This module builds upon the linguistic knowledge acquired in Level 4 of the degree and provides a solid preparation for independent study during the compulsory period of study abroad in the third year.

This module is designed to enable students to develop the transferable skills of translating from and into the Japanese language efficiently; interpreting formal and informal texts between Japanese and English; presenting, in writing, an extended, logical argument, summarising other points of view, assessing and evaluating evidence and reaching personal conclusions and syntheses; demonstrating competence in other writing skills; and operating and presenting arguments effectively in the target language through the use of monologue, dialogue and group discussion. This module also aims to prepare students thoroughly both linguistically and culturally for their period of study abroad. Students will be able to manipulate information from spoken and written texts in the target language

This module will also involve mediating skills between the languages through the use of all or any of the following: translation from and into English of passages drawn from a range of journalistic, literary and other sources which will help to practice the corresponding grammar points studied in the class; summaries of English texts in Japanese or similar activities. These exercises will focus on key translation issues (e.g., register, tone, style), identify techniques for overcoming linguistic problems encountered in translation, and enable students to expand their vocabulary in core areas covered in translation classes.

While part of any class is likely to involve direct teaching, the emphasis is on student participation. Students will be required to prepare materials in advance of classes and will be expected to actively take part in discussions and in-class tasks like small group projects and presentations. Students will also be required to put together a portfolio of work over the Christmas period.

For Erasmus students, this course corresponds to a B2/C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

1. Understand the principles of learning a foreign language intensively and organise their learning with guidance from the tutor.
2. Read, write, understand and speak the target language to at least the level of B2 Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
3. Engage confidently and with appropriate grammatical correctness and spontaneity in everyday conversation in the target language.
4. Write coherent texts in a range of registers on a range of topics with appropriate grammatical and lexical accuracy.
5. Extract data and ideas from a range of authentic written and audio/audio-visual texts.
6. Work productively with others as part of a team, within a set structure.
7. Engage with appropriate language learning technologies.
8. Identify, assess, and make good use of appropriate reference materials (e.g. grammar references, mono- and bi-lingual dictionaries; online resources; self-study tools).
9. Be prepared for the Year Abroad experience.
10. Have reinforced and improved the practice of vocabulary learning.
11. Have improved the pronunciation and intonation of the language.
12. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of understanding of the target language society and culture (including music, cinema, and literature), a well-developed cultural awareness prior to the Year Abroad.
13. Display an awareness of key translation issues (register, tone, and style), an expanded vocabulary in the target language and an enhanced capacity for dealing with linguistic problems encountered in translation.
14. Display analytical and reasoning skills, critical evaluation of text/video/audio material, translation skills.
15. Recognise and reproduce approximately 900 kanji including those learnt in the previous year.

There will be a number of contact hours per week, focusing on language (grammar, aural work, textual analysis) as well as oral and written work.

Students are required to engage with and study materials provided by the tutors usually in advance of the class. This allows students the time to identify any problematic areas in advance of the class and use class time to actively use the language.

Students may have to use a textbook in some languages on a weekly basis.

We strongly recommend and encourage independent learning.

Independent Learning: Students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time studying outside the class. Materials will be provided on Learning Central which will help students develop their expertise as independent language learners. Students will be asked to consolidate their class work by learning vocabulary and linguistic structures, and by reading, watching and/or listening to material in the target language. Students will also be expected to prepare exercises and activities for the class, to write assignments and generally begin to acquire a repertoire of effective language learning strategies. Independent Learning portfolios will be provided on Learning Central to help structure your language learning outside class time.

1. Enhanced analytical skills;
2. Accurate written expression in the target language;
3. Cultural and linguistic awareness in preparation for the year abroad;
4. Encouragement of use, and development, of advanced IT skills;
5. Encouragement of both independent and group working skills;
6. Improvement of the target language - listening and comprehension;
7. Accurate spoken expression in the target language;
8. Awareness of registers (both written and conversational), accents and pronunciation;
9. Understanding of the target language ,society and culture;
10. Skill of translating short passages from and into English; and

 Understanding and appreciation of key translation problems and techniques for overcoming these.

A Portfolio (35%) - to consist of:

• Assignment 1 - (10%)
• Assignment 2 - (10%)
• Assignment 3 - (15%)

Coursework: Comprehension (15%), Autumn Semester

Oral: 15-min oral assessment (20%), Spring Semester

Exam: 1.5hr written exam (30%), Spring Exam Period)

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

Students who fail the overall module will be given the opportunity to submit a portfolio during the summer resit period. The portfolio will test the different skills learnt throughout the academic year. The maximum grade awarded for this portfolio is 40%. Failure to pass the module and the resit portfolio will prevent the student from progressing to their year abroad. 

Please consult the corresponding module information for each language.

1.  TOBIRA Gateway to Advanced Japanese Learning Through Content and Multimedia. (2009).     

      Kuroshio Publishers, ISBN: 978-4-87424-447-0  

1. Power Up Your Kanji- 800 Basic Kanji as a Gateway to Advanced Japanese (TOBIRA Gateway        to Advanced Japanese series). (2010). Kuroshio Publishers, ISBN: 978-4-87424-487-6
2. Tobira, Gateway To Advanced Japanese: Grammar Power Exercises for Mastery (TOBIRA Gateway to Advanced Japanese series). (2012). Kurosio Shuppan. ISBN: 9784874245705  

Makino, Seiichi and Michio Tsuitsui. 1992. A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar. Tokyo:

The Japan Times. ISBN: 978-4789004541