1. Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures
  2. School of Languages, Cultures and Societies
  3. Undergraduate
  4. Modern Languages and International Relations (Japanese)

Modern Languages and International Relations (Japanese)

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied if you choose Japanese as your language pathway.

For information on typical modules for International Relations, please check the course page.

These modules may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • Basic Japanese Language (1) (20 credits) - This intensive Japanese language module is suitable for complete beginners, as well as those who have limited knowledge of the language. It progresses fast and aims to help students to improve all their four basic skills in a balanced way through lectures and practicals. Students will be engaged in an interactive and communicative learning environment.

  • Basic Japanese Language (2) (20 credits) - This module will cover an introduction to new grammatical points, practical exercises based on new grammatical points, listening comprehension, and reading and translation.

  • Politics, Culture and Society (20 credits) - What are the key debates that shape the practice of politics at international level? How can theory helps us better understand and analyse the practice of politics in the world today? How can awareness of differing cultural and intercultural perspectives help us better understand contemporary international politics? This module will introduce these themes and explore them in relation to a range of issues drawn from around the world. Because they are shaped by the current research interests of the staff teaching the module, the precise topics covered will vary from year to year.

Optional modules

  • Modern Japan: History and International Politics (20 credits)(None)

  • Foundations of East Asia (20 credits)

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Year Abroad in Japan (120 credits)

Year 3

Compulsory modules

  • Japanese 2A: Written Communication Skills (20 credits) - This module will focus on both reading and writing skills, with special emphasis on written communication skills. Reading skills will be developed through reading various texts on familiar/social topics, and writing skills will be also improved through various writing exercises, compositions and English-Japanese translations. Grammar exercise will be also provided to consolidate intermediate grammar and expressions.

  • Japanese 2B: Spoken Communication Skills (20 credits) - This module will focus on both oral and aural skills with special emphasis on spoken communication skills. Oral skills will be developed through speech presentations and discussions on various personal and social topics. Both collective and individual pronunciation clinics will be provided. Aural skills will be also consolidated through listening dialogues, news and other authentic/semi-authentic materials.

Optional modules

  • China Since 1979 (20 credits)

  • Japan's International Relations (20 credits)

  • The Making of Modern Thailand (20 credits)

  • Classics of Chinese Literature and Thought (20 credits)

  • Classical Chinese (20 credits)

  • Society and Culture of Early Modern China (20 credits)

  • Trauma Narratives in the Contemporary Sinophone World (20 credits)

  • Topics in Contemporary Asia Pacific Societies (20 credits)

  • Chinese Cinema (20 credits)

  • Japanese Development Assistance in a Globalising World (20 credits)

  • Religion in China (20 credits)

  • Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)

  • Chinese Linguistics: Theory and Practice (20 credits)

  • Pre-Modern Chinese Fiction and Drama (20 credits)

Year 4

Compulsory modules

  • Japanese 3: Advanced Communication Skills (20 credits) - This module aims to develop both written and spoken communication skills at the highest level to deal with a wide range of social and academic issues. Grammatical and lexical knowledge will be reinforced through both intensive and extensive reading. Writing skills will be enhanced through compositions and essay-writing exercises. Oral-aural skills will be also consolidated by speech presentations, discussions and listening practice.

  • Final Year Project - Dissertation, Extended Translation, or Digital Documentary (e.g. Podcast) (40 credits) - This may be produced in either English or, subject to the approval of the Module Leader and project supervisor, the Target Language. Lectures and workshops provide the skills training necessary, whereas more specific guidance is provided through one to one supervision with a member of staff.

Optional modules

  • Chinese Oral and Performance Traditions (20 credits)

  • Religion in China (20 credits)

  • Civil Society and the Non-Profit Sector in Contemporary China (20 credits)

  • Chinese Linguistics: Theory and Practice (20 credits)

  • Chinese Language for International Trade and Business (20 credits)

  • Modern Japanese History (20 credits)

  • East Asia's Regional Political Economy (20 credits)

  • Japanese Cinema in the World (20 credits)

  • Representing the Holocaust: Transgression and the Taboo (20 credits)

  • Contemporary World Literature (20 credits)

  • Material Cultures and Cultures of Consumption (20 credits)

  • Adventures of the Imagination: Crime and the Fantastic Across Continents (20 credits)

  • Decolonial Approaches (20 credits)

  • Social Movements across Cultures (20 credits)

  • Minoritised Languages, Dialects and Cultures from Past to Present (20 credits)

  • Linguists into Schools (20 credits)