Module MLAN1161: JAPANESE STAGE 2 (Durham Campus)

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study (MLAN)

MLAN1161: JAPANESE STAGE 2 (Durham Campus)

Prerequisites

• Japanese Stage 1 or an equivalent qualification corresponding to A1 of the Common European Framework or N5 of the JLPT, subject to decision by the module’s language 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 consolidate and revise prior knowledge
• To develop reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the target language.
• To enable students to function effectively in a general social context
• To extend lexis and knowledge of grammar
• To develop basic essay writing skills
• To promote intercultural awareness

Content

• The first part of this module aims to consolidate and revise prior knowledge, which will involve a comprehensive review of basic language structures followed by the further study of key aspects of grammar.
• Most functional and notional topics studied at this level will be determined by the main course book
• Class materials will be supplemented by online resources
• Oral activities will promote the basis for developing confidence, flexibility and fluency in conversations.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of the linguistic principles, structures and registers of the target language;
• demonstrate knowledge of some aspects of the social, economic and political structures of Japan; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some features of Japanese culture and society gained through the study of cultural topics.
• This module will introduce approximately 1200 new vocabulary items and 130 new kanji;
• by the end of the modules students will have a vocabulary of around 2,000 items and around 250 kanji; this equates roughly to level N4 in the JLPT.

• On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• extract relevant information from mainly descriptive written sources containing a of high-frequency volume of everyday language;
• write short essays in Japanese related to both personal and social spheres, expressing and discussing views; understand the main points of clear standard speech and authentic aural passages on familiar topics from typical everyday situations;
• relate a series of events and take part in a structured discussion on familiar topics;
• apply a range of grammatical principles; make effective use of reference materials such as grammars and dictionaries;
• use a range of language-learning techniques and skills by independently developing strategies to extend their lexis and knowledge of grammar.

• At the end of the module students will have enhanced their ability to:
• communicate information, ideas and opinions both orally and in writing;
• give a short class presentation in Japanese;
• gather and process information from a variety of paper, audio-visual and electronic resources;
• narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or a film;
• use IT effectively both as a means of communication and as an aid to learning;
• demonstrate some ability as an independent learner;
• deal with a variety of situations likely to arise whilst abroad.
• All teaching materials will be kana / kanji based, hence students will achieve full competency in kana recognition and production plus recognition and production skills for around 250 kanji.

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

• This module is delivered through seminar style classes
• 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 designed to test students' level of attainment in language production (speaking and writing) and reception (listening and reading).
• In order to reflect the continuous nature of the language learning process the module will be assessed by a combination of formative and summative in-course assessment and by formal written examination.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Students will be given assignments to practise and consolidate new skills as well as to assess the students’ ability to transfer their knowledge to new situations. All formative assessments will be submitted to the module tutor. Summative language portfolio assignments will also fulfil a formative role since full feed-back will be provided to students.

■ 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