Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

A Level Japanese Grade A or equivalent. Students who have previously taken Level A Japanese are advised not to proceed to Level B unless they have achieved at least 40% in the module. Note: Non-SML students are advised not to proceed to Level C unless they achieve at least 40% in this module.

Co Requisite Comment

None

Aims

(1) To consolidate the linguistic foundation with a view to further study.
(2) To provide students with sufficient target language competence and inter-cultural sensitivity for communicative interaction with native speakers and to enable them to cope with typical situations met during a potential period of study abroad.
(3) To continue to provide students with skills necessary to become better language learners.

Outline Of Syllabus

1. Grammar and speaking
We shall cover the grammatical points and exercises in each chapter. All points will be
explained through the analysis of sentence patterns (bunkei).
2. Listening and speaking
You will practice listening using listening materials uploaded on CANVAS and practice speaking various topics.
3. Reading
You will develop skills in ondoku (reading aloud) and dokukai (reading
comprehension).
4. Writing
You will develop skills in writing, using the grammatical points, sentence
patterns, vocabulary and kanji studied in the previous chapters.

The module will be taught and assessed in Japanese and English.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students will have:

(1) Competence in writing and reading in intermediate level.
(2) Learnt all grammar required to be fluent at the intermediate level.
(3) Learnt sufficient vocabulary to be able to read various types of reading material.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students will be able to:

(1) Understand standard conversational Japanese spoken at normal speed in areas of general and personal interest.
(2) Express their opinion in various day to day situations and also resolve day to day problems.
(3) Understand written passages of different text-types on a variety of general subjects.
(4) Handwrite adequately and with reasonable accuracy using all three types of characters on subjects of general and personal interest.
(5) Be familiar with an online collaborative working environment.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Key grammatical structures, sentence patterns, vocabulary and kanji are practised using an integrated communicative approach. Oral and aural skills (i.e. speaking and listening) as well as writing and reading are practised throughout the course in task-based activities involving individual, pair and group work.

Vocabulary/grammar tests and kanji tests will take place every week and will be assessed.

In order to ensure that the above hours of independent guided study takes place, each contact hour is followed by homework assignments. Many derive from the compulsory workbooks accompanying the core textbook. Additional materials may be distributed in class and are considered an integral part of the homework assignments. There is a minimum homework submission requirement of 70%.

*To practice working with others in an online environment.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary is assessed in all summative work.

Handwriting skills of Japanese characters are deemed essential at this stage of learning and assessed in the written assessments including exams.

- One oral examination in Semester 2 (15%) will test students’ ability to produce and present their own output orally and to understand and respond to questions asked by a target language directly and spontaneously.

- Written exams in Semester 1 and 2 (55%) on Reading / Grammar / Writing will test students’ ability to handwrite in the target language. These formal examinations provide summative information to staff and student on student's achievement in reading / grammar/ writing in the module.

- Written exercises in Semester 1 and 2 (30%): These tasks will test students’ ability to handwrite in the target language. Regular vocabulary, grammar and kanji tests are necessary in order to allow students to acquire competence in a steady and growing fashion. It also gives students the opportunity to have constant feedback on their performance. The written assignments help students assess their progress and identify their strengths and areas for improvement in writing thus stimulating their independent and reflective learning skills throughout the year.

General Notes

N/A