Japanese Studies - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
- single
BA (Hons)
/
BSc (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBB or equivalent
Overview
The Japanese room, Headington campus
This course is run by the Department of English and Modern Languages
This four-year course gives you the opportunity to explore in depth the distinctive features of contemporary Japanese society. Japan is a fascinating, complex and vibrant country, with the third largest economy in the world.
You will study the Japanese language and key aspects of the society and culture, and your third year will be spent studying at a university in Japan. The intensive language courses and lectures you receive in Japan will complement your programme of studies at Oxford Brookes. We currently have ten link universities based in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kitakyushu.
We offer Japanese Studies as a single honours or combined honours degree - see the Combine with... tab above for the full list of possible combinations.
Why Brookes?
- Our course focuses on contemporary Japanese society and emphasises practical skills in the study of both language and culture. Language teaching includes translation studies, and the language used in a business environment, so that students will be able to put them into practice in their future careers.
- Exciting opportunities - you'll spend your third year in Japan, gaining experience of the culture and improving your fluency in the language. You will also benefit from pre-departure preparation in intercultural learning.
- You can enter this course with an existing knowledge of the Japanese or as a complete beginner.
- Excellent teaching - modern languages at Oxford Brookes consistently achieves top scores for the quality of both teaching and research. It appears at or near the top of university guides and subject guides published in the UK’s national press.
- Staff creatively combine their research interests with their teaching, giving students exciting insights into developments in Japanese studies.
- Invaluable support - the department encourages and supports its students’ cultural activities and all the languages offered have thriving societies.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Except for language classes, you will be taught in English. In lectures we will introduce you to the subject area, and in seminars we will explore specific issues in greater depth. Our emphasis on student-centred learning means that you will take an active part, working as a team with other students and giving presentations.
We teach language modules for five to six hours per week in Year 1 and Year 2 and our emphasis is on student participation and developing communication. A wide range of entry levels of language is offered, from beginners to advanced. You will also be expected to acquire a structured knowledge of grammar, and reading and writing skills, using Oxford Brookes Virtual and e-learning materials.
Assessment methods vary from module to module. For some modules you could be asked to complete two or three pieces of assessed coursework; for others you will take examinations at the end of the semester. Your coursework assignments may take the form of essays, small research projects, or oral presentations.
Learning outcomes
When you have successfully completed the course, you will have:
- a working command of Japanese
- knowledge and understanding of Japanese society, geography and history
- familiarity with Japanese culture and society
- the communication, analytical, teamworking and presentational skills that are increasingly necessary in the global job market.
In detail
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Course content
The course combines Japanese language modules with the study of specific aspects of Japanese society taught by specialists in the field.
In Year 1, you will study Japanese language from beginners', GCSE or post-GCSE level. You will also take the compulsory module Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture, which provides an essential background knowledge of Japanese society, geography and history. You may choose optional introductory modules in Business, Computing or Social Anthropology as preparation for advanced work relating to Japan.
In Year 2, further language practice is combined with modules that place Japan in a broader international context.
The language modules you will take in Year 4 will build on the greater fluency and range of expression acquired during your year abroad, and will allow you to develop a high level of written and spoken proficiency. At the same time, you can select from a range of modules focusing on specific aspects of Japanese life, institutions and culture.
As courses are reviewed regularly the module list you choose from may vary from that shown here. You can view detailed descriptions of some of the modules here.
