Module Code - Title:
JA4246
-
JAPANESE LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND SOCIETY 4
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
JA4213
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
To enable students to understand more advanced authentic and near authentic, modern Japanese texts and to produce a greater range of spoken and written texts; to foster in students an understanding and appreciation of modern Japanese writing; to consolidate their knowledge of issues in contemporary Japanese society.
Syllabus:
This syllabus is set at B1+ on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Listening practice concentrating on authentic Japanese; speaking exercises using various levels of formal and informal Japanese; using language with the correct nuances of regret etc. Speaking to a group on various topics. Reading authentic and near-authentic material on Japanese life and culture as well as news stories. Writing memos, faxes, e-mails, descriptions and summaries. Use of a further 120 kanji to bring the total up to 500 characters. Translating short passages of various levels from Japanese to English.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Locate the main content or arguments in authentic or near-authentic spoken or written texts in Japanese;
Explain their own opinions on key content and arguments in authentic or near authentic spoken or written texts in Japanese or issues in news or contemporary essays
Recognise the different registers appropriate to various situations in spoken and written Japanese
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
differentiate between different sets of opinion on aspects of contemporary Japanese culture and society
Judge the effectiveness of their learning strategies outside class and resolve d
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
deliver spoken and written reports on a range of contemporary issues
Demonstrate the ability to read and write a further 120 kanji
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Classes will concentrate on practise of four skills in Japanese: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be working on listening comprehension of easy broadcast news, reading news stories and modern Japanese essays, doing various speaking activities and writing short reports and summaries.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
University of Tokyo Kanji Research Group (1993)
250 Essential Kanji for Everyday Use
, Tuttle
San A Network (1998)
Minna No Nihongo II
, San A Publishers
Ashby, J. (2003)
Read Real Japanese
, Kodansha
Other Relevant Texts:
Keene, D. (2005)
Five Modern Japanese Novelists
, Columbia University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
erika.marcet@ul.ie