Module: Japanese Language & Contemporary Society

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Japanese Language & Contemporary Society
Module Code	JPN1012 (ITS: JA379)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	SALIS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

The purpose of this module is to improve students’ proficiency in Japanese and improve their intercultural communicative competence. In this module, students will learn to use an appropriate and effective mode of communication in various situations including some formal scenes. Students will participate in the following learning activities: (i) going through a wide range of audio and written materials including some authentic pieces, (ii) participating in discussions on chosen topics, (iii) completing written and presentation tasks while showing a strong command of the language and understanding of the culture. Students are expected to attend and contribute to classroom sessions, prepare for and complete various CA items, and perform guided independent studies.

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify the main points and some details of general audio materials such as news, songs, and semi-formal discussions (DACS4: Demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance communication.)
2. Extract the main points and some details from miscellaneous written sources including news articles on general issues, short essays, and books.
3. Deliver a coherent and straightforward argument on general matters with occasional emphases on significant points (CC, DACS3: Communicate effectively in oral formats, adapting to audience profile as required.)
4. Convey information accurately using a proper register in various forms of writing such as short reports, opinion pieces, and creative pieces (CC, DACS2: Communicate effectively in written or other non-oral formats, adapting to the audience profile as required.)
5. Express a proper understanding of those topics related to Japanese society and culture (IC, DACS1: Demonstrate knowledge of one's own and others’ cultural values and IC, DACS2: Demonstrate understanding of diverse cultural practices.)
6. Demonstrate the effective use of digital technology for communication.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	34	No Description
Independent Study	46	Preparation for each class (completing pre-class reading, listening, looking up words in the dictionary)
Portfolio Preparation	120	No Description
Assignment Completion	50	In-class presentations, writing tasks, etc.
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	10851	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Sakiko Pawlak	Module Teacher	Lijie Shao

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Portfolio	Presentations, peer-reading comment sheets, reflective journal, creative & academic writing pieces, etc.	100%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Content and Learning Activities
The content will primarily relate to current affairs, cultural and societal topics in Japan. Students will be introduced to various topics through reading or listening materials, discuss the topics, complete assignments related to the learned topics, and conduct individual/group research as required. Assessment is 100% continuous assessment.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None