Japanese Studies

Program Overview

This Japanese Studies major immerses students in the Japanese language, culture, and society. From beginners to intermediate learners, the program develops proficiency in all language skills, cultural understanding, and knowledge of key societal issues in contemporary Japan. Graduates are equipped for careers in government, industry, and community organizations that value Japan expertise and cross-cultural competencies.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This major offers you an insight into one of Asia’s foremost economic and cultural powerhouses. You’ll learn and develop reading, writing, speaking and listening skills, while exploring contemporary Japanese society and culture. Studying Japanese language, culture and society means taking a significant step towards being Asialiterate – an important attribute for future global citizens, particularly in Australia.

Outline:

This major is suitable for complete beginners and for students who have completed secondary school language studies. It is possible to combine Japanese Studies with a second major from within our other bachelor's degrees.

Popular Combinations:

• Asian Studies
• Linguistics
• Marketing
• Beginner:
• Level 1:
• Core: JAPN1401 Japanese 1 (6), JAPN1402 Japanese 2 (6)
• Level 2:
• Core: JAPN2001 Japanese 3A (6), JAPN2403 Japanese 3 (6), JAPN2404 Japanese 4 (6)
• Level 3:
• Core: ASIA3002 Issues in Japanese Society and Culture (6), JAPN3405 Japanese 5 (6), JAPN3406 Japanese 6 (6)
• Pre-intermediate:
• Level 1:
• Core: JAPN1001 Japanese 3A (6), JAPN1403 Japanese 3 (6)
• Level 2:
• Core: JAPN2404 Japanese 4 (6), JAPN2405 Japanese 5 (6), JAPN2406 Japanese 6 (6)
• Level 3:
• Core: ASIA3002 Issues in Japanese Society and Culture (6), JAPN3407 Japanese 7 (6), JAPN3408 Japanese 8 (6)
• Intermediate:
• Level 1:
• Core: JAPN1403 Japanese 3 (6), JAPN1404 Japanese 4 (6)
• Level 2:
• Core: JAPN2405 Japanese 5 (6), JAPN2406 Japanese 6 (6)
• Option: ASIA2001 Culture, Society and the State in Asia (6), ASIA2002 Australia and Asia (6), ASIA2004 Popular Culture in Asia (6)
• Level 3:
• Core: ASIA3002 Issues in Japanese Society and Culture (6), JAPN3407 Japanese 7 (6), JAPN3408 Japanese 8 (6)
• Show competence in the Japanese language in the four skills of language acquisition – reading, writing, listening and speaking
• Operate effectively in daily conversations or complex discussions in social and academic work situations
• Understand and engage with Japanese-language texts and Japan-relevant English-language material – written, audio or visual – of an intellectual nature in particular areas of interest and expertise
• Understand how culturally specific social structures affect interpersonal communication, and determine how to apply this knowledge to your own interactions in a culturally sensitive manner
• Engage effectively in the key debates on Japanese history, society and culture in a professional manner
• Demonstrate transferable skills such as digital literacy, information management, group working, research skills and critical thinking

Careers:

There is high demand for graduates with knowledge of Japan and Japanese. Graduates with a major in Japanese can find employment in federal and state government departments and private industry and community groups. The combination of Japanese with a major in another discipline (such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, industrial relations and politics) is becoming particularly attractive to employers.

Other:

• Attend conversation practice and functions in UWA’s traditional Japanese tatami room
• Join the Japanese Students’ Association for language practice, cultural exchange and networking