This course develops Japanese language skills at a higher advanced level. It is designed for students with advanced Japanese language competency who are interested in applying their language skills to the study of topics in Japanese history and society. The course serves three purposes. First, class meetings during the initial semi-intensive phase (weeks 1-6) provide a venue for students to read and discuss issues relating to Japanese history and society in Japanese at an academic level. Second, during the subsequent research phase (weeks 7-12) the course develops student's ability to conduct research using Japanese language materials (e.g., academic research, primary sources, government materials, media publications, high school textbooks etc.) and to produce original academic research papers in Japanese. Third, the course provides students with opportunities to deliver formal academic-level presentations in Japanese.
The focus and topics of the course will vary depending on the instructor and students’ interests and needs. Although aimed at advancing Japanese language skills, the course is best understood as a disciplinary course (e.g., history, sociology) taught entirely in Japanese. It is an opportunity for students to move beyond standard language learning (grammar, kanji, quizzes, tests etc.) and to apply their language skills within an academic discipline (e.g., history, sociology). Students will be assessed on their ability to actively formulate research questions, acquire relevant scholarly materials, and produce scholarly writing in Japanese.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- recognize and utilize academic Japanese language relating to Japanese history and society
- understand and analyze the major themes of modern Japanese history and society through the study of Japanese-language texts
- conduct independent research utilizing Japanese language materials
- present sustained oral academic arguments and engage in academic discussions in Japanese on a variety of issues in Japanese history and society
- produce academic-level essays on aspects of Japanese history and society written in Japanese
Research-Led Teaching
This research-led course is for students studying upper-level Japanese language and who:
(a) are interested in studying modern Japanese History, Society, Culture, and
(b) wish to research and write a comprehensive paper in Japanese on an aspect of Japanese History, Society, or Culture.
The course is an opportunity for students to apply their Japanese language skills to academic research on History, Society, or Culture.
PART I: Weeks 1-6:
Semi-intensive format, meeting twice weekly. Readings will be decided upon based on student interests. During this time students will settle on a research paper topic in consultation with the instructor. In week 6 students will deliver a presentation in Japanese on their proposed final essay.
PART II: Weeks 7-12:
Students will concentrate on conducting their own historical research project in regular consultation with the instructor. There will be a final presentation in week 12.
** Native Japanese language speakers cannot take this course
Required Resources
All material provided through Canvas.
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:- Written comments
- Verbal comments
- Feedback to the whole class, to groups, to individuals, focus groups
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Week 1-1: History, Society, Culture readings | |
2 | Week 1-2: History, Society, Culture readings | |
3 | Week 2-1: History, Society, Culture readings | |
4 | Week 2-2: History, Society, Culture readings | |
5 | Week 3-1: History, Society, Culture readings | |
6 | Week 3-2: History, Society, Culture readings | |
7 | Week 4-1 History, Society, Culture readings | |
8 | Week 4-2: History, Society, Culture readings | |
9 | Week 5-1: History, Society, Culture readings | |
10 | Week 5-2: History, Society, Culture readings | |
11 | Week 6-1: History, Society, Culture readings | |
12 | Week 6-2: History, Society, Culture readings & Essay Proposal Presentations | |
13 | Week 12-1: Final Presentations |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Short Essay (up to 1500 Japanese characters) | 20 % | 04/09/2025 | 18/09/2025 | 1,2,3,5 |
Oral Presentation 1 | 10 % | 26/08/2025 | 29/08/2025 | 1,2,4 |
Abstract and Annotated Bibliography (up to 1500 Japanese characters) | 20 % | 16/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 1,2,3 |
Oral Presentation 2 | 10 % | 24/10/2025 | 27/11/2025 | 1,2,4 |
Research Paper (up to 2500 Japanese characters) | 40 % | 30/10/2025 | 27/11/2025 | 1,2,3,5 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,5
Short Essay (up to 1500 Japanese characters)
The short essay will be based on one of the topics covered in the readings during the first 6 weeks. Students will be required to use academic Japanese writing to analyze the relevant topic. Grade will be based on both the quality of the writing and the rigor of the analysis. (more information to be provided in class)
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4
Oral Presentation 1
The oral presentation will test student's ability to clearly explain their proposed research topic and research materials utilizing academic Japanese language.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3
Abstract and Annotated Bibliography (up to 1500 Japanese characters)
Students will submit an abstract (up to 800 characters) and an annotated bibliography with at least 3 Japanese-language sources (up to 700 characters for all of the annotations combined, but not including the bibliographic entries) on their proposed final research paper.
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,4
Oral Presentation 2
The oral presentation will test student's ability to clearly explain the main arguments, content, and sources utilized in their final research paper.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,5
Research Paper (up to 2500 Japanese characters)
The research paper represents the culmination of class discussions, readings, and individual research throughout the semester. Students will submit a research paper on a topic of their choice, decided in consultation with the instructor. The paper will conform to standard academic format and follow the conventions of Japanese academic scholarly writing. Students will be assessed on their ability to use Japanese language materials to develop sophisticated academic arguments using the Japanese language.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.Online Submission
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.Late Submission
Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
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Prof Simon Avenell
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Instructor
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Research Interests |
Prof Simon Avenell
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