Studying at York
Japanese Language and Cultures: Beginner - LAN00095H
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
Learning a language can be a transformative and enriching experience. Both the process and the outcomes are beneficial at various levels, from increased neuroplasticity to improving your overall academic performance, fostering empathy and intercultural awareness, and enhancing your career opportunities. This course is aimed at students who have no previous knowledge of Japanese. Over the course of a semester, it will steadily build the knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to learn Japanese and communicate in basic situations. It will focus on developing a communicative competence from beginner level and provide a foundation for further study.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
| B | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
The module aims are:
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to build up basic skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing
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to develop strategies for learning Japanese
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to develop interactive skills in familiar situations
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to introduce and practise the writing system and orthography
Students will engage, individually and in groups, in activities and tasks emphasising three core communicative skills:
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reception activities (oral, audio-video and reading comprehension);
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production activities (oral and written production);
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interaction activities (oral, written and online interaction).
The mediums of instruction are English and Japanese.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module students should be able to:
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Understand basic expressions and short, simple informational material and texts on familiar everyday subjects.
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Produce short phrases and series of simple sentences about familiar everyday subjects.
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Interact in a simple way, ask and answer questions on familiar daily topics.
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Recognise basic cultural differences and establish basic social contact by using everyday polite forms of greetings, farewells and introductions.
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Grasp a basic knowledge of the writing system and orthography of Japanese and begin to apply them appropriate to the level.
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Reflect upon language use and justify linguistic choices.
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Self-monitor and self-regulate their own learning and resources.
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Identify and apply adequate strategies to prevent or overcome breakdowns in interaction and production activities
Module content
Topics may include:
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greetings and general polite forms;
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exchanging personal information;
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basic conversation at shops and restaurants;
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talking about daily routine;
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talking about what you did and what you are planning to do;
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locations;
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email exchange.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The written exam will include one or two questions aimed at assessing students’ ability to reflect on language use and justify their responses and choices when using the language (in English) and a task related to students’ ability to monitor their own learning.
The oral exam will include strategic competence among the assessment criteria in production and interaction activities.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Closed/in-person Exam (Centrally scheduled) | 60 |
| Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 40 |
Module feedback
Feedback on exams and essays as per University regulations.
Indicative reading
Course materials and guided readings will be provided by the module convenors via the VLE at the start of the semester.