110-467 Reading Contemporary Japanese Texts

Two of the following subjects: 110-437 Japanese Writing System, 110-468 Colloquial Japanese and 110-455 Japanese Language and Culture or equivalent or admission to fourth-year honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Japanese for fourth-year students.

This subject aims to familiarise students with authentic contemporary Japanese texts. Students will read various forms and styles of reading materials including well-known contemporary Japanese novels and poems. In class, students will learn new vocabulary, phrases, and expressions. They will also learn useful reading strategies. The study of Japanese culture-specific language use in various contexts and its historical background is explored. On completion of this subject, students should develop further understanding of cultural-specific language. Students who complete this subject are expected to have gained confidence to read other contemporary Japanese texts on their own.

• gain skills in written communication through essay writing and seminar discussion;

• learn attention to detail through essay preparation and writing;

• gain skills in time management and planning through managing and organising workloads for recommended reading, essay and assignment completion;

• gain skills in public speaking through tutorial and seminar discussion and class presentations.

For 2nd and 3rd year students: five book reviews of 2000 words 50% (due mid-semester for three and at the end of semester for two) and a final written examination 50% (due during the examination period). For 4th year students: five book reviews of 2000 words 40% (due mid-semester for three and at the end of semester for two), a final written examination 40% (due during the examination period) and an assignment of 1000 words 20% (due at the end of semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 70% of all classes in order to be eligible to take examinations.

Materials supplied by the Institute.