Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

Students must either complete Level C (for those who started at Level B) or pass the streaming test (or have JLPT N2) if they started at Level A.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module provides students with academic competence in advanced Japanese. Students will master vocabulary, grammatical structures, writing and speaking styles at an advanced level. By the end of the module, students will be able to write in a variety of written Japanese styles; students will be able to read a wide range of real-world texts; students will have developed the ability to converse confidently in the target language.

In addition to the above objectives, this module also aims to
1) To develop an appropriate level of intercultural sensitivity in students to enable successful interpersonal communication in a range of different situations.
2) To continue to equip students with the necessary skills to become better language learners.

Outline Of Syllabus

Reading
You will read real-world texts covering a wide range of topics such as current social and political issues, and Japanese history.

Writing
You will develop skills in writing compositions, summaries, and academic essays in the target language.

Speaking
You will develop presentation skills in expressing your opinions clearly, making your arguments clear and supporting them in an articulate manner.

Business Japanese
You will develop practical language skills for professional settings, including formal communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities. It also enhances cultural understanding and etiquette, essential for effective interaction in Japanese as well as multi-cultural business environments.

Translation
You will develop skills in translating various texts from Japanese into English.

Please note that the syllabus, course content, and pace may be adjusted as needed to meet students' needs.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will have:
(1) built on the linguistic achievements in lower-advannced Japanese made at Level C or during the Year Abroad in Japan;
(2) consolidated and gained further knowledge and competence in writing and reading a wide range of materials and a large number of kanji;
(3) consolidated and gained further knowledge and competence in advanced grammatical structures;
(4) consolidated correct pronunciation and accent;
(5) gained competence in expressing complex ideas and functions orally and in writing in the target language;
(6) developed an appropriate level of intercultural sensitivity to enable successful interpersonal communication in a range of different situations.
(7) gained an understanding of advanced business Japanese vocabulary, formal expressions, and appropriate language use in professional settings. They will also develop insights into Japanese business culture and etiquette.
(8) acquired foundational knowledge of translation techniques, including understanding language nuances and context when translating between Japanese and English

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of the module, students will
(1) be able to express themselves fluently and accurately on matters of general and personal interest; converse confidently and naturally, using a wide range of expressions, in language and register appropriate to the situation (Speaking);
(2) understand various types of written Japanese on a wide range of general topics (Reading);
(3) be able to write precise, well-structured Japanese on a wide range of topics of general and personal interest, effectively expressing ideas and opinions in an appropriate style and register (Writing);
(4) have developed basic abilities in formal communication, negotiation, and presentation, as well as develop cross-cultural skills essential for effective interaction in Japanese and international business contexts (Business Japanese);
(5) have developed basic translation skills through hands-on practice, enhancing their ability to produce accurate and culturally appropriate translations (Translation);
(6) be able to work in an online environment confidently;
(7) be able to use sophisticated self-study skills (Language learning).

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Language classes will introduce, model and offer guidance in each of the skills that students are required to practise during the course (including summary, opinion and commentary writing, intensive reading, aural skills, taking part in critical discussions and oral presentations in the target language).

Group work will offer students an opportunity to work in small groups (in the target language) under close supervision of the lecturer. These classes will focus on the skills listed in the outline syllabus.

Teaching will primarily be conducted in the target language.

Work requirements:
- researching materials for oral presentation and discussion;
- writing critical discussions, reports and summaries in the target language;
- practising and revising advanced vocabulary and grammar.

The online seminar will help students familiarise themselves with the online work environments that will be required in the majority of workplaces, preparing them for the demands of modern employment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment is designed in such a way as to test all the skills mastered during scheduled learning and teaching activities, structured guided learning and individual study.

-One written exams for translation in Semester 1 will assess students’ ability to translate from JPN to ENG.

- One 90-minute written exam on Reading / Grammar / Kanji characters will test students’ ability to read and write in the target language. This formal examination provides summative information to staff and student on student's achievement in reading / grammar/ Kanji writing skills in the module.


- One portfolio for Business Japanese helps students assess their progress and identify their strengths and areas for improvement, thus stimulating their independent and reflective learning skills.

- One professional skill assessment will assess student’s ability to produce and present their own output and to answer questions asked by a target language speaker directly and spontaneously.

General Notes

N/A