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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Japanese Language 1
Module Code JA193
School SALIS
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Niamh Kelly
Semester 2: Niamh Kelly
Autumn: Niamh Kelly
Module TeachersNiamh Kelly
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 10
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Description

The module aims to introduce students to some of the essential aspects of Japanese culture, society and language. Students will be familiarised with a range of everyday situations requiring the use of specified linguistic skills. Students will be guided in the development of a range of language learning strategies and transferable skills, such as independent learning.

Learning Outcomes

1. Find specific, predictable information in simple everyday materials such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus, reference lists, daily routines and timetables
2. Pick out and reproduce key words and phrases or short sentences from a short text within the learner’s limited competence and experience
3. Use some simple structures to write short, basic descriptions of events, past activities and personal experiences
4. Have appropriate control of the use of the Japanese writing systems, including a minimum of two syllabaries (Hiragana and Katakana) and 160 basic Kanji
5. Use basic sentence patterns and sufficient vocabulary to describe everyday aspects of his / her environment, future plans and arrangements, daily habits and routines, past activities and personal experiences, living and working conditions, likes and dislikes
6. Use IT skills in Japanese, where IT literacy skills will include word processing, web search, and accessing language-specific resources (Life-long Learning)



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars20Twice Weekly Language Seminars / Tutorials
Online activity68Completion of On-line Hiragana Certificate Course (Japan Foundation) (14 Hours) Completion of On-line Katakana Certificate Course (Japan Foundation) (14 Hours) Engagement with Quizlet for acquisition of 160 Kanji
Independent Study162Students are required to 1)complete all homework tasks as outlined on LOOP notes 2)learn 16 new kanji every week 3)prepare and familiarise themselves with notes on LOOP in advance of class 4) Use extra study material that is on LOOP, such as Podcasts 5) Listen to one news item daily from news web easy Japan 6) create Quizlet sheets to manage vocabulary learning
Total Workload: 250

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Specimen Syllabus
Acquisition of 160 kanji / Greetings and introduction / Exchanging Personal Information / Numbers, days, months, countries, nationalities, time and occurrences / Awareness of food, drink, menus, local gastronomy, restaurants and eating out / Asking for things / making requests / Hiragana and katakana alphabets and pronunciation / Models of speech and useful phrases / Describing habits, routine, pastimes and schedules / Locating and describing places, / Explaining what you do; what you study; your work / Making suggestions; agreeing and disagreeing; likes and dislikes / Talking about the past / Talking about your skills: saying what you can and cannot do /

Learning Activities
This module is task-based with emphasis on linguistic accuracy, pragmatic and sociocultural competence. Students will engage in reception, production and interactive activities, designed to build their confidence and provide them with linguistic competencies. Students will familiarise themselves with digital tools for language learners (eg Quizlet and News Web Easy Japan)

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Completion of online activityCompletion of On-line Hiragana Certificate Course (Japan Foundation)5%Week 1
Completion of online activityCompletion of On-line Katakana Certificate Course (Japan Foundation)5%Week 2
PortfolioTotal of 2 components submitted during the semester20%Other
Loop QuizComplete a number of tasks, include aural comprehension and written production10%Once per semester
In Class TestAssessment of Kanji acquired to date (held throughout the semester)30%As required
Oral ExaminationFree conversation based on langauge structures and vovabulary acquired in the module20%n/a
Written ExamLanguage accuracy - a written assessment focusing on language structures acquired in JA19310%Sem 1 End
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Banno, Eri; Ikeda, Yoko; Shinagawa, Chikako; Tajima, Kaori and Tokashiki, Kyoko: 2009, Kanji Look and Learn Workbook, Japan Times, ISBN978478901
  • Masatoshi Yoshida and Yoshikatsu Nakamura: 0, Furigana English-Japanese Dictionary, Kodansha,
  • Seiichi Makino and Michio Tsutsui: 0, A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar, Japan Times,
Other Resources

None
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