 Culture and Modernity in Asia: Anthropological Perspectives
ASIA2304 What is Literature? Asian Perspectives
ASIA2307 History of Empire in Asia
ASIA2311 / GEND2001 Gender and Cultural Studies in Asia and the Pacific
ASIA3021 Engaging Asia: Australia and the Asian Century
ASIA3029 Reconciliation and the memory of conflict in Asia
INTR2016 US Foreign and Security Policy in Asia
JPNS3005 Advanced Japanese: Issues in Contemporary Japan
JPNS3006 Advanced Japanese: Language in Context
JPNS3007 Advanced Japanese: Readings in Culture and Society
JPNS3008 Advanced Japanese: Readings in Literature
JPNS3023 Research Topics in Japanese: History, Culture, Society
JPNS3102 Debating Japan: Contemporary Intellectual Debates
24 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ASIA1025 | Asia and the Pacific: Power, diversity and change | 6 |
| ASIA1030 | Asia and the Pacific in Motion | 6 |
| ASIA2058 | Japanese Popular Culture: Manga, Anime, Film & the Visual Arts | 6 |
| ASIA2009 | The Making of Modern Japan: From Samurai to Economic Superpower and Beyond | 6 |
24 units from completion of the following course(s):
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| ARTV 2052: Introducing Asian Modernisms | ||
| ARTV 2053: Contemporary Asian Art | ||
| ASIA2001 | Language in Asia and the Pacific | 6 |
| ASIA2016 | The Mongol Empire in World History | 6 |
| ASIA 2020: Engaging Asia | ||
| ASIA 2023: Jap Eco Dev Since WW2 | ||
| ASIA2031 | Japanese Politics | 6 |
| ASIA 2032: Japanese Law and Society | ||
| ASIA2045 | Lies, Conspiracy and Propaganda | 6 |
| ASIA 2056: Korean & Japanese Cinema | ||
| ASIA2074 | Popular Culture in East Asia | 6 |
| ASIA 2166: East Asian Women and War | ||
| ASIA 2174: Mysticism | ||
| ASIA 2251: Buddhist Thought | ||
| ASIA 2309: Ed Soc Ch in Mod Japan | ||
| ASIA 3006: Prac Assign in Asia Pacific | ||
| ASIA3012 | Readings in Asian Societies and Histories | 6 |
| ASIA 3013: Read Asian Soc & Hist_B | ||
| ASIA 3020: Accessing Japanese Law | ||
| ASIA3011 | Samurai Society and Social Control in Japan | 6 |
| ASIA 3026: Special Topics in Asia and Pac | ||
| ASIA 3050: Asia & Pacific World Heritage | ||
| ASIA 4016: Asian Diasporas | ||
| BUSI 2027: Development Mod Bus | ||
| BUSI2023 | Dynamics of Asian Business | 6 |
| ECHI 2109: Asian Giants(P) | ||
| HIST2136 | World at War, 1939-1945 | 6 |
| LANG 3023: Translation Workshop | ||
| LANG 3040: Critical Readings | ||
| LANG 4001: Translation in Asia |
