This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2017-2018 (archived)
Module JPNS3021: Japanese Historical and Literary Texts
Department: Modern Languages and Cultures (Japanese)
JPNS3021: Japanese Historical and Literary Texts
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 3 | 20 | Available in 2017/2018 | None. | Durham |
Pre-requisites
- Japanese Language 2B (JPNS2012), Japanese Language 2A (JPNS2161), Stage 4 Japanese (MLAN 1471) or equivalent (JLPT N2 above)
Corequisites
- Japanese Language 4 (JPNS3012)
Excluded Combinations
- None
Aims
- To develop higher level reading and translating skills based on literary and historical texts in Japanese.
- To introduce students to key debates in Japanese historiography and cultural studies.
Content
- The course will use a selection of Japanese historical and literary texts from the 18th century to the contemporary period for detailed reading, content analysis and discussion in relation to cutting-edge research questions and important past debates in scholarship.
Learning Outcomes
Subject-specific Knowledge
- Knowledge of texts written in Japanese to critically engage with such texts ï‚·
- Knowledge of the vocabulary and rhetorical techniques used in such texts ï‚·
- Knowledge of the cultural, social or political background to the texts
Subject-specific Skills
- The ability to understand and critically analyse written and spoken discourse in Japanese, and to mediate between Japanese and English in interpreting and translation ï‚·
- Ability to read high level texts for content comprehension purposes and appreciate their significance at different levels ï‚·
- Ability to place such texts in their literary / intellectual contexts
Key Skills
- Ability to analyse and use complex language ï‚·
- Ability to relate texts to their cultural, social and political environments ï‚·
- Ability to carry out self-directed study and present the results both orally and in writing
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module
- Language classes and seminars; students will be expected to read both Japanese texts and background material out of class.
- Assessment will be a mixture of summative essays and a written examination.
- Each summative essay is based on topics covered during the Michaelmas Term and the Epiphany Term, allowing students the opportunity to critically reflect on ideas and key concepts, and discuss a range of subject-specific issues.
- The examination covers work carried out throughout the year, while assessing students' ability to work under pressure and to prepare for examinations with time management skills.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 | weekly | 1 hour | 21 | Yes |
| Seminars | 10 | fortnightly | 1 Hour | 10 | Yes |
| Preparation and Reading | 169 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay 1 | 40% | Essay 1 | 2000 words | 100% | No |
| Essay 2 | 40% | Essay 2 | 2000 words | 100% | No |
| Written Examination | 20% | Written Examination | 1 hour | 100% | No |
Formative Assessment
Oral feedback in classes and seminars
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.