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Unit of study_

JPNS3650: Japanese Language and Identity

Semester 2, 2021 [Normal day] - Remote

This unit will apply methods of linguistic analysis to explore a number of key language strategies used in Japanese to construct speakers' social identity, and their relationships both with people they are talking to (interlocutors) and people they are talking about (referents). Students will collect and analyse authentic data in a guided research project, and will use the results of that analysis in writing a critical response to the work of other scholars in the field.

Unit details and rules

Unit code JPNS3650
Academic unit Japanese Studies
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
JPNS2671 or JPNS3621 or JPNS3622 or JPNS3631 or JPNS3632
Prerequisites
? 
JPNS2612 or 12 credit points at 2000 level in Japanese Studies
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Matthew Stavros, matthew.stavros@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task Summative Test
n/a
35% Formal exam period 2000words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO6 LO5 LO4 LO2
Assignment Online quizzes
Online formative quizzes
20% Multiple weeks Equivalent to 2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4
Participation Participation
Preparation and participation in class/online activities
10% Ongoing N/A
Outcomes assessed: LO5
Assignment Transcript creation and analysis
The creation and analysis of a Japanese transcript. Done incrementally.
35% Week 12
Due date: 18 Nov 2020 at 17:00

Closing date: 02 Dec 2020
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6

Assessment summary

  • Class participation
    Make sure to prepare before your classes every week: read the material assigned, complete workbook and online activities, and learn new vocabulary and kanji (recognition only). Be ready to participate in class activities.
  • Online quizzes
    Standard automated online formative quizzes. 
  • Transcript creation and analysis
    The creation of a transcript, translation and analysis, some of which may be conducted in a group. 
  • Summative test
    Respond to questions to demonstrate your:
    - understanding of a Japanese text on the topic of language systems that function to express identity and interpersonal relations
    - ability to apply terms and theories you have learnt to particular examples of language systems that function to express identity and interpersonal relations in Japanese (both familiar and unfamiliar examples), and justify this application
    - ability to analyse data provided using relevant terms and theories, and communicate your analysis clearly.
  • Detailed information for each assessment, along with grading criteria, can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Work that meets the learning outcomes of the unit to an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Work that meets the learning outcomes of the unit to a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Work that meets the learning outcomes of the unit to a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Work that meets the learning outcomes of the unit to an acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

Work that does not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to an acceptable standard

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes

Attendance and class requirements

  • Students are expected to attend the Zoom seminar and tutorial every week and participate actively, with cameras turned on.
  • Students who have a timetable clash or who are unable to attend for more than one week must consult with the coordinator.
  • Students should commit to spend approximately three hours’ preparation time (reading, studying, homework, essays, etc.) for every hour of scheduled instruction.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. understand general theories and technical terms (in both Japanese and English) related to language systems that function to express identity and personal relationships
  • LO2. apply these theories and terms to particular examples of these systems in Japanese (both familiar and unfamiliar examples) and justify this application
  • LO3. collect and transcribe authentic Japanese language data related to these systems
  • LO4. analyse data using relevant terms and theories, and communicate analyses clearly, in an appropriate format
  • LO5. work collaboratively with classmates to expand data sets, and reflect on and refine each other’s data analyses
  • LO6. develop a critical response to the work of other scholars in the field on the basis of refined data analysis, and communicate your critical response clearly, in appropriate, academic English.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Comments from students in previous cohorts have highlighted the fact that they valued the organisation, clarity of learning outcomes, interactive classes and interesting content. Some students asked for a little more detail in the assignment guidelines, so I will make sure to provide that this semester. Other students said they would value additional focus on practical application. I think this is a really good suggestion, but am concerned that I may not be able to incorporate this without increasing the student workload too much.

More information about this unit can be found on Canvas.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.