COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Japanese Studies degree provides a comprehensive exploration of the Japanese language, culture, history, and politics, preparing students for careers requiring linguistic and cultural expertise. In the first year, students build foundational skills in Japanese through the Beginners Japanese module while gaining insights into the region’s history and contemporary culture with modules such as The Shaping of the Asia Pacific, East Asian Popular Culture, and Background to Japan. Optional modules like Humanities in Context or Social Science in Context allow students to broaden their understanding of wider cultural and societal frameworks. The second year deepens both language and cultural knowledge through Japanese Language and Society 1 and 2, Aspects of Japanese Society, and the study of cultural transformations and cross-cultural encounters across the Asia Pacific, including a focus on Taiwan. Optional modules, including Employability and Global Citizenship or Research Methods, help develop professional and academic skills. In the final year, students advance their analytical and research abilities through the Dissertation and Translation Project while examining regional issues in International Relations of the Asia Pacific and Sustainable Development in the Asia Pacific Region. Optional modules, such as Japanese Language 3, Japanese Language Studies, or Decoding Japan through Cultural Readings and Translation, allow students to specialise further, equipping them with strong language proficiency, cultural literacy, and practical experience for careers in international business, diplomacy, education, translation, or cultural consultancy.