Module CFLS1J31: Japanese Stage 3

Department: Centre for Foreign Language Study

CFLS1J31: Japanese Stage 3

Prerequisites

• Successful completion of Japanese Stage 2 (A2.1), or an equivalent proficiency (JLPT N4), subject to approval by the module convenor. No higher Japanese language entry qualification permitted.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Any language module offered as part of programmes BA Modern Languages and Cultures and BA Japanese Studies.

Aims

• Consolidate and expand students’ grammatical knowledge by introducing complex structures such as potential, passive, causative, and honorific forms.
• Enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written Japanese in extended everyday and work-related contexts.
• Strengthen comprehension skills through engagement with connected spoken and written texts.
• Build the ability to produce coherent written texts, integrating appropriate grammar, kanji, and cohesive devices.
• Develop awareness of Japanese communication styles, cultural norms, and sociolinguistic features relevant to interpersonal and workplace situations.
• Foster learner autonomy and strategic competence for engaging with authentic materials.

Content

• Consolidate and expand students’ grammatical knowledge by introducing complex structures such as potential, passive, causative, and honorific forms.
• Enhance students’ ability to communicate effectively in both spoken and written Japanese in extended everyday and work-related contexts.
• Strengthen comprehension skills through engagement with connected spoken and written texts.
• Build the ability to produce coherent written texts, integrating appropriate grammar, kanji, and cohesive devices.
• Develop awareness of Japanese communication styles, cultural norms, and sociolinguistic features relevant to interpersonal and workplace situations.
• Foster learner autonomy and strategic competence for engaging with authentic materials.

Learning Outcomes

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Demonstrate understanding and use of more complex grammatical structures such as potential, passive, causative, and honorific forms.
• Recognise and appropriately employ register and politeness distinctions in formal and informal contexts.
• Show understanding of a wider range of vocabulary and kanji related to travel, education, work, and social interaction.
• Display insight into Japanese communication styles and cultural values relevant to interpersonal and workplace situations.

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Communicate effectively in extended conversations and short presentations, and interact on extended everyday and work-related topics both in person (speaking) and online (typing), expressing opinions, intentions, and experiences with increasing accuracy and fluency.
• Read and listen to connected texts on familiar topics and summarise key points.
• Produce coherent written texts using appropriate grammar and cohesive devices.
• Apply learning strategies to engage with short authentic materials and infer meaning from

• On successful completion of the module, learners should be able to:
• Demonstrate autonomy in managing their own learning and integrating all four language skills.
• Reflect critically on intercultural communication and adapt language use to context.
• Show initiative and resilience in sustaining communication in less familiar or extended interactions.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• This module is delivered through weekly seminars that combine communicative practice, interactive tasks, and guided independent study. Activities include individual, pair, and group work; extended speaking practice; grammar application tasks; listening and reading activities using connected texts; short presentations; and reflective exercises. Multimedia resources and digital tools are integrated to support kanji expansion, vocabulary development, and learner autonomy.
• Students are expected to engage actively in independent study, revising new material and preparing for class through kanji practice, vocabulary review, and consolidation of grammar. Reflective strategies help track progress and identify areas for improvement. Collaborative activities, such as peer feedback and group discussions, support extended interactions and build confidence in managing more complex communicative situations.
• The module uses continuous assessment through formative tasks such as kanji and grammar quizzes, listening practice, and short writing tasks. The summative assessment evaluates overall language proficiency across all four skills (speaking, writing, listening, and reading), ensuring students can apply complex grammar, extended vocabulary, and kanji in practical communication.
• The Digital Output usually consists of a video-recorded presentation of approximately 6 minutes.
• Time dedicated to the completion of the In-Year tests factors in turnaround time and will usually be 60-90 minutes in length. Time dedicated to the Oral Examinations also factors in turnaround time. Both forms of assessment are accompanied by preparation time and usually done under exam conditions and held in person.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular homework/assignments will be given to the students to practise and consolidate what they have done in class and to prepare the following session, some of which will be submitted and marked as formative assignments and regular feedback will be given to the students accordingly.

■ 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.