JAPANESE05 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. In the language units, you will develop communication skills combined with a structured exploration of aspects of Japanese society and culture. In the cornerstone and capstone units, which are taught in English but incorporate Japanese source materials, you will consider 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. In these units you will extend your learning about 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 for you 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. If you are not a beginner, you are required to undertake the Japanese language entry-level test prior to the start of your first semester of language study, to ensure that you are placed in the most appropriate level according to your individual profile and the best outcome. The information about the entry-level test and linguistic content and levels of the language units are available on the Japanese Studies handbook 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. You are not permitted to accelerate your enrolment without first consulting the program convenor, nor can you elect to take classes that are below your proficiency level. If you wish to enrol in a language unit higher than introductory you need to complete the language entry-level test to determine the language level you should be enrolled in.

You must sequentially progress through the language unit levels eg. Introductory, Intermediate, Proficient and Advanced. You are not permitted to take classes that are below your 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 you 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. If you wish to study in Japan you are encouraged to take both Japanese language units and units from other areas of study. You may be eligible for a travel grant from the university or an external funding source. For further information visit the Monash 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.