LA1PJ3-IWLP Japanese 3

Module Provider: Languages and Cultures
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: LA1PJ2 or equivalent
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PJ1 IWLP Japanese 1 LA1PJ2 IWLP Japanese 2
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mrs Asako Partington
Email: a.partington@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is aimed at students with some previous basic knowledge of the Japanese language. It is intended for students with an entry level of:

"JF standard (Japan Foundation Standard for Japanese Language Education) ": Level A2 or the equivalent.

By the end of IWLP Japanese 3, students will have reached:

"JF standard (Japan Foundation Standard for Japanese Language Education) ": Level A2+ - B1

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. 

This module aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain confidence in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, in order to develop their ability to interact with speakers of Japanese. They will gain precision and accuracy in expressing themselves in and understanding oral and written Japanese, concentrating on its communicative use in a variety of situations.

Students will identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address problems that are well defined but complex and non-routine. In language learning this means acquiring knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, developing strategies for learning and practising the language in the four skills, in order to communicate within defined situations while developing tools to enable students to respond to unexpected occurrences.

Students will exercise autonomy and judgement by developing independent learning skills.  They will gain understanding of different perspectives and cultural differences in approaching a variety of situations.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups.  Also, students should be aware that spelling, grammar and sentence structure are assessed. In this respect the IWLP assessment is exempted from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking.  For languages where handwriting is assessed, computers are not allowed. For queries, contact iwlp@reading.ac.uk.

Aims:

This module aims to enable students:

• to cope in a wide range of everyday situations in Japan and interact with people who speak Japanese.


• to gain confidence in communication in Japanese both verbal and written.


• to develop strategies for coping with less common linguistic, social and cultural situations. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

At the end of the module students may expect to;

• Sustain a straightforward conversation reasonably fluently within a range of subjects within his/her field of interest, presenting it as a linear sequence of points.


• Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, including short narratives.


• Use the important grammatical structures of the language for their le vel and have a knowledge of the vocabulary which is required to read, write and have conversations.


• To read and understand text and articles on simple topics and write a summary and response about the daily life situations covered in the module. 

Additional outcomes:

Students will be involved in regular group activities and role playing and will gain experience in oral presentations and joint activities. They will make progress through developing skills of self-study and application and will develop an awareness of and sensitivity to a foreign culture. 

Outline content:

Students will learn:

• to discuss topics of both personal and wider interest


• to express their opinions orally and in writing


• to extract information from a standard spoken or written text


• to practice some expressions used among colleagues and friends in everyday conversations

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module provides a systematic approach to acquiring the four essential language skills in order to acquire comprehensive understanding and interactive context of the target language.

Teaching methods are based on a combination of communicative and functional approaches. Essential grammar and sentence structures will be explained and practised. Interactive language development tasks, such as pair/group work and role playing, and include the study of short texts, oral de velopment work and listening comprehension exercises will be undertaken.

Learning activities are supported by various media such as audio and visual materials alongside the original handouts for the module. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final Written exam (Reading and Writing): 35% (2 hours)

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Spring Term Week 4: Project: Oral discussion 10% (15 minutes) 

Spring Term Week 5: Project: written part 15% 

Spring Week 11: In class test – Listening test 15% (50 minutes) 

Summer Week 1-3: Oral exam 25% (15-20 minutes) 

Formative assessment methods:

In order to consolidate and develop their language learning, students are encouraged to complete regular tasks – in class and outside – on which feedback is provided. 

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:

40% overall for UG students,

50% overall for PGT students. 

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-sit in August/September examinations period on the basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%)

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: None


2. Specialist equipment or materials: None


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: None


4. Printing and binding: None


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: None


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: None

Last updated: 8 April 2021