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:

The prime aim of the module is to enable students:

• to develop competence in a range of predictable everyday tasks;
• to begin to develop strategies for language learning;
• to achieve A1.2 standard of the CEFR (Common European Framework
  of reference).

Successful completion of Japanese 1 qualifies students to progress to Japanese 2.

 

Credits:

This 30 credit module is also available for 24 credits.

 

Teaching:

One weekly session for 21 weeks, organised as:

• Asynchronous pre-recorded videos (accessible through moodle, to be studied before the synchronous session)
• 2 hour online synchronous (live) session (small group) via Teams
• Independent study & homework

 

Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore the minimum expected amount of study over the course of this module is 240 hours. 10 hours of study a week on average will be required including independent study.

 

Assessment:

Term 1 - interim test (10%) scheduled on 11 December 2021 (Saturday)

Term 3 - one reading/writing test (50%) + one speaking test (40%)

Please note that Term 1 interim test is scheduled to take place on Saturday 11 December 2021

 

Tutors:

TBC

Course Texts:

There are no set text books that must be bought by students. However, we recommend the following books for home study.

<recommendation>

Japanese for Busy People: Kana Version Bk. 1, Revised 3rd Edition, AJALT, Kodansha International 2012 ISBN-13: 978-1568363851 (Please note that there are similarly titled books. Please do not buy an old 1995 version or Romanised version.)

Japanese for Busy People I Workbook Bk.1 AJALT, Kodansha International 2012,ISBN-13: 978-1568363998

The stimulus material (aural, written and visual) not only provides an introduction to Japanese grammar but also gives the students an insight into everyday life in Japan.

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.

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
• develop strategies for understanding gist and specific information
• interact in a simple way and ask & answer questions on familiar topics
• write short simple texts, including personal details, using correct characters

Syllabus: