Placement Questionnaire for Prospective Students of Japanese
The following is a FAQ for the Japanese Placement Questionnaire. Please read the information carefully before completing the placement questionnaire.
What is a Placement Questionnaire?
The Placement Questionnaire is a series of questions designed to ensure students who wish to enrol to Japanese courses are placed in classes that are most appropriate to their level of language knowledge.
Who needs to complete the Placement Questionnaire?
The questionnaire is to be completed by students who have knowledge of Japanese and are enrolling to Japanese course(s) for the first time at UNSW.
Why do I need to complete the Placement Questionnaire?
Our experience shows students lose interest in their learning and may discontinue from the course or fail the course when they are enrolled to courses that are either too easy or too difficult for them. Therefore, it is important that students are placed in courses that are most appropriate to their level of language knowledge. The information collected from the questionnaire will enable us to make course recommendations that best suit your learning needs and language knowledge, and it is important that you provide as much information as you can in the questionnaire.
When should I submit the questionnaire?
Received questionnaires are processed in order of receipt. As some classes fill up very quickly, it is in your best interests to submit the questionnaire as soon as possible.
How do I submit the questionnaire?
It is submitted online. Click the “Submit” button at the end of the questionnaire. A reference number will be generated for you. Please keep your reference number safe for any future enquiries.
How many sections are there in the Japanese placement questionnaire?
There are four sections in the placement questionnaire, and they are as follows.
- Section 1: Personal details
- Section 2: Education information at UNSW
- Section 3: Previous experience in learning Japanese
- Section 4: Additional details
Can I change the information after I have submitted the questionnaire?
Please make sure your information is correct and complete before submitting the questionnaire, as any changes made to the questionnaire after it is submitted may result in delays in processing your questionnaire.
Can I submit more than one questionnaire?
No. Students can submit one questionnaire ONLY.
How do I know which Japanese language courses are appropriate for my level of knowledge?
Listed below are placement criteria for the four different entry levels in Japanese language courses. You can indicate your course preference(s) (and must provide reasons for the preference) in the questionnaire if your level of knowledge fit the placement criteria.
ARTS1631 Introductory Japanese B
- if you have completed approximately 70 hours of learning basic spoken Japanese or have equivalent knowledge, and can write Hiragana, Katakana and approximately 50 kanji
ARTS2631 Intermediate Japanese B
- if you have completed HSC Japanese Beginners and Japanese Continuers within the last two years, or
- if you hold a certificate in Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level 4
ARTS3631 Advanced Japanese B
- if you have completed Japanese Extension with a grade of below 45, or
- if you hold a certificate in Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level 3
ARTS3633 Professional Japanese B
- if you have completed Japanese Extension with a grade of 45 marks and above
What should I do if my knowledge of Japanese does not fall into one of the categories above OR if I wish to receive further advice about appropriate courses for my Japanese language proficiency?
Please complete the online questionnaire and provide information of your previous study in Japanese. The School shall contact you with course recommendations.
Are there any course prerequisites for the Japanese language courses offered this semester?
Yes. Listed below are the course prerequisites for the Japanese language courses that are offered in Semester 2.
| Course name | Course prerequisites |
|---|---|
| ARTS1631 Introductory Japanese B | ARTS1630 or JAPN1000 |
| ARTS2631 Intermediate Japanese B | ARTS2630 or JAPN2000 |
| ARTS3631 Advanced Japanese B | ARTS3630 or JAPN3000 |
| ARTS3633 Professional Japanese B | ARTS3632 or JAPN3400 |
| JAPN3701 Advanced Study of Spoken Japanese | ARTS3633 or JAPN3401 or equivalent |
You can also check course description in the Online Handbook (www.handbook.unsw.edu.au).
I have received High Distinction in ARTS2630 Intermediate Japanese A in 2007; can I enrol to ARTS3631 in Semester 2 even though I do not have the necessary prerequisite for the course?
NO. Students are not eligible for Advanced or Professional level language courses unless they have completed the necessary prerequisites.
How will I know which course(s) to enrol to after submitting the placement questionnaire?
An email will be sent to your UniMail account notifying you your starting course(s). Further instructions about enrolling to your starting course(s) will be included in the email. It is imperative that you check your UniMail for any email correspondence that the School sent you.
If you have not receive any notification to your UniMail account 7 working days after submitting your questionnaire, please email Dr Betty Pun (b.pun@unsw.edu.au) quoting your reference number and recommended course(s).
What is the latest date for me to submit the questionnaire?
You should submit the questionnaire no later than 16 July 2009.
What should I do if I wish to make enquiries after 16 July 2009?
Please contact Placement Coordinator in Japanese Studies, Dr Kazue Okamoto (k.okamoto@unsw.edu.au).
Can I enrol to Japanese language courses if I am from another Faculty or School?
Students who wish to undertake language courses to fulfil elective course requirements or general education requirements should ensure that these courses count towards the requirement of their degree programs with the relevant Program Authority.
What happens if I am placed in a class that is different from the one I originally wanted to enrol to or the class that I am placed in is too easy or difficult for my language proficiency?
It is possible for students to request course enrolment change if they find the course that they are placed in is either too easy or too difficult. However, such change is subject to the approval of Course Co-ordinator, and must be finalised by Friday, Week 2 in the semester.
The procedures for requesting course enrolment changes are as follows: Students must attend the first week of classes (lecture, tutorials and seminars) of the course that they are placed AND the course they wanted to enrol to. If you still want to enrol to your original choice after attending all classes of both courses, please consult the Course Co-ordinator of your original preference.
NOTE: All requests of course enrolment changes will not be considered after Week 2 unless legitimate reasons are provided.
Can I change to a lower level language course if the course that I am placed in is not suitable for my class schedule?
No. Students are placed in courses on the basis of their language proficiency/knowledge in Japanese. If the recommended starting course does not fit into your class schedule, please seek alternative courses in other areas of study.
Where can I get further information?
For further enquiries, please contact Dr Betty Pun via email (b.pun@unsw.edu.au) or by phone (02 9385 2416).
