Delivered online, this course aims to develop and maintain an advanced competence in modern Japanese and a working knowledge of the issues currently confronting Japanese society. Students will continue their progress from a controlled intermediate language-learning environment built around a textbook to a more natural engagement with authentic materials aimed at native speakers. Course materials are taken from a variety of up-to-date authentic media, including podcasts (radio, TV and film), websites and print media.

The course online environment creates a flexible teaching and learning space developed for part-time graduate students working full-time who find it difficult to attend university classes, and for remote learning.

By the end of the course, the successful learner will:

• will build advanced language skills in listening, reading, analysis, interpretation and debate in Japanese and an understanding of the issues under discussion. further consolidate reading skills, reading up to 500 characters
• be able to understand Japanese material related to the course subject area;
• be able to use relevant vocabulary to discuss the course topic areas
• develop the confidence and expertise to engage in Japanese at an advanced level
• develop information gathering, presentation and analytic skills.

Assessment will be based on (1) student participation: online activity completion; discussion board

20%, (2) module final quiz and assignments 40%, and (3) a project-including presentation and oral

defence 40%.

Student Participation: 

Students are expected to complete the self-test online activities for each module: pre-reading &

vocab; fill-in-the-blank listening; comprehension, designed to test your understanding. Students are

also expected to actively participate in the course discussion board. One post per week in

response to the discussion points is required in Japanese on the discussion board. Depending on

participant home technology we will also test out live classroom technology a number of times

throughout the term. 

Module Assignments:

Students are required to complete a quiz and submit a written module assignment on completion of

each two-week module. The quizzes are designed to keep you up to date with the course and

provide immediate feedback. This formative assessment is supplemented by a written assignment

will include content summary, opinion and analysis of the issue. Assignments should be uploaded

through WebCT by the deadline. 

Project: 

The students will be required to select a topic based on one of the six modules studied. They will research a topic using the online supplementary materials (included with each module) as well as other secondary sources in Japanese dealing with the topic. Depending on the topic they will also completes a survey or interviews to gather further data. The report is their assessment of the issues surrounding the topic, including their own opinions about the issue under discussion. 

They will first submit an abstract which outlines their project. The abstract will be discussed with the lecturer before they complete their main project. 

Japanese Language Level: Minimum Level 2 Japanese Proficiency (as set by the Japan Foundation), or the equivalent of two yearrs undergraduate study of Japanese or permission of the coordinator;

Technical Skills:   Familiarity with engaging in an online environment.