Module Code - Title:
JA4211
-
JAPANESE LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY 1
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To provide a firm grounding in understanding, speaking, reading and writing basic Japanese, and aspects of Japanese culture and society, as well as to begin to develop life-long language learning strategies with learners.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Listening practice leading to the recognition of numbers, times, days, dates, locations, greetings and questions. Conversation practice based on grammar structures and vocabulary necessary to use greetings, introduce oneself politely, ask basic questions, explain schedules, and talk about pastimes. Reading practice progressing from the understanding of notices and posters to descriptions of peopleÆs everyday lives. Writing practice introducing the hiragana and katakana writing systems and 80 kanji progressing to being able to write passages involving self-introduction, daily routines, hobbies, and shopping. Reading and discussion in English about Japanese customs, culture and society.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
engage with, and respond appropriately to, spoken and written target-language texts on everyday topics;
express themselves appropriately and accurately in spoken and written form on topics relating to their own lives.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
discuss basic aspects of the target-language cultures and societies;
structure and assess their own learning independent of the language classroom.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
conduct basic conversations in the target language in a number of simulated environments;
use comprehensible pronunciation and intonation;
read and write using the hiragana and ka
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
There will be a weekly lecture on aspects of Japanese history and culture as well as class sessions practicing the language skills being introduced through the module. There will also be regular discussions about independent language learning.
Prime Texts:
San A Network (1998)
Minna No Nihongo I
, San A Publishers
Varley, P. (2000)
Japanese Culture 4th edition
, University of Hawai'i Press
University of Tokyo Kanji Research Group (1993)
250 Essential Kanji for Everyday Use Vol I
, Tuttle
Other Relevant Texts:
Oxford (2003)
Pocket Kenkyusha Japanese Dictionary
, Oxford University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF ARTS (PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS)
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CONTEMPORARY DANCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY, POLITICS, SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL STUDIES
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN IRISH DANCE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN IRISH MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN JOURNALISM AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LANGUAGES AND LITERATURE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN VOICE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN WORLD MUSIC
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION IN LANGUAGES
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Module Leader:
Akie.Nagahashi@ul.ie