Year 1
- Introduction to Japanese Society and Culture
- Japanese Reading and Writing I
- Japanese 1A and 1B (beginners)
or - Japanese 2A and 2B (post-beginners)
or - Japanese 3A and 3B (post-beginners)
Years 2 and 4
- Japanese 2A and 2B or Japanese 3A and 3B
- Japanese Reading and Writing II
- Understanding Manga
- The Making of Modern Japan
- Contemporary Japanese Cinema
- Japanese Religions
- Japan at Play
- Work and the Japanese
- Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching
- Japanese in a Business Context I and II
- Advanced Japanese Reading and Translation
- Minorities and Marginality, Class and Conflict in Japan
- Japanese Cinema and Contemporary History
- Japan: Myth and Reality
- Tandem Language Learning
- Japan through Contemporary Texts
Study abroad
You will spend Year 3 entirely in Japan, studying at one of the universities with which we have exchange arrangements. These currently are:
- Aoyama Gakuin University
- Gakushuin University
- Obirin University
- Yamanashi University
- Nagoya University of Foreign Studies
- Kansai Gaidai University
- Kitakyushu University
- Aichi Shukutoku University
- Ehime University
- Meiji Gakuin University.
You will attend intensive language courses and lectures which complement your programme of studies at Oxford Brookes. By carrying out an independent research project on contemporary Japan and immersing yourself in Japanese life and social activities with fellow students, you will acquire a high level of linguistic and cultural competence.
Our Japanese Department will provide extensive pastoral care throughout your year abroad.
If you are combining Japanese Studies with French Studies or Spanish (Minor), you will be exempt from the year abroad in France/French-speaking country or in Spain/Spanish-speaking country.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Department
Department of English and Modern Languages
Course length
Full-time: 4 years
Part-time: up to 8 years
Teaching location
Headington Campus, Gipsy Lane
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
T200 BA/JD
Combine with...
RELATED COURSES:
This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
TL26 Mod/JBAN
Business Management
NT22 Mod/JBDP
Computer Science
TG2K Mod/JBSD
Drama
WT42 Mod/JBDW
Education Studies
XT32 Mod/JBWD
English Language and Communication
QT92 Mod/JBLD
English
TQ23 Mod/JBEA
Film Studies
TP23 Mod/JBFM
French Studies
TR21 Mod/JBFC
History
TV2C Mod/JBHI
History of Art
TV2H Mod/JBHA
International Relations
TL22 Mod/JBRL
Music
TW2H Mod/JBMS
Philosophy
TV2M Mod/JBPQ
Politics
TL2F Mod/JBPO
Publishing Media
TP2K Mod/JBPJ
Sociology
TL23 Mod/JBSO
Languages: Spanish (minor)
T2RK Mod/JBSX
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
International students
Full-time: £11,000
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBB or equivalent
IB Diploma: 31 points
Advanced Diploma: grade A, including A-level at grade B
Other typical offers include:
- 2 A-levels at BB plus 2 AS-levels at grades BB
- vocational A-levels are also accepted at equivalent grades
- other A-level equivalent qualifications will be considered.
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offers quoted for each subject.
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: English at grade B or above preferred
If you wish to pair Japanese Studies with Spanish (Minor) or French Studies, you must have an A-level in one of your chosen languages.
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
Part-time students should apply directly to the university.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Why Oxford is a great place to study Japanese Studies
Oxford is the perfect city in which to study: truly multi-cultural and rich in heritage and entertainment, yet small enough to feel welcoming and accessible, and just over one hour from London. The city’s two universities attract 40,000 students from around the world, making Oxford a meeting place of minds, a place where ideas begin.
Specialist facilities
The Department of English and Modern Languages also teaches French, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin, and offers e-learning technology as well as library resources to provide all the facilities that students require for their studies.
There is an authentic Japanese Room in one of the university buildings, used for teaching about Japan as well as for Japanese arts such as the tea ceremony and ikebana (flower arranging).
Oxford Brookes has an active Japan Interest Group which organises regular talks, films and cultural activities, plus a large student-run Japanese Society, which organises social events and activities such as language exchange.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
Japanese Studies will equip you to seek employment in such global professions as tourism, international management and media or in linguistic fields such as translating or language teaching. If you combine it with technical studies, you may find job opportunities in computer software companies or the motor industry.
The course will give you a working command of Japanese and the communication and interpersonal skills which are increasingly necessary in the global job market. Your analytical, team-working and presentational skills will make you immediately effective in the international workplace.
You could also go on to further study at postgraduate level or to teaching.
