JPNS3024 Advanced Readings in Japanese Law

Later Year Course

Offered By

School of Culture, History and Language

Academic Career

Undergraduate

Course Subject

Japanese

Offered in

JPNS3024 will not be offered in 2012

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%).

Workload

Three hours per week

Areas of Interest

Asian Languages

Requisite Statement

Completion of JPNS3006 or JPNS3008 or permission of the coordinator. Consultation with the lecturer is recommended if students are in doubt to the appropriateness of their background for taking this course

Prescribed Texts

The course materials will be prepared by the lecturer and available as handouts or as an e-Brick

Majors/Specialisations

Japanese Language

Academic Contact

Prof. Kent Anderson

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.