ULJA51040 - LEAP Japanese 4 (B1)

  • Credits: 20
  • Pre-requisite: ULJA51030 - LEAP Japanese 3 (A2/B1) or JLPT N4.
  • Co-requisite: If you are studying a Modern Languages Degree, either single or joint honours, please refer to relevant guidance about eligibility for LEAP units on your programme structure.
  • Taught during: Both semesters (September to May)
  • Level of attainment: (B1) By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level B1 of the Common European Framework.
  • Timetable: Click here

Description

This course is for students who have successfully completed ULJA51030 - LEAP Japanese 3 (A2/B1) or equivalent and wish to take their Japanese to the next level. 

The course offers the solid foundation required for achieving language competency with the use of further grammatical structures of the Japanese language and challenging longer texts and conversations. 

The course provides an extensive range of vocabulary which will enable students to communicate reasonably fluently and effectively, both orally and in writing, and enable them to produce clear, well-structured written texts on a wide variety of subjects.  Communication skills will be developed include discussion, presentation skills and reporting skills, in addition to covering more aspects of the culture of and current issues in Japan.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to: 

  • demonstrate competency in understanding and knowledge of language structure grammatical rules; 
  • understand a wide variety of high demanding longer texts and conversations, and recognize implicit meaning; 
  • engage in spontaneous conversations and discussions on familiar topics with some fluency;    
  • independently write short essays, reports and letters putting forward personal points of view by using a variety of vocabulary and formulaic expressions and using the target language in a wide range of contexts. 

By the end of the course, students should be able to perform at Level B1 of the Common European Framework.

Transferable skills

Pair and team work, focussed listening, informal presentations, language awareness, and cultural appreciation.

Teaching and learning methods

One three-hours or two 90 minutes seminars per week, delivered through blended learning which integrates on campus and on-line instruction as necessary.

This will also include online digital learning available via Blackboard and will be supplemented by extra online resources to aid students in their independent learning.

Teaching hours

69 hours (3 hours per week) including assessment time.

Independent study hours

140 hours (not including assessment time).

Assessment

All assessments are summative.

Non-credit students and members of the public need to be aware that written exams will not take place during lesson time.

Semester 1

  • Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's semester 1 exam period in January

Semester 2

  • Listening exam; 10% weighting; held in week 11
  • Speaking exam; 30% weighting; held in week 12
  • Written exam; 30% weighting; held in university's semester 2 exam period in May/June

Dates to be confirmed.

Nature and timing of feedback

Feedback will include a combination of informal ongoing feedback resulting from class-based learning activities and formal written feedback given following summative assessments.

Convenor

Mikiko Inoue

Taught by

Motoi Kitamura

Maximum entry

23 per group

Set texts

TBC

Recommended texts

Oxford Starter Japanese dictionary (ISBN: 0198601972) OR Oxford Kenkyusha Japanese Learner dictionary, and Oxford Japanese Grammar and Verbs (ISBN: 0198603827).

More information at the Oxford University Press website.

More advanced dictionaries and grammar books may be appropriate.

Advice from tutors.

Pathway

For information on further Japanese contact the course convenor.