LA1PJ2: IWLP Japanese 2

Module code: LA1PJ2

Module provider: Languages and Cultures; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 1 (Certificate)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Mrs Kazumi Hiramatsu-Kidd, email: k.hiramatsu-kidd@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s): Before taking this module, you must take LA1PJ1 or equivalent. (Open)

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded: IN TAKING THIS MODULE YOU CANNOT TAKE LA1PJ1 OR TAKE LA1PJ3 (Compulsory)

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module is intended for students of any year of study, with some previous basic knowledge of Japanese (A1 of the JF Standard, the equivalent to A1 of the CEFR).

It aims at enabling students to achieve a JF Standard A2/A2+ level (equivalent to CEFR A2/A2+) within a defined range of topics. This entails using simple language to communicate in familiar and routine situations and exchange personal information.

The module aims at providing students with:

• the ability to communicate in Japanese in everyday situations about matters of most immediate personal relevance.
• the competence in basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary required to communicate and understand at a basic level in everyday situations.
• further insights into aspects of society and everyday life in Japan.
• further understanding of the nature of language and language learning.

Our small, interactive classes are designed to equip students with communicative language skills in an engaging way.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of simple spoken and written Japanese on a variety of familiar everyday topics.
2. Express themselves in speaking and writing at a basic level about a selection of simple everyday topics, including personal habits and experiences
3. Recognise a wider range of basic Japanese vocabulary and further grammatical structures,  and apply these with increased confidence when speaking and writing about familiar, everyday matters.
4. Evaluate and reflect on their own language learning.

Module content

The module will consolidate and develop the language and communicative skills of selected areas relevant to getting to know people and places in Japan.

Topics will include: Shopping and making choices, Health and giving Advice, University Life and future plans after graduation, Self-introduction, Past experiences, etc.

Grammar and vocabulary will be explored in context in an accessible and engaging way, ensuring a solid linguistic foundation.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

The module provides a systematic approach to acquiring essential vocabulary and grammar structures in a communicative context, and is taught as far as possible in the target language. Teaching methods are based on interactive language development tasks, such as group and pair work, and include the study of short texts, oral development work and listening comprehension exercises. Learning activities are supported by a variety of digital and printed media, and guided independent learning activities also play an important part.

Support is given and adjustments are made for students with disabilities. However, please note that IWLP language modules are communicative in nature and students are required to work in small groups. In addition, students should be aware that spelling, grammar, and sentence structures are assessed. In this respect, the IWLP assessment is exempt from the University’s requirement to take specific learning difficulties into account when marking in almost all cases.