Module Catalogue 2023/24

JPN2010 : Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese

  • Offered for Year: 2023/24
  • Module Leader(s): Mrs Kumi Casey
  • Other Staff: Ms Fumika Cartlidge
  • Owning School: Modern Languages
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Semester 1 Credit Value: 20
Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 20.0
Pre Requisites
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 Requisites
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.

Learning Outcomes

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 Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching1321:00132:00110 hrs in person, 22hrs online*
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study2681:00268:00N/A
Total400:00
Jointly Taught With
Code Title
JPN2110Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese - Exchange Semester 1
JPN2210Level B (HE Intermediate) Japanese - Exchange Semester 2
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.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written Examination601A15Kanji, grammar, basic test translation of basic sentences,(ENG>JPN,JPN>ENG),reading comprehension of unseen texts, writing.
Written Examination1502A40* See Rationale below
Oral Examination102M15Communication skills including listening skills are assessed during the oral exam.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Written exercise2M15Written assignment, Vocab, Grammar and Kanji regular tests.
Written exercise1M15Written assignment, Vocab, Grammar and Kanji regular tests.
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.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Disclaimer: The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2023/24 academic year. In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described. Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2024/25 entry will be published here in early-April 2024. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.