Japanese Studies with Year Abroad

Program Overview

Durham University's Japanese Studies with Year Abroad program immerses students in the Japanese language and culture, providing a strong foundation in language skills and a comprehensive understanding of Japanese society, history, and art. Through a year-long study abroad experience, students refine their language proficiency and gain invaluable cultural insights, preparing them for careers in language-related fields, wider industry sectors, or further academic pursuits.

Program Outline

Japanese Studies with Year Abroad (T202) - Durham University

Degree Overview:

This program offers an immersive experience into the Japanese language and culture, with a specific emphasis on developing advanced proficiency in the language. The program's objectives include:

• Providing students with a strong foundation in the Japanese language through comprehensive modules spanning all four years.
• Offering a diverse range of modules related to Japanese society, culture, and history.
• Facilitating a unique learning experience through a year-long study program at a Japanese university.
• Encouraging students to pursue their individual interests through flexible course options.
• Equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge for pursuing careers in a variety of fields related to Japan.

Outline:

The program follows a structured curriculum that balances language acquisition with cultural and historical exploration.

Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• Japanese Language 1A (for post-A level entrants):
This module focuses on consolidating and expanding grammatical knowledge, enhancing communication skills in written and oral Japanese.
• Japanese Language 1B: This module provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of the Japanese language, covering core grammar, vocabulary building, and development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
It emphasizes critical thinking about Japan's role in globalization and its cultural experiences.
• Imagining East Asia in the Modern World: This module delves into the cultural, social, and political history of modern East Asia, focusing on the lives and experiences of individuals living in the region and those migrating to and from it throughout the past five centuries.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a variety of optional modules related to various subjects, including Anthropology, People and Cultures, Introduction to Chinese Culture, and language modules in French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, and Korean.

Year 2:

• Core Modules:
It enhances communicative proficiency in both writing and oral presentation and interaction, while further developing listening and reading skills.
• Japanese Language 2B: This module focuses on further developing linguistic skills across all areas, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Additionally, it prepares students for living abroad in terms of language acquisition, practical knowledge, and cultural competence.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a variety of optional modules, including The Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through Japanese, Political Culture in Japan since 1688, Science and Technology in Modern Japan: A Cultural History, Kinship and Religion, Politics and Economics, Chinese Cinema, Classical Chinese, French Language, German Language, Italian Language, Russian Language, Spanish Language, Death, Ritual and Belief.

Year 3:

• Year Abroad: Students spend this year studying the Japanese language full-time at a Japanese university.
This immersive experience allows them to further refine their language skills and gain invaluable cultural insights.

Year 4:

• Dissertation: Students undertake a research project on a topic of their choice related to Japanese studies.
This dissertation allows them to showcase their research skills, critical thinking, and ability to present complex information effectively. It aims to develop the ability to write and speak correct Japanese, express ideas across a broad range of topics, and analyze historical and cultural contexts. Additionally, it encourages individual talents and proclivities, helping students achieve their maximum potential.
• Critical Methods for the Study of Japanese Literature and History: This module introduces advanced concepts and methodologies in literary and historical studies, allowing students to reshape their understanding of Japan.
It also develops higher-level language skills for reading contemporary scholarship in Japanese.
• Optional Modules: Students can choose from a variety of optional modules, including Anthropology, Art, and Experience, Anthropology of Sport, Poison, Pollution and the Chemical Anthropocene, Chinese Historical and Literary Texts, East Asia in Historical Perspective: The Making of the Two Koreas, China in Global Political Economy, China in the Asian Century, Emotion and Identity in Religion, Polygraphing Japonisme, and The Work of Art: Professional Skills and Work Placement in the Visual Arts.

Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module. Typically, assessment includes:

• Language modules: A combination of oral, listening, and written examinations.
• Optional modules: Essays, commentaries, projects, and examinations.
• Year Abroad: Completion of a Year Abroad assignment.
• Dissertation: A 12,000-word research project.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a combination of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Introduce themes, context, and commentary.
• Seminars: Provide opportunities for discussion and critical analysis with peers and staff.
• Independent learning and research: Emphasize self-directed learning and research skills, culminating in the dissertation.
• Work placement: Optional addition to enhance practical skills and experience.

Careers:

This program equips graduates with a diverse skillset applicable to various career paths:

• Language-related careers: Interpreting, translation, teaching, media, and arts.
• Wider industry careers: Research, administration, human resources, sales, business development, financial services.
• Additional options: Pursuing further studies in Japanese-related fields.

Other:

• The program welcomes students with and without prior knowledge of Japanese.
• Entry requirements include A-level or equivalent qualifications with specific subject requirements.
• The program offers scholarships and bursaries to support students financially.
• The year abroad is a crucial component, enhancing language skills, intercultural competence, and personal development.

Summary:

The Japanese Studies with Year Abroad program at Durham University provides a comprehensive and immersive experience for students seeking to develop advanced proficiency in the Japanese language and gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture and society. The program offers a carefully designed curriculum, diverse teaching methods, and a unique year abroad opportunity, preparing graduates for successful careers in various fields.

The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).