Japanese Beginners Accelerated for finalists (LL391)
Summary
Level
This module is offered to students with no prior knowledge of Japanese. This module is the equivalent of Japanese 1 + Japanese 2 combined. Due to the 'accelerated' nature of the module, evidence of prior linguistic achievement (e.g. a high GCSE grade or A2 CEFR level in a foreign language) is desirable.
Main Objectives
- to understand and communicate in familiar and routine situations, using frequently used expressions;
- to develop strategies for language learning;
- To research, analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, enhancing cultural knowledge, as well as intercultural and cross-cultural competencies.
- to work towards / achieve A2 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference)
Credits
30 CREDITS
Teaching and Learning
Weekly blended sessions for 21 weeks, organised as:
- Two weekly blended sessions for 21 weeks, organised as a two-hour face-to-face class on campus. You need to study pre-recorded videos before each session.
- Four online workshops, each lasting ninety minutes, spread across terms 1 and 2
- Some independent study will also be set
If health & safety restrictions are required, teaching may move online.
Students are reminded that 1 credit = 10 hours of study, therefore for a 30 credit module, the minimum expected amount of study is 300 hours, which averages over 10 hours per week. A substantial amount of independent study is therefore required. Students can make use of Moodle to facilitate this.
Assessment
Term 1: one interim test (10%)
Term 3: one reading/writing test (35%) + one speaking test (40%) + one independent project (15%)
Main Tutors
Katsuko Nagata, Tomoko Fujita
Course Texts (must be bought by student)
Term 1
No textbook required.
Term 2
- Minna no Nihongo Shokyu l Dai 2-Han (2nd edition) Honsatsu (Main Textbook) ISBN-13: 978-4883196036
Course Description
The module will offer an opportunity for students to develop their communicative competence in Japanese in an intensive mode.
This module will also help students develop a critical understanding of cultural contexts, analytical and reflective abilities in cross-cultural settings, as well as autonomous learning and effective resource management.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- apply a basic knowledge of grammar
- gain insight into everyday life in Japan
- apply strategies for understanding gist and short descriptions
- interact about familiar topics and activities
- write simple texts giving background information and relating to areas of immediate need, using correct characters
- Critically analyse and reflect on cultural contexts, demonstrating enhanced intercultural and cross-cultural competencies
- Conduct and present independent research into Japanese culture and society.
- Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and manage resources.
By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level A2 Basic user (waystage) of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) or close to that level.
Syllabus
This module will allow students to develop strategies for self-directed and autonomous learning, as well as an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and the ability to engage with and communicate on them thoughtfully and respectfully.
Topics
Greetings and Introductions, shopping, describing daily routine and events, describing people and places,
asking for permission, expressing prohibition, making comparison, asking for preference, expressing ability or possibility, expressing opinions, etc.
Grammar
Particles (post-positions), adjectives, verbs, present and past, the te-form of verbs and adjectives, the dictionary form and the nai form of verbs, modifying clauses, etc.
Students will learn to read and write some basic Kanji (Chinese characters)
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
