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Language and Communication Studies Courses

BA in Japanese with International Development Studies (T2L9)

  • Course Code UNU1R9L9401J
  • Attendance Full Time
  • Overview
  • Why Choose Us
  • Requirements
  • Course Profile
  • Fees and Funding
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Overview

Japanese studies imageStudents starting this programme will be learning Japanese from scratch or from GCSE level and will have more intensive language study than students starting French or Spanish from A-level prior to the year abroad in year three. This more intensive study reduces slightly the number of optional modules available in year 1.

This four-year programme enables you to devote approximately one third of your time to the study of Japanese Honours language, one third to International Development Studies and one third either to language/translation  issues or to International Development Studies-related subjects. The programme includes a year abroad in year three for all students.

Degree Structure 

The programme is designed to provide coherence and focus around core elements in relation to your main interests. Progression over four years is ensured by the careful sequencing of modules, from a range of introductory modules in the first year, to greater specialisation, and sophistication of approach in subsequent years. The programme is flexible, and a free choice module is available for the pursuit of individual interests. Japanese language and Development Studies are studied throughout the course. The modules in Development Studies offer you in-depth study of topical and regional modules to complement your language skills. The topical modules will build on the cultural element studied through the language, providing a broader and more politicised perspective on your language studies.

In Year One, core study of the Japanese language may be combined with modules entitled Language, Culture and Interpersonal Communication or Discourse and Power. You also choose one area of specialist study in Development Studies - Social Analysis for Development (sociology, anthropology and politics) OR Economics for Development OR Natural Resources for Development. As most students are new to Development Studies, the first semester provides you with a background to the subject through the module Introduction to Development Studies, following historical and contemporary themes linked to global change: environmental, political, social and economic. In Year Two, continued study of Japanese language is combined with Development Studies, following the same area of specialist study started in Year 1. In Years 2 and 3 you also choose up to about one third of the programme from a range of language and/or development related modules. You also have the option of taking a Subsidiary language in year 2. Our range of Subsidiary languages is currently as follows: British Sign Language, Mandarin Chinese, German, Modern Greek, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Many of these can be studied for a second year (to intermediate level, i.e. A level equivalent); there are also one-year and two-year post-A level subsidiary courses in some languages. In the area of Development Studies the options usually include, for example, Human Rights, Gender and Development, Public Policy and Welfare, Health, Education and Development, Globalisation and Economic Development – Resource Development and Conservation, Regional Courses on Development in Latin America, Sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia. In the area of language and translation issues, the options usually include, for example, Language and Politics, Language and Society, Language and Gender, Language in Action, Translation Issues in the Media, Subtitling and Dubbing, Translation Work Experience, Translation and Adaptation, Interpreting, and Intercultural Communication in Practice.


Language Work

A typical semester will include four hours per week of Japanese language study, but you are also expected to spend a significant proportion of your time working independently on the language. The seminars are varied, involving grammar, translation or interpreting into and out of Japanese, reading and listening comprehension, précis and paraphrase work, the study of different styles and registers, comparison between texts in different languages, and oral work, including formal individual and group presentations. The material for study includes such items as subject-oriented dossiers, DVDs, on-line resources, as well as a wide range of selected texts covering topics from current affairs and cultural issues. The four hours per week of language work in years one and two at post-A level are followed by the year abroad, after which the Final Year consolidates and builds on improved competence acquired on the year abroad. Language work for beginners/post-GCSE entry students is more intensive and will cover all major grammatical areas as well as provide students with a level of speaking and understanding which will enable the year abroad to be taken with confidence.

Language Resources

The James Platt Language Centre houses a digital language laboratory, a viewing and editing room, a digitised interpreting suite for advanced language training, live satellite television broadcasts, a large, multi-media self-access resources room with a wide range of DVDs and reference books, up-to-date computers linked to the internet, and translation software.

Year Abroad

All students study at university in Japan  in year three. For further information, click on the Study Abroad tab above.

Assessment
A variety of assessment methods are used in different modules, ranging from 100% coursework to 100% examination. Coursework assessment includes written essays and translations, oral production and aural comprehension, lexical and comprehension exercises, oral presentations (individual and in groups), translations, annotated translations, summaries and paraphrases. Examinations test the same range of skills, including oral proficiency. Assessment in the international development courses is through essays, seminar presentations, teamwork and examination.

Course Organiser
Ms Hazel Marsh    
Course Brochure
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