Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module CFLS1J31: JAPANESE STAGE 3

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1J31: JAPANESE STAGE 3

Type Open Level 1 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Successful completion of Japanese Stage 2 or an equivalent qualification corresponding to A2 of the Common European Framework or N4 of the JLPT, subject to decision by the module coordinator. No higher Japanese language entry qualification permitted.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • Core language modules from the BA Modern Languages & Cultures; Any module for the BA Japanese Studies

Aims

  • To review, consolidate and further develop knowledge of main aspects of the Japanese language.
  • To enable students to improve their Japanese language skills effectively.
  • To enable students to communicate competently on a variety of general topics.
  • To foster an understanding of contemporary Japanese society and institutions.
  • To develop presentation skills in Japanese.
  • To develop essay writing.

Content

  • Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book. Class materials will be supplemented by handouts and digital resources
  • Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.
  • As part of this module students will engage in project-type activities which will include an oral presentation.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • demonstrate a reasonable knowledge and understanding of the main Japanese language linguistic principles, structures and registers;
  • demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of aspects of the culture and society of Japan gained through the study of cultural products;
  • demonstrate some knowledge of aspects of Japanese social, economic and political structures.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • write essays related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views;
  • enter into conversation on issues related to the topics studied in class;
  • understand and report on the main points of a selection of standard speech and authentic aural passages on the TL on current affairs, customs and social issues;
  • relate a series of events and take part in semi-structured discussion on current affairs, customs and social issues;
  • apply a range of grammatical principles;
  • make effective use of references material such as grammars and dictionaries;
  • use a range of language learning techniques and skills effectively by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.
Key Skills:
  • On successful completion of this module learners will be able to:
  • give an oral presentation in the target language;
  • write an essay demonstrating the ability to organise ideas in a logical and coherent sequence in sustained prose and critically analyse arguments;
  • communicate information, ideas and arguments both orally and in writing;
  • gather, process and reference information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and digital resources;
  • deal effectively with a range of basic situations whilst in Japan. .

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • This module is delivered through three 1-hour seminars each week.
  • Contact time will be used to introduce new material and provide the students with high quality target language input from the module tutor and multimedia sources.
  • In preparation for each session students will be expected to revise new material and complete formative language exercises.
  • The assessment scheme for this module is undertaken through continuous in-course assessment, designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 60 three times per week 1 hour 60
Preparation and Reading 140
Total 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Reading & Writing Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment (week 8) 30% No
Written assignment (week 19) 70% Yes
Component: Speaking & Listening Component Weighting: 50%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Role play (week 10) 5 minutes 30% No
Presentation and Q&A (week 20) 15 minutes 70% Yes

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University