ML1582: Elementary Japanese (Autumn)

School Japanese
Department Code MLANG
Module Code ML1582
External Subject Code 101169
Number of Credits 20
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Saeko Ogiso
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2014/5

Outline Description of Module

The aim of the module is to introduce students to the Japanese language; to provide them with the practical knowledge and calligraphic skills to recognise and reproduce the hiragana and katakana scripts and approximately 200 kanji (Chinese characters); and to introduce basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in both active and passive applications; to enable students to understand and to express spoken Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to read, comprehend and translate into English short passages of elementary-level Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to write short passages in Japanese.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

A   Knowledge and Understanding:

  • read and write the hiragana script, katakana script and approximately 200 kanji
  • understand and manipulate basic grammatical structures
  • understand and use appropriate vocabulary
  • understand classroom instructions and express basic courtesies in Japanese
  • understand and manipulate orally Japanese grammatical structures
  • comprehend and participate in straightforward conversations in Japanese
  • comprehend and/or translate into English passages of Japanese text using
  • vocabulary and grammar introduced
  • write short compositions in Japanese

B     Intellectual Skills:

  • apply logical thought and memory skills
  • apply memory skills
  • understand cultural differences

C     Discipline Specific Skills: 

  • apply logical thought to Japanese grammatical structures
  • apply memory skills to Japanese grammatical patterns
  • develop memory skills associated with the acquisition of Japanese script
  • pronounce Japanese appropriately
  • understand Japanese culture and its relevance within the language
  • conduct oneself in a manner appropriate to a Japanese setting
  • read and write Japanese script at an elementary and pre-intermediate level

D     Transferable Skills: 

  • have an awareness of and respect for other languages
  • adapt to a different language
  • develop self-confidence
  • develop an ability to lead conversations
  • develop the skills required to obtain verification on a certain issue, as required

How the module will be delivered

There will be eight classes per week, with a Reading Week in Week 6, with some additional tutorials throughout the semester.  In classes the relevant grammar, vocabulary and language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are introduced and developed. 

A Japanese text book is followed on a weekly basis, and material from other language books is incorporated from time to time.

Independent study is expected.

Indicative study hours:     200

Skills that will be practised and developed

There will be eight classes per week, with a Reading Week in Week 6, with some additional tutorials throughout the semester.  In classes the relevant grammar, vocabulary and language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are introduced and developed. 

A Japanese text book is followed on a weekly basis, and material from other language books is incorporated from time to time.

Independent study is expected.

Indicative study hours:     200

How the module will be assessed

Examination Component                 40%

Continuous Assessment                 40%

Oral Examination                                20%

The formal assessments contain a range of questions designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module and to test skill development.

Informal assessment is provided through discussion in classes and feedback on the students’ independently produced work.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Autumn Semester 40 Elementary Japanese (Autumn) Examination 2
Written Assessment 40 Continuous Assessment N/A
Oral/Aural Assessment 20 Oral Examination (Autumn Semester) N/A

Syllabus content

What does Japanese sound like?- The basic pronunciation and syllabic make-up of the language.

How is Japanese written?-Explanation of the historical background to the written language in use today.  After mastering hiragana and katakana, kanji will be introduced.

Japanese Grammar - Step by step introduction to the Japanese language.  Detailed explanations of components of the language will be given.

Cultural elements - An awareness of the importance of register within the language is provided throughout the course.

Essential Reading and Resource List

None given.

Background Reading and Resource List

None given.


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