This course is aimed at students who have a basic knowledge of Japanese. Over the course of a year, it will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to learn Japanese and take part in everyday routine exchanges. It will focus on developing a communicative competence at lower intermediate level and provide a foundation for further study.
Related modules
LfA Japanese Elementary / Japanese Language and Cultures: Elementary or equivalent.
Module will run
Occurrence
Teaching period
A
Semester 1 2024-25 to Semester 2 2024-25
Module aims
The aims of this module are:
to extend key skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
to develop interactive skills in everyday concrete situations
to build up a wider range of kanji characters, and further establish their applications in reading and writing.
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in communicative activities and tasks emphasising three modes of communication:
reception activities (oral, audio-video, and reading comprehension),
production activities (oral and written production),
interaction activities (oral, written, and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and Japanese.
Module learning outcomes
Ability to understand short texts dealing with a wider range of everyday topics involving concrete situations.
Ability to produce simple texts on familiar topics and give impressions and opinions, using basic everyday vocabulary and expressions.
Ability to manage simple, routine exchanges of ideas and information on familiar topics.
Ability to recognise basic cultural conventions associated with everyday social exchanges and to apply them appropriately.
Ability to convey the main point(s) involved in short, simple conversations or texts on everyday subjects of immediate interest.
Ability to write sentences and texts, making use of a variety of Japanese scripts.
Module content
Topics may include:
talking about one's skills,
experiences and aspirations;
giving advice;
giving, and receiving presents;
giving, receiving and asking for help;
expressing gratitude and apologies;
discussing plans for trips and events;
talking about favourite places and special days
Indicative assessment
Task
% of module mark
Departmental - attendance requirement
100
Special assessment rules
Pass/fail & Non-reassessable
Additional assessment information
The course is non-assessed but students will receive an LfA Certificate of Completion if they participate in at least 13 sessions out of 18.
Indicative reassessment
None
Module feedback
Regular homework tasks will provide opportunities for ongoing feedback on progress.
In addition, students will have the opportunity to complete coursework. Its purpose is not to provide a summative assessment of students’ performance but to provide the basis for relevant tutor’s feedback and feedforward.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the year.