Japanese Studies with Year Abroad BA (Hons)

Imagining East Asia in the Modern World

covers cultural, social and political history of modern East Asia and the lives and experiences of different people living in and migrating to and from East Asia during the past five centuries.

Introduction to Japanese Culture: From Antiquity to the Present

will introduce you to the cultural history of Japan and its philosophy, art and literature. It will help foster a consciousness of Japan's role in and experience of globalisation over the long term. You will also learn about critical concepts and methodologies for the analysis of textual and visual artefacts.

Japanese Language 1A

(for post-A level entrants). This module will consolidate and extend your grammatical knowledge, to enhance your communication skills in written and oral Japanese.

Japanese Language 1B

which will provide an introduction to all aspects of the Japanese language. You will get a thorough grounding in the major grammatical features of Modern Japanese, build up your vocabulary and develop skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking.

In recent years optional modules have included: People and CulturesIntroduction to Chinese CultureFrench LanguageGerman LanguageItalian LanguageRussian LanguageInternational Security, Interdependence and OrganisationGlobal Regions in International RelationsSpanish LanguageWorldview, Faith and IdentityGallery 101: Designing an Art Exhibition

Japanese Language 2A

. This module will further your knowledge of the Japanese language, including grammar and lexis. It will enhance your communicative proficiency in Japanese, in both writing and oral presentation and interaction, and further develop your listening and reading skills. You will also broaden your knowledge of traditional and contemporary Japan, and develop your intercultural awareness.

Japanese Language 2B

. This module will further develop your linguistic skills across the full range of reading, writing, listening and speaking. It will also prepare you for living abroad in terms of language, practical knowledge and cultural competence.

In recent years optional modules have included: The Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through JapanesePolitical Culture in Japan since 1688Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural HistoryKinship and ReligionPolitics and EconomicsChinese CinemaClassical ChineseFrench LanguageGerman LanguageItalian LanguageRussian LanguageSpanish LanguageDeath, Ritual and Belief

Study abroad

The third year is spent in Japan studying the language full-time at a Japanese university.

Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History

introduces you to advanced concepts and methodologies in literary and historical studies and their potential for reshaping scholarship on Japan and develops higher-level language skills for reading contemporary scholarship in Japanese.

Dissertation

will give you valuable experience and understanding of self-directed learning and the importance of choosing appropriate methodology when approaching a research project. It will help you to expand your data collection, analysis and presentation skills, and to develop your critical faculties in relation to existing literature on your topic area.

Japanese Language 4

focuses on proficiency in oral and written Japanese. It aims to develop an ability to write and speak correct Japanese, in expressing ideas in a broad range of topical issues in historical and cultural context. To encourage individual talents and proclivities and help students to achieve their maximum potential.

In recent years optional modules have included: Anthropology, Art, and ExperienceAnthropology of SportPoison, Pollution and the Chemical AnthropoceneChinese Historical and Literary TextsEast Asia in Historical Perspective: The Making of the Two KoreasChina in Global Political EconomyChina in the Asian CenturyEmotion and Identity in ReligionPolygraphing JaponismeThe Work of Art: Professional Skills and Work Placement in the Visual Arts