Japanese on the IFP
In Semester 1 you do Japanese Language and Culture 1 (a) and in Semester 2 Japanese Language and Culture 1 (b). Each module is worth 15 credits.
Why do this subject?
Learning Japanese gives you access to one of the world's most powerful economies. Japanese is the third most frequently used language on the Internet. It is also an extremely interesting language which not only offers a key to understanding Japanese culture (one of the most fascinating in the world), but also provides a gateway to other East Asian languages and cultures. In many ways Japanese is much easier than English (for instance, it has no articles and the pronunciation is much less complicated) and students can make good progress quickly.
What do you study?
The active and appropriate use of Japanese over a wide range of topics is encouraged. The focus will be on dealing with everyday situations and handling basic texts. Topics include talking about the future and the past, work and career, telephoning, autobiographies, travelling and coping with problems.
How are you taught?
You are taught through a range of activities that promote effective language learning. These include role plays, listening activities and group activities.
How are you assessed?
Students are assessed through coursework in the form of a project and class tests in the four language skills.
Who teaches the subject?
This module is taught by Ms Hiroko Mori. Hiroko has taught Japanese at Queen Mary University of London since 2001. Hiroko studied at Kyoto Women's University and has also studied mime and drama in the UK. Since coming to the UK, Hiroko has worked for a wide range of organisations including British Telecom, City University, the BBC, the University of Westminster and MOA (Mokichi Okada Association).
What else should you know?
This module is open to all IFP students, but IFP students cannot do more than one language. To succeed on this module, you need to demonstrate commitment and regular attendance and homework are especially important. If you continue your studies at Queen Mary, you can develop your Japanese to a higher level through classes offered by QM's Language Learning service.
You are able to apply to a range of undergraduate programmes within the School of Languages, Linguistics and Film at Queen Mary Univeristy of London. Please note that IFP students are not able to apply to any degree programmes at Queen Mary that involve French unless they have A level standard French.
You can find out more about learning Japanese here in a link from the BBC.
