Japanese 5 (PG)

Key information

Status
Module not running
Module code
15PJKC012
FHEQ Level
7
Credits
30

Module overview

This module aims to develop a highly proficient level of interactional competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/listening) skills in Japanese. In addition to the four skills mentioned above, mediation skills such as translation to and from Japanese/English, and oral-written summary will also be included for further development to engage in a wide range of written texts with complexity. At the end of the module, students should be able to 1) communicate with authentic materials; 2) express their opinions on the topics studied with relative fluency and ease; 3) deepen their understanding of the Japanese society and its people and 4) develop skills in critical analysis of current issues that Japanese society faces. The students are also encouraged to raise cultural awareness by expressing interpretations of cultural assumptions in their own and in the target language in intercultural communication.

Prerequisites

Japanese 4 (PG) language level or equivalent

Procedure

Please note that online registration alone will not give you an automatic right to attend the module. You are required to fill the Registration form. You can download the Registration form here . Please submit it to Japanese 1 module convenor, Dr. Seiko Harumi ( sh96@soas.ac.uk , Room 367). In order to place you in the appropriate level of language module, you are required to take a placement test on 24 September 2019, in room B103 (Brunei Gallery), 9.30am-11:00pm.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

  1. understand a wide range of demanding long texts, such as newspapers, reports, and on-line articles and recognise implicit meanings
  2. express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expression in their own speech or in group-interaction such as debates, interviews, and presentations
  3. use language flexibly and effectively, and relate own contribution skilfully to those of other speakers for social and academic purposes in the activities such as informal and formal discussions and presentations
  4. produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns and cohesive expressions, underlining the relevant current issues
  5. produce the text supporting own points of view at some length with reasoning in essays, summary-writing, opinion statements on specific social and cultural issues
  6. demonstrate a wide range of knowledge and critical understanding of the cultures and societies of Japan through presentation, essay writing and discussions

Workload

Total of 20 weeks teaching with 3 hours classroom contact per week in a 2 hour tutorial and 1 hour tutorial.

Method of assessment

One three-hour written examination taken in May/June (50%);an oral presentations (10%); a portfolio (30%); end of term 1 test (10%).

Suggested reading

The module will be based on

  • Extracts from near authentic to authentic materials and additional materials which will be made available throughout the course.

Additional Japanese References:

Japanese Learning Resources:

  • M.kaya and A Tsuda (1994),  Nihon o kangaeru itsutsu no kadai, Suri e nettowaku,
  • H.Ito, Y.Mimaki etc. (1990), Asahishinbun de nihon o yomu, Kuroshio shuppan
  • M.Kaya (1998), Nihonshakai Tanken, Suri e nettowaku,
  • S.Anodo tec, Topikku ni yoru nihongo sougo enshu, Suri e nettowaku,
  • Newspapers (Asahi shinbun, Mainichi shinbun, Yomiuri shinbun)
  • Makino, S. and M, Tsutsui(1995), A dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar, The Japan Times

Kanji Dictionary

  • J.Halpern (1990), Kanji Learner’s Dictionary, The Kodansha

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules