• Inactive for Year: 2024/25

• Module Leader(s): Mrs Kumi Casey
• Lecturer: Dr Jo Lumley, Ms Etsuko Suda, Dr Shiro Yoshioka

• Owning School: Modern Languages
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

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 confidently and naturally 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 fluently in a sufficiently articulated language.

The training that students will receive and the level that students will achieve is that required for level N1 of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).

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

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

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

7. Speaking.
You will develop skills in expressing your opinions clearly, carrying on a discussion in Japanese, making your arguments clear and supporting them in an articulate manner.

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

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Key grammar structures, vocabulary and kanji are practised using an integrated communicative approach in seminar-style classes. Speaking, writing and reading are practised throughout the course in task-based activities involving individual, pair and group work.

To ensure that 134 hours of independent guided study takes place, each contact hour is followed by homework. Homework will include
- Preparation for weekly readings
- Semester 2 grammar exercises on a weekly basis
- Kanji practice on a daily basis
- Speech and discussion preparation on a weekly basis

There is a minimum homework submission requirement of 70%, which will be monitored throughout the year. Where appropriate, individual formative feedback will be provided (e.g. for writing assignments with a creative element).

This module will be taught and assessed primarily in Japanese.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment is designed to test all the skills acquired during sheduled learning and teaching activities, structured guided learning and individual study.

- The oral examination in Semester 2 takes the form of a discussion. Students produce and present their own oral output and discuss a given topic with their peers.

- A 90-minute written exam in Semester 2 on reading/grammar/kanji characters tests students' ability to read and write in the target language. This formal examination provides staff and students with summative information on students' achievement in reading/grammar/Kanji skills in the module.

- A short composition in Semester 1 and an essay in Semester 2 together will test students' ability to write in the target language in a formal academic style.

Reading Lists

• JPN4062's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• JPN4062's Timetable