Course Outline

JPN110 Introductory Japanese 1

Course Coordinator:Levi Durbidge (ldurbidge@usc.edu.au) School:School of Business and Creative Industries

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Online

Online You can do this course without coming onto campus.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

Are you keen to explore Japanese culture and media or engage with Japanese speakers? Our course will give you the fundamentals of Japanese language, even if you have no prior knowledge. You'll gain practical experience in everyday interactions, from real-life conversations to social media posts. Plus, you'll expand your understanding of Japanese society and culture. We also explore the tools available to tailor Japanese language learning to your interests and needs. This is a great chance to open doors to international experiences and contribute to promoting inclusive societies (SDG 16).

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Learning materials – Online learning material to be engaged with before workshops 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Scheduled face to face workshops. 1hr Week 1 12 times
Online
Learning materials – Online learning material to be engaged with before workshops 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 1 – Synchronous online workshops (Recorded). 1hr Week 1 12 times
Tutorial/Workshop 2 – Synchronous online workshops (Recorded). 1hr Week 1 12 times

Course Topics

  • Japanese writing systems (hiragana/katakana/kanji)
  • Basic Japanese communication strategies
  • Introduction to Japanese communication online
  • Identity in Japanese
  • Understanding Japanese homes and workplaces
  • Daily life in Japanese
  • Ordering food and drink
  • Talking about hobbies
  • Building connections in Japanese

What level is this course?

100 Level (Introductory)

Engaging with discipline knowledge and skills at foundational level, broad application of knowledge and skills in familiar contexts and with support. Limited or no prerequisites. Normally, associated with the first full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming...
1 Exercise a basic ability to comprehend and interact in everyday Japanese language contexts Knowledgeable
Empowered
2 Demonstrate a developing understanding of the connections between Japanese language, culture and society Knowledgeable
Creative and critical thinker
3 Begin applying autonomous learning strategies to develop language abilities independently. Knowledgeable
Empowered
Engaged

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

Not applicable

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Standard Grading (GRD)

High Distinction (HD), Distinction (DN), Credit (CR), Pass (PS), Fail (FL).

Details of early feedback on progress

Formative feedback will be available through weekly quizzes.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group Weighting % What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1 Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece Individual or Group 40%
Various. See Canvas for details.
Throughout teaching period (refer to Format) Online Submission
All 2 Case Study Individual 25%
3 x 200 word Blog posts +
3 min video +
Comment on others' videos
Refer to Format Online Submission
All 3 Oral Individual and Group 35%
10 minute interaction
Week 13 To be Negotiated
All - Assessment Task 1:Mastery Tasks
Goal:
These tasks are designed to apply the language skills you are developing, demonstrate your abilities and receive ongoing feedback on your performance. Using a variety of media, language registers and your own creativity, you will complete a series of tasks either individually or in groups throughout the semester.
Product: Artefact - Creative, and Written Piece
Format:
Online in weeks 3,6,9 & 12. Feedback given during interceding weeks.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Ability to comprehend instructions and produce appropriate responses
1
2
Use Japanese across a variety of modalities and contexts
1
3
Demonstrate developing Japanese linguistic and cultural knowledge
2
All - Assessment Task 2:Language Resource Study
Goal:
The number and variety of resources available to help you learn language is growing. In this task, you will select a resource (this could be an app, website, manga, YouTube channel, ect.) and document yourself using it to learn language. You will then reflect on your experiences and language development using the resource.
Product: Case Study
Format:
You will document your experiences using the resource in a series of blog posts during weeks 2,3 & 4.

You will then create and post a short video in week 5 reflecting on your overall experiences using the resource and how you think it helped or didn't help you to learn Japanese.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Ability to constructively reflect on the use of language learning materials beyond the classroom
3
2
Identify and select appropriate resources to support language learning
3
3
Demonstrate an ability to consistently engage with language learning beyond the classroom environment.
3
All - Assessment Task 3:Interaction assessment
Goal:
This task will involve interacting in pairs to achieve a specific communicative goal. You will need to draw on the language and abilities your have developed throughout this course in your interactions.
Product: Oral
Format:
Interaction to be completed in pairs with an instructor present.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1
Ability to produce and comprehend spoken language and employ repair strategies when comprehension is not achieved
1 2
2
Work collaboratively with partner to make meaning and achieve desired communicative outcome
1 2
3
Appropriate use of language functions covered in the course to produce comprehensible output.
1 2

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required The Japan Foundation 2020 Irodori Starter 1 https://www.irodori.jpf.go.jp/en/elementary01/pdf.html

Specific requirements

Nil

How are risks managed in this course?

Health and safety risks for this course have been assessed as low. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the health and safety risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Your eligibility for supplementary assessment in a course is dependent of the following conditions applying:

The final mark is in the percentage range 47% to 49.4%
The course is graded using the Standard Grading scale
You have not failed an assessment task in the course due to academic misconduct.

Assessment: Submission penalties

Late submission of assessment tasks may be penalised at the following maximum rate: 
- 5% (of the assessment task's identified value) per day for the first two days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- 10% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the third day - 20% (of the assessment task's identified value) for the fourth day and subsequent days up to and including seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. 
- A result of zero is awarded for an assessment task submitted after seven days from the date identified as the due date for the assessment task. Weekdays and weekends are included in the calculation of days late. To request an extension you must contact your course coordinator to negotiate an outcome.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au