JAPANESE02 Japanese studies

Japan is one of the most dynamic nations in Asia. Its history, culture and language are important to the socio-economic development of our region. Understanding Japan is important for regional prosperity.

Monash has one of the most extensive programs in Japanese studies in Australia. Language units combine the structured development of communication skills with aspects of Japanese society and culture. Elective and capstone units, which are taught in English but incorporate Japanese source materials, cover a number of disciplinary and cross-disciplinary areas of Japanese studies reflecting the key strengths of the program in linguistics/applied linguistics, socio-cultural studies, history and translation. These units further develop an understanding of Japan and its broader Asian context, as well as skills in analysis, critical thinking, research and communication. Moreover, exchange agreements with over 10 Japanese universities provide opportunities to incorporate study in Japan into the major. Advanced study is available through the honours and postgraduate programs, which include the Master of Interpreting and Translation Studies and Master of Applied Linguistics.

Japanese language study caters for students from introductory to advanced levels with a flexible structure that allows entry at several levels, and ensures sequential study suitable to a student's background. To ensure that students are placed in the most appropriate level according to their individual profile and the best outcome they can expect to achieve, all students, except beginners, are required to undertake placement testing prior to the start of their first semester of language study. Placement tests and information about the linguistic content and level of units are available through the Japanese studies website.

Right of school to determine entry level and approve accelerated enrolment

The Japanese studies program convenor retains the right to determine the proper proficiency level for any particular student. Students are not permitted to accelerate their enrolment without first consulting the program convenor, nor can they elect to take classes that are below their proficiency level. Students wishing to enrol in a language unit higher than introductory need to complete a language entry level test to determine the language level they should be enrolled in.

Students must sequentially progress through the language unit levels eg. Introductory, Intermediate, Proficient and Advanced. Students are not permitted to take classes that are below their tested language proficiency level.

Overseas study

The Japanese program has exchange agreements with over 10 Japanese institutions which provide opportunities to incorporate study in Japan into the major. While each exchange has its own features, collectively they provide a wide range of opportunities for students to study in Japan. The credit arrangements vary and need to be clearly verified with the Japanese exchange program coordinator before a student can be assured of receiving credit. Students wishing to study in Japan are encouraged to take both Japanese language units and units from other areas of study. A range of scholarships are available from the university and from the Japanese government. For further information visit the Japanese study abroad website or contact the exchange program coordinator within the Japanese studies program.

Availability

Japanese studies is listed in A2000 Bachelor of Arts at Caulfield and Clayton as a major and a minor, and in A0501 Diploma of Languages at Caulfield and Clayton as a major.