This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable you to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the Japanese language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between Japanese and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; and operating and presenting arguments effectively in Japanese through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare you thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. You will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in Japanese.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. You will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions (in person and/or online), and in-class tasks.

This course corresponds to a level comparable with A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) and levels N4-N3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). 

1. Read, understand and speak Japanese to a level comparable with A2-B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) and levels N4-N3 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). 
2. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in Japanese. This includes describing experiences, dreams, hopes and ambitions, offering opinions and outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various topics of personal interest and/or relating to Japanese language culture and society.
3. Write coherent texts in Japanese in a range of registers on a range of topics relating to Japanese language culture and society with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy
4. Extract and synthesis data and ideas from a range of authentic written and/or audio/audio-visual texts
5. Recognise and reproduce approximately 500-550 kanji.

The module will be delivered through a range of interactive teaching sessions supplemented by online teaching and learning activities and materials – and may include, where relevant, asynchronous materials such as lecture recordings. Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year – and may be, in part, determined by Welsh Government and Public Health Wales guidance.  

Independent Learning: You will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying and participating in individual and collaborative activities outside the live sessions. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help you develop your expertise as an independent language learner. You will be asked to consolidate your language learning by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the Japanese language. You will also be expected to prepare and complete exercises and activities online, to complete written, listening and oral tasks and, where appropriate, to engage with tutors and peers through discussion boards and forums. Over the course of the year you will begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies.

1. An understanding of the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance with the tutor
2. A greater awareness of how languages (including the mother tongue) function
3. The skills to be effective, independent and self-aware learners, including active reflection on learning processes and preferences so as to independently develop appropriate strategies and linguistic skills to ensure progression
4. The ability to work creatively and flexibly with others as part of a team
5. Cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad;
6. Intercultural awareness, understanding and competence, including a critical understanding of other cultures and practice other than one’s own
7. Enhanced skills in effective communication, presentation and interaction – both in an online environment and face-to-face
8. An awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation;
9. Enhanced analytical skills
10. Enhanced digital literacy skills including the ability to engage with appropriate language learning technologies
11. The ability to identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. dictionaries; online resources; self-study tool)

The key language skills are receptive (reading and listening), production (speaking and writing), mediation (translation between two languages) and intercultural awareness. Developing these skills involves acquiring metalinguistic and lexical competence, i.e. studying the building blocks of the language including grammatical and lexical patterns and structures. All of these skills are assessed through continuous assessment over the course of the module which reflects the progressive and accumulative nature of language learning.

The method(s) of assessing the learning outcomes for this module are set out in the Assessment Table, which also contains the weightings of each assessment component.

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR RE-ASSESSMENT

You may be required to resit one or more of the assessments in this module if you fail the module. The Examination Board will advise you which assessments you need to resit during the August resit period. Resit assessments that are not supported by extenuating circumstances will be capped at the pass mark applicable to your programme.

MAPPING OF ASSESSMENTS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

Vocab/kanji test assesses ILO 1,2,5

Comprehensive tests assess ILO 1,2,5

Essay assesses ILO 1,2,3,5

Oral assesses ILO 1,2,4

Written exam assesses ILO 1,2,3,4,5

The course will focus on: Genki II Textbook:

Lesson 19 Japanese Geography

Topic: Meeting the boss

• Show our respect
• Express gratitude
• Talk about things we are/ that we did
• Talk politely with boss

Reading: "Letters and Emails"

Lesson 20 Speech Styles in Japanese

Topic: Mary goes shopping

• Speak modestly about ourselves
• Express what is difficult or easy to do
• Return and exchange merchandise
• Ask for directions

Reading: "A Cat’s Plate"

Lesson 21 Japanese Technology

Topic: Burglar

• Talk about bad experiences
• Check if things have been prepared
• Tell somebody what we wish them to do
• Report incident to police

Reading: "Unlucky Ages"

Lesson 22 Japanese Sports

Topic: Education in Japan

• Talk about getting people to do things
• Instruct people to do things
• Ask for and give advice
• Express opinions on education

Reading: "Sakura’s Diary"

Lesson 23 Japanese Foods

Topic: Good-bye

• Complain about doing something undesirable
• Make a resolution for a new phase of life
• Reminisce about the past
• Say farewell

Reading: "Emoticons and Emoji"

Tobira Textbook:

Lesson 1 Japanese Geography 

Reading: "Geography of Japan"
Cultural and lexical topics:  Geography, famous places, specialties, events, festivals, old tales
Communicative skills:  Asking/answering questions
Linguistic elements: Aizuchi and fillers

Lesson 2 Speech Styles in Japanese

Reading: "Japanese Speech Style"
Cultural and lexical topics:  Different speech levels, male and female words,
Communicative skills:  Apologizing, written and spoken telephone conversations, emails
Linguistic elements: Sentence-final particles (final particle), word omission and shortening and inversion

Lesson 3 Japanese Technology

Reading: "Human and Robot"
Cultural and lexical topics:  Robots, technology development,
Communicative skills:  Requests/Saying thank you
Linguistic elements: Katakana, foreign words and Katakana, how to use Internet dictionary

Lesson 4 Japanese Sports

Reading: "Mind to learn through sports"
Cultural and lexical topics:  Sports in Japan, Japanese martial arts, Mind/Skill/Body thinking, Club activities, Thinking between seniors and juniors 

Communicative skills:  Consultation
Linguistic elements: Japanese numbers and units

Lesson 5 Japanese Foods

Reading: "Instant Ramen Invention Story", "Cup Noodle Birth Story", Reading Manga
Cultural and lexical topics:  Instant Ramen, Fast Food, Sushi
Communicative skills:  Explaining/Expressing thoughts

Linguistic elements: Using the rice story to express thoughts

Lesson 6 Japanese and Religion

Reading: "Japanese Life and Religion", "Myth of Japan: Heavenly Iwato"
Cultural and lexical topics:  Religion, Religious Customs, Events, Faith, Myth,
Communicative skills:  Using graphs, Explaining, providing an opinion