Japanese Level 5

On successful completion of this module, you will be better prepared to:

• read and write around 100 Kanji characters and the related vocabulary, on top of around 300 basic Kanji, accurately;
• deploy moderately-complex grammatical structures and a wider range of vocabulary accurately and fluently for communication;
• produce and respond to written texts of moderate complexity in the Japanese writing system;
• express and respond to a range of spoken language in different contexts;
• comprehend and respond to the information by listening to simple monologues/ dialogues in familiar contexts with a range of the post-beginner-level grammar and vocabulary.

In this module, you will cover the following linguistic structures:

• Revision and consolidation of grammatical structures covered at the beginner/ post-beginner-levels of language learning, such as intransitive/ transitive verbs and potential verbs;
• The introduction of more complex grammar and alternative modes of expression, including imperative and prohibitive forms, and different types of subordinate clauses;
• Reported speech;
• Different uses of conditional forms;
• Passive forms;
• Verb nominalisation.

These linguistic structures will be applied to the following topics:

• Asking and explaining the reading and meaning of Japanese words, Kanji and signs
• Office situations
• Giving an instruction and demonstration, including recipes
• Talking about Japanese and other countries’ proverbs and idioms
• Discussing changes in one’s behaviour and ability, as well as possibilities, in an external world
• World events, architects, discoveries and inventions
• Natural phenomena and events

In addition, you will be introduced to a further 100 Kanji characters to widen your range of Kanji characters to an advanced level for reading and writing purposes, plus Kanji characters used in the textbooks should be recognised

In line with modern foreign languages communicative and active learning methodology, in-class activities cover all four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) and include pair work (e.g. dialogue practice, information gap exercises and vocabulary/grammar quiz), individual tasks (e.g. forming/ writing sentences for various tasks and discovery/ formulation of grammatical rules), and group work (e.g. reading aloud new vocabulary for pronunciation practice and reading texts/ listening to the audio files for comprehension exercise), following the teacher's introduction on new language items (grammar, vocabulary and Kanji characters).

Homework tasks give you the opportunity to revise and consolidate knowledge and skills covered each week as well as to receive individual feedback. This approach not only ensures you engage with a wide range of tasks, but also supports different learning styles.

All pieces of coursework are marked and feedback will be given in two weeks. Detailed feedback will be provided, alongside suggestions for improvement and an overall percentage showing your provisional grade for that assessment.

• Coursework (8%): Composition 1: 700 Japanese Letters (around one and 3/4 A4 papers), during the second half of the autumn term (1-3 hours for task completion within 1 week's time outside of class) 
• Examination (5%): In-class Kanji test, in the second-to-last class of the autumn term (12 mins)
• Examination (20%): In-class test for grammar, vocabulary, reading and listening, in the last class of the autumn term (70 min)
• Coursework (12%): Composition 2: 700 Japanese letters (around one and 3/4 A4 papers), during the mid-to-late spring term (1-3 hours for task completion within 1 week's time outside of class)
• Examination (10%): In-class Kanji test (12 mins) and listening test (20 mins), in the second last class of the spring term
• Examination (20%): In-class test for grammar, vocabulary and reading, in the last class of the spring term (60 mins) 
• Practical (25%): Oral Exam outside of class (20-25 mins): Prepared speech (3.5-4 min), followed by Q&A (related to the speech with another student (3-4 mins) and general Q&A with the examiner (10-12 mins)

The module includes formative as well as summative assessments. Homework tasks are set every week on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and returned with feedback. The VLE component for the module unit contains self-study material. 

Newly-introduced knowledge (grammar, vocabulary, Kanji characters) and practised skills for use will be assessed once a term (i.e., twice in the two-term module duration) in the form of in-class tests, in order to evaluate your acquisition of the linguistic knowledge and your proficiency level progressively. One composition coursework assignment will be set each term. This take-home task is to be completed within one week and is designed to evaluate your development in the written use of the target language in a comprehensive and progressive manner. The oral examination will take place at the end of the module (during the summer term), in order to assess your mastery/ command of the target language for communication in the form of speaking.

• 7.5 ECTS points awarded on successful completion of the module.
• Available to take for credit towards your degree, where your department allows. Also available for extra credit. The Module options by department page has a full list of the credit options.
• You must be prepared to attend all classes and undertake approximately 3 hours of private study each week in addition to the assessment.

Module materials

Relevant materials will be made available on the VLE.

Coursebooks

Minna no Nihongo 2 - Second Edition (main textbook and translation and grammatical notes) by 3A Corporation and Basic Kanji Book Vol. 2 by Bonjinsha, supported by an accompanied CD, other audio materials and additional handouts.