Language modules focus on developing students' communicative competence in four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) to equip students with a working knowledge of the target language and a sound level of communicative competence and confidence. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to understand and use Japanese with a degree of flexibility and a range to a lower-intermediate language level (comparable overall to a lower B1 level). Students will be able to discuss topics that are familiar or pertinent to everyday life such as everyday conversational skills and interactions including casual and polite styles, opinions, gratitude and skills useful to talk about personal trips, kind actions
The module will include study of the target language culture and the development of insights into Japan. The cultural aspects of the above topic areas will be taught through seminars and the means of Japanese language course books, video, audio materials. There will be a balance between communicative activity and understanding of linguistic structure.
Total Contact Hours: 30
Total Private Study Hours: 120
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
In Course Test: Speaking (Max. 4 minutes) – 20%
Language Skills (Equivalent to 1,400 Japanese characters) – 40%
Cultural research and Writing (450 Japanese characters) – 40%
Reassessment methods
100% Coursework (Equivalent to 1,800 Japanese characters)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 demonstrate a familiarity with Japanese characters equivalent to lower intermediate level;
2 demonstrate an understanding of the main points of clear standard texts on familiar matters in the target language regularly encountered in university, part-time work and leisure and with a degree of flexibility using a range of simple vocabulary and structures and demonstrating the use and understanding of more complex/intermediate level language with some precision;
3 express opinions and exchange information in the target language on familiar and/or routine topics such as personal experience, outings, local events, showing appreciation with a degree of flexibility and range of vocabulary;
4 demonstrate knowledge and a critical understanding of the life and culture of Japan.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Communicate ideas independently;
2 Demonstrate enhanced intercultural awareness and understanding.
Students who complete this module successfully can progress onto WOLA5590 Japanese Intermediate. If you have studied Japanese before you should get in touch with our Japanese Tutor, Ms Mano Suzuki: M.Suzuki@kent.ac.uk
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
