JPNS6025 Advanced Readings in Japanese Law

Offered By	School of Culture, History and Language
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Japanese
Offered in	JPNS6025 will not be offered in 2010
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course serves two purposes. First, it fills a role as a Japanese language course between the advanced group stage and the independent research stage. Second, it allows substantive investigation into the discipline and issues of Japanese law. As a Japanese language course, it is primarily a readings course focusing on improving the students? ability to read Japanese legal texts. The course will emphasise Japanese-English (wa-ei) understanding and expression. Correspondingly, this course is neither a spoken Japanese language course nor an English-Japanese translation course; though both formats will be explored to the extent they develop the core goals. The course will introduce students to basic Japanese language resources available to assist in the reading and translating of Japanese legal texts. The course will methodically and progressively introduce the students to the basic Japanese legal materials, for example, non-specialist coverage of legal issues, statutes and regulations, case law, academic commentary, government policy papers (hakusho), practitioners notes, and so forth. By the conclusion of the course, the student should be familiar with the Japanese language tools available to assist in Japanese legal reading and translation, and the basic structure and vocabulary of Japanese legal texts. As a Japanese law disciplinary subject, this course will introduce the students to a specific, current legal topic in Japan. The topic will be determined by the students in consultation with the lecturer. By investigating the matter from the primary sources, students will develop a deep understanding of the issue and its representation by different interested parties. This will prepare students to be both critical readers and analysts. This course will be useful to students interested in translation, current Japanese societal issues, and legal careers involving Japan.
Learning Outcomes	The purpose of this assessment scheme is to ensure broad-based familiarity with the fundamentals of Japanese Law and Society. That is, rather than seek a deep knowledge in one aspect of Japanese law, this course aims to develop a wide knowledge across the breadth of the topic. Three aspects of Japanese law and society are presented and will be covered in assessment: (1) the fundamentals of the Japanese legal system; (2) the context of the Japanese legal society; and (3) a brief review of Japan's major substantive laws.
Indicative Assessment	(1) two short translations (50%, ie 25% each), (2) one final translation (40%), and (3) classroom participation and preparation of in-class readings (10%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate students' interests.
Workload	Three hours per week
Areas of Interest	Asian Languages
Requisite Statement	Permission of Coordinator
Programs	Master of Asia-Pacific Studies
Academic Contact	Prof. Kent Anderson

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.