Course summary

This multidisciplinary degree will develop advanced knowledge and the understanding of Japanese language and culture. You will study a core language module in each of your three years. You don’t need to have any previous knowledge of Japanese, but a pathway is available if you already have an A level or equivalent qualification in Japanese. You will also have the chance to choose from a selection of other modules relevant to the study of Japan from other departments. This includes Anthropology, Education, Government and International Affairs, Economics, and Theology and Religious Studies. In addition, you may choose to take additional language modules, including European languages, Chinese and Korean. You will spend your third year studying the Japanese language at a university in Japan. This is an amazing opportunity to experience Japanese culture first-hand and to put your language skills into practice and context. You can also apply to add a placement year to your degree, increasing the course from four years to five. In your final year, you will bring together all your learning and experience to write a dissertation on an aspect of Japanese studies. Year 1 You will take a double module in Japanese language, including the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, a module in Japanese culture introducing the philosophy, art and literature of Japan, a module in Japanese history and two option modules from an extensive list. Core modules: Japanese Language 1 or Japanese Language 2B for post-A level entrants (double module) / Introduction to Japanese Culture / A module on Japanese history taught by MLaC or History. Year 2 You will take a double module in Japanese language, including the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening, a module in Japanese culture, a module in Japanese history and two option modules from an extensive list. Core modules: Japanese Language 2 (double) or Japanese Language 2A (single) / The Body and the Extremity of the Senses: Through Japanese Literature, Performance and Media Arts / A module on Japanese history taught by MLaC or History. Year 3 The third year is spent in Japan studying the language full-time at a Japanese university. You are required to take all the examinations specified by your host university, but the marks for these do not count towards the final degree mark. You will complete a 5,000-word project in English with a 1,000-character abstract in Japanese on some aspect of Japan, at your choice with guidance from Durham staff. Year 4 You will take a double module in Japanese language, a single text reading module in Japanese and a 40-credit Dissertation plus one other module Core modules: Japanese Language 4 (double) / Japanese Historical and Literary Texts / Dissertation in Japanese Studies. We review course structures and core content (in light of e.g. external and student feedback) every year, and will publish finalised core requirements for 2020 entry from September 2019. Study Abroad School of Modern Languages and Cultures We attach great importance to your time abroad, during the third year of your degree, which most students spend as a student at a university in Japan. This is a time of enormous linguistic and personal development from which you should gain a high level of fluency in your language(s) and enjoy a unique opportunity to make new friends, appreciate new cultures and learn to work and study in new ways. Employers at home and abroad are impressed by the lasting benefits, especially in increased linguistic confidence, intercultural agility and general self-motivation. During the year abroad you will complete an academic assignment related to each of the countries in which you stay. You will need to pass these in order to fulfil the requirements of the BA in Japanese Studies with Year Abroad. For more information on this course, please see our website.