Japanese 1 (LL129)
Summary
Level
This module is offered to students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. Please note, final year students are not normally permitted to take non-accelerated beginners modules.
Main Objectives
- to develop competence in a range of predictable everyday tasks;
- to begin to develop strategies for language learning;
- to work towards or achieve A1.2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Credits
30 CREDITS, also available for 24 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
Weekly blended sessions for 21 weeks, organised as:
- asynchronous pre-recorded video(s): accessible through Moodle, to be studied before each synchronous session
-
a two-hour synchronous session: face-to-face on campus
- homework & independent study
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore as a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study over the course is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1: one interim test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (50%) + one speaking test (40%)
Tutors
Katsuko Nagata, Rui Lee
Course Texts
No textbook required
Course Description
The module provides a general foundation in the language. Students will develop and practise basic reading and writing, listening and speaking skills. Students will acquire a grounding in essential grammar and gain an insight into Japanese society.
Successful completion of Japanese 1 qualifies students to progress to Japanese 2.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
General: Carry out communicative tasks with basic language proficiency in predictable social situations, using basic grammar and vocabulary.
- apply a basic knowledge of grammar
- gain insight into everyday life in Japan
- apply strategies for understanding gist and short descriptions
- interact in a simple way and ask & answer questions on familiar topics
- write short simple texts including personal details, using correct characters
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A1.2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) or close to that level.
Syllabus
The syllabus will include the following:
Topics
Greetings and Introductions, shopping, talking about schedules, suggesting activities, expressing preferences etc.
Grammar
Particles (post-positions), adjectives, present and past forms of verbs etc.
Students will learn to read and write Hiragana and Katakana. Words written phonetically using the Latin alphabet (Romaji) will be only used in the initial stage to aid learning pronunciations.
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Digital Literacy, Teamwork
Can count towards the Warwick Award
