BA East Asian Studies and Japanese

Year 1

(Award available for year: Certificate of Higher Educ)

Learning outcomes

1. Basic Language Proficiency in Japanese: You will acquire a foundational understanding of spoken and written Japanese, including hiragana and katakana scripts, approximately 250 Japanese kanji, basic grammar and vocabulary, standard Japanese pronunciation, enabling an elementary level comprehension of Japanese, including basic dialogues and instructions, and expression of basic ideas and needs in writing and in conversation.

2. [For prior learners] Lower Intermediate Language Proficiency in Japanese: You will acquire a lower intermediate understanding of spoken and written Japanese, including hiragana and katakana scripts, approximately 400 Japanese kanji, lower intermediate grammar and vocabulary, standard Japanese pronunciation, enabling lower intermediate level comprehension of Japanese, including more complex dialogues and instructions, and expression of ideas and needs in writing and in conversation.

3. Cultural Awareness in Japanese and East Asian Studies: You will develop an introductory understanding of essential aspects of Japanese and East Asian culture, traditions, and social customs, enabling you to engage respectfully in Japanese and East Asian cultural contexts.

4. Foundational Knowledge in Japanese and East Asian Studies: You will develop a foundational understanding of historical and contemporary events within the cultural, political, and societal contexts of the region or topic under study.

5. Interdisciplinary Perspectives in East Asian Studies: You will recognise the inherently interdisciplinary nature of East Asian Studies. You will understand how fields such as history, sociology, politics, and others intersect to provide a comprehensive understanding of the East Asian region.

Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Language Learning Strategies: You will gain knowledge of effective language learning techniques and study habits, including learning to use language-learning software and digital resources.

2. Study Skills: You will acquire study skills, including time management, organisation, group work and effective use of academic resources.

3. Scholarly Communication: You will gain knowledge of the conventions and norms of scholarly discourse within Japanese and East Asian studies, including appropriate terminology, citation styles, and formatting.

Competence Standards
1. Integrated Basic (ab initio learners) or Lower Intermediate (prior learners) Japanese Language: Effectively engage in using the target language (using hiragana and katakana scripts, and kanji).

2.Culture/Society Proficiency Competency Standard: Show an understanding of, and effectively communicate key facts, ideas, theories and cultural/societal insights.

3. Independent Learning Competency Standard: Show proficiency in conducting independent academic research and reflect on academic progress.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include essays, commentaries, portfolio, individual and group presentations, group research projects, oral assignments, and exams.