LA1PJ1-IWLP Japanese 1

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:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: LA1PJ2 IWLP Japanese 2 LA1PJ3 IWLP Japanese 3
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Ms Yuko Tochii
Email: y.tochii@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is intended for students with little or no knowledge of Japanese. 

On successful completion of the course students will have achieved:

 CEF (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level A1/A1+.

“JF standard (Japan Foundation Standard for Japanese Language Education)”: Level A1/A1+.   

It enables students to acquire a basic understanding of the language and the ability to communicate at a survival level.

This module is taught at level 4 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.  Reading University allows students from any year to take this module.

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 of reading, writing, listening and speaking, 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:

The module aims at providing students with:

• the ability to communicate in Japanese at a survival level


• a competence in basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary in order to communicate at a survival level


• the ability to write "hiragana", "katakana" (=Japanese syllabic scripts)


• an insight into aspects of society and everyday life in Japan

Assessable learning outcomes:

• Communicate in Japanese by speaking at a simple survival level about a selection of defined everyday topics


• Communicate in Japanese in writing about a selection of defined everyday topics and within a defined range of genres


• Read and understand simple texts on a variety of everyday topics


• Apply simple grammatical structures in both speaking and writing


• Recognise and apply aspects of basic grammar and structures in order to communicate orally and in writing and to understand speakers and texts

Additional outcomes:

At the end of the module students will have

• developed their ability to work in a team and to a deadline


• strengthened their communication skills


• identified aspects of society and every-day life in Japan 


• deepened their intercultural awareness and sensitivity for a different culture


• developed their independent learning skills

Outline content:

The module will introduce the language and communicative situations of selected areas of life relevant to visiting Japan: personal information, shopping, travelling, etc. A solid linguistic foundation will be ensured by the study of grammar and vocabulary, always presented in context in an accessible and engaging way.

Global context:

IWLP language modules provide students with opportunities for intercultural learning, increased intercultural awareness and an appreciation of diversity which enable learners to make connections between their immediate context and the global context.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group work and role playing, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by various media such as audio, video and online resources. The module is taught as far as possible in the target language. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Final written exam (Reading and Writing): 40% (2 hours).

The examination for this module will require a narrowly defined time window and is likely to be held in a dedicated exam venue.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Autumn Week 11: Multi-part portfolio 15%  

Spring Week 11: Multi-part portfolio 15%  

Summer Week 2: Oral exam 30% (10 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 on-going feedback is provided.?Additional feedback with opportunity for self-reflection and feedforward is provided at the end of the Autumn Term, through tests and other tasks included in the Portfolio. 

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 basis of examination only (relative percentages: oral examination 40%, written paper 60%.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1. Required text books: 


2. Specialist equipment or materials: 


3. Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 


4. Printing and binding: 


5. Computers and devices with a particular specification: 


6. Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 22 September 2022