Japanese Language
What is a major or minor in Japanese?
The content of the major in Japanese depends on the first year entry level, but the structure always constitutes 48 points of study over 3 year levels (12 points in first year, 12 points in second year, 24 points in third year OR 12 points in first year 18 points in second year, 18 points in third year). Normally students take 6 sequential core Japanese units, and two electives (either one at second and one at third year, or two at third year level. It is possible to replace core units with study abroad units, and in some circumstances to replace a unit with an additional Japanese Studies elective - for further details see the 'Areas of Study' regulations on the web, or consult staff for advice.
A minor in Japanese comprises EITHER 24 points of core language units OR 18 points of core language units plus one second-year or third-year level elective (language elective or Japanese/Asian studies - see below). The minor can be made up of either a first year and second year sequence, or a second and third year sequence.
Background speakers of Japanese with advanced competence cannot normally complete a major in Japanese. However, they may be able to complete a minor, or take some higher level language units as part of a Japanese Studies major.
Core units
There are 12 core units, Japanese 1-12, each of which is one semester in length, and worth 6 points. In all codes, the first digit will indicate the year level, the second and third digits the proficiency level, and the final digit is 0 (e.g. JPL1010 - first year, beginners - Japanese 1). Regardless of year level, all unit versions of the same proficiency level have the same title (e.g. Japanese 7 has three different unit versions and codes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year: JPL1070, JPL2070 and JPL3070). Japanese 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 are offered in semester 1 and Japanese 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 are offered in semester 2. Note that Study Abroad, and elective units do not conform to this system.
Progression through the core units
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BASIC |
LOWER | ADVANCED | ADVANCED | |
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Japanese |
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| Japanese | ||||
| Japanese | ||||
| Japanese | ||||
| Japanese | ||||
| Japanese | ||||
| 4th year/PG Int/translation | Honours |
Note that Japanese 9-12 are advanced units: each unit focuses on a particular area of Japanese studies or of skills development. These units are the product of a major curriculum redevelopment at the advanced level and incorporate innovative multi-media materials specially developed at Monash.
In Japanese 9 (Japanese Popular Culture), Japanese 11 (Current Issues in the Japanese Media), and Japanese 12 (Japan and the Asia Pacific), you will learn about important content through the medium of Japanese, as well as developing linguistic skills.
In Japanese 10 (Interpreting and Translating) you will be introduced to cross-linguistic skills in interpreting and translating, which are important to all students working across cultures, and are also an ideal preparation for an Honours degree with a translation focus, or a Masters degree in Interpreting/Translation.
In certain circumstances, very capable students may be permitted to take Japanese 11 and 12 as electives while completing Japanese 9 and 10 - see the Convenor of Japanese Studies for more details.
Elective units
Language electives
Elective units include language electives, Japanese Studies or Asian Studies units and LCL (School-wide) units.
| Intermediate Japanese Reading Skills (suitable for students enrolled in Japanese 5/6) | |
| Advanced Japanese Reading Skills (suitable for students enrolled in Japanese 7/8 or above) | |
| Additional Core Language Units | This
option allows students who are completing their degree over four
years (or who complete an intensive summer course) to complete a
four-year sequence in Japanese if their course structure permits. |
Japanese Studies and Asian Studies electives
Second or third year Japanese Studies or Asian Studies units.
Note that ASN3071 Theory and Research in Asian Studies must be taken as one of the elective units by intending Honours students
Electives from other disciplines with substantial Japanese Studies content may be approved by the Japanese Program Convenor.