Key facts

UNE unit code: JAPN215

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 3 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • No
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home

Japanese society has ancient tradition as its foundation. The many cultural rules and conventions that people follow in daily life are also implicit in the structure of the Japanese language.

This unit will increase your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with more people globally, whether for business or leisure.

You will be introduced to aspects of the Japanese language and system of communication that will enhance your ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of social contexts.

Topics covered include linguistic variation in Japanese, rules for communication in certain social and cultural contexts in Japan, and issues surrounding cross-cultural communication between native speakers and non-native speakers of Japanese.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 3Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
JAPN101 or HSC Japanese Continuers who achieved a pass of 75% or over in the last 2 years or equivalent level of knowledge

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Laura Clark
Laura ClarkLecturer, Beginners Japanese and Japanese culture - School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate an understanding of sociolinguistic and socio-cultural aspects of the Japanese language;
  2. demonstrate an understanding of possible problems in communicating with native speakers of Japanese in contact situations (i.e. cross-cultural communication); and
  3. apply sociolinguistic and socio-cultural knowledge and skills appropriately to forestall or deal with problems in communicating with native speakers of Japanese.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Online Assessment 1Yes20%All offerings

No. Words: 750 (equivalent)

Online Assessment 2Yes20%All offerings

No. Words: 750 (equivalent)

Written assessmentYes60%All offerings

Written assessment in English and Japanese

No. Words: 2500 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Routledge handbook of Japanese sociolinguistics

ISBN: 9781032177939

Heinrich, Patrick, editor.; Ōhara, Yumiko, editor., Routledge 1st 2021

Note: Also available as ebook the ISBN is: 9781351818391

Text refers to: All offerings

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

Stay connected

Join our mailing list for updates and helpful tips to support your study plans. You can unsubscribe at any time.

  • Course updates and important changes as they happen
  • Key dates for intakes, deadlines, and enrolment steps
  • Application guidance, including supporting documentation requirements
  • Next steps and what to expect after you apply or enquire

Ready to stay in the loop?

GET IN TOUCHUniversity campus with students on a sunny day, historic brick building and green lawn

Why study with us?

Graduate Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

Jess Trow, Bachelor of Education (K–6)

What happens next?

laptop icon
1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

pencil icon
2. Apply

2026 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

form icon
3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.