Japanese Beginners 2 - LFA00049H

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Module summary

This 20-credit module runs over two semesters (Semester 1 and Semester 2) for a total of 22 teaching weeks. This course is aimed at students who have a very basic knowledge of Japanese. Over the course of two semesters, it will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to learn Japanese and communicate in familiar everyday situations. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at elementary level and provide a foundation for further study. When students enrol on the elective it will be assumed that they are willing to undertake an uneven workload.

Related modules

Prerequisite modules:

LFA Japanese Beginners 1 or equivalent (A1/very basic knowledge of Japanese)

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2026-27 to Semester 2 2026-27

Module aims

This module will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to communicate and interact in Japanese over the course of a semester and to develop an awareness of key cultural aspects related to the language. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at beginner level, to about A1+ level standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). 

The module aims are: 

• to further develop skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing

• to develop interactive skills in familiar situations

• to build up a range of Japanese characters and establish their application. 

Students will engage, individually and in groups, in activities and tasks emphasising three core communicative skills: 

1. reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension); 

2. production activities (oral and written production); 

3. interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction). 

The mediums of instruction are English and Japanese. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Understand familiar everyday phrases and expressions in predictable settings.

• Produce phrases and series of sentences about familiar everyday subjects.

• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

• Recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges.

• Write words and sentences relevant to the subjects covered in Japanese.

• Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.

• Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.

Identify and apply adequate strategies to prevent or overcome breakdowns in interaction and production activities.

Module content

Topic may include:

• talking about what you are doing;

• introduction to the non-polite forms; 

• talking about one's family;

• counting various objects; 

• giving, and receiving presents;

• talking about what you want to do;

• expressing preferences;

• talking about skills and abilities; 

• introduction to the non-polite forms; 

• requesting a favour or ask for permission with the appropriate level of formality;

• exchanging emails and other types of messages. 

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	60.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40.0

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Continuous Assessment 60%

• S1, Week 11 (30%): submission including reading and linguistic competence tasks: “linguistic competence” tasks can include grammar, vocabulary and use of language. Additional metalinguistic awareness questions for students in the I and H coded versions of this module worth 5% of the final submission mark will be included in this assignment.

• S2, Week 10 (30%): 1-hour in-class closed written assignment including a writing  section and linguistic competence tasks. 

Oral Exam 40%

Individual oral exam focusing on speaking and interaction skills (7 min)

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	60.0
Oral presentation/seminar/exam	40.0

Module feedback

Students’ performance will be monitored through formative work and in guided class practice throughout the year and assessed via continuous assessment submissions and an end-of-year oral exam. Students will be given written feedback and marks for their work within the University mandated schedule.

Indicative reading

Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester. Students will be advised by the module convenor if a textbook is necessary.