Programme Specification
A statement of the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin a
taught programme of study leading to an award from
The University of Sheffield
1
Programme Title
(1) Advanced Japanese Studies, (2) Advanced Japanese
Studies (Japanese-English Translation), (3) Advanced
Japanese Studies (Gender, Diversity and Citizenship)
2
Programme Code
(1) EAST21 (Japan); EAST22 (UK, Europe, Other), (2)
EAST70 (Japan); EAST73 (UK, Europe, Other), (3) EAST76
(Japan); EAST79 (UK, Europe, Other
3
JACS Code (if applicable)
Not applicable
4
Level of Study
Postgraduate
5a
Final Qualification
MA
5b
QAA FHEQ Level
Masters
6a
Intermediate Qualification(s)
Certificate, Diploma
6b
QAA FHEQ Level
Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert), Postgraduate Diploma (PG
Dip)
7
Teaching Institution (if not Sheffield)
Sheffield and Japan (for residentials and examinations)
8
Faculty
Social Science
9
Department
East Asian Studies
10
Other Departments involved in
teaching the programme
Not applicable
11
Mode(s) of Attendance
Distance Learning, Part-time
12
Duration of the Programme
2-5 years
13
Accrediting Professional or Statutory
Body
Not applicable
14
Date of production/revision
October 2008, updated July 2012
15. Background to the programme and subject area
The MA degree in Advanced Japanese Studies (by Distance Learning) embraces the languages, history,
society and culture of Japan. Japan is playing and will play a major role in the world, whether from the point of
view of economics, politics or culture, and one of the central tasks of the world system in the twenty-first century
will be the accommodation of the rising economic, political and cultural influence of East Asia, including Japan
and the Japanese.
The MA in Advanced Japanese Studies (by distance learning) is one of the programmes offered by the School
of East Asian Studies, which was founded here at Sheffield University in 1963. Established originally as a
Centre for Japanese Studies, the School has expanded over time, adding Centres for Korean Studies and
Chinese Studies in 1988 and 1993 respectively. With a large number of research-active staff, who combine
teaching with research at the frontiers of knowledge on subjects as diverse as business, economics,
international relations, politics, film, identity, literature, migration and history, the School has grown to be one of
the largest and most distinguished departments of its kind in the world. Its teaching, renowned nationally for its
focus on contemporary East Asia, on the acquisition of practical language skills and on the use of social science
methodologies, was rated 'excellent' in the most recent government-sponsored survey of teaching quality.
In 1996, the distance-learning version of the in-house MA in Advanced Japanese Studies was launched and
awarded a Japan Festival prize for innovation in education. The MA in Advanced Japanese Studies is
internationally renowned as one of the most academically rigorous and successful degree programmes of its
kind anywhere in the world.
The programme is aimed at those who already have gained an upper intermediate level of Japanese (around
Level 2 of the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and who seek to develop their written
and spoken language ability to an advanced level where they can handle general and specialised texts (such as
literature, social science academic texts, technical patents, classical Japanese ) whilst pursuing in-depth study
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of key aspects of contemporary Japanese society, such as gender relations, the economy and business world,
or the role of ethnic minorities, depending on module choice.
The different versions of the programme (i.e. programmes 2-3 listed at Section 1) enable students to follow
either a specific pathway through the degree, to strengthen their knowledge of their chosen specialism and to
have that specialism reflected in the title of their degree. With the translation pathway, students are exposed to
a wide range of translation styles, and to areas of translation theory of specific relevance to translation from
Japanese to English. In the other themed degree (‘Gender, Diversity and Citizenship’) unit choices are restricted
to allow a concentration in the area of speciality.
Since the launch of the distance-learning MA over 350 students around the world have taken up the opportunity
to study with the School. Taking this degree by distance learning means that students can take this step from
anywhere in the world without having to give up their present employment and relocate to Sheffield. Text and
audio/visual materials have been developed to teach the written and spoken language, supplemented by face to
face teaching during residential weekends held in Sheffield and/or Japan. On-line seminars, audio and written
DL materials, guided reading and independent research provide specific knowledge in the areas of
contemporary Japanese society, as mentioned above or modern Japanese history (depending on module
choice).
Graduates in languages, including those in Japanese Studies, have always been highly employable. The
growing influence of Japan in the world means that they are becoming still more sought-after across the entire
spectrum of careers in business, finance, administration, communications and education. More generally, there
is a strong and growing need for the combination of analytical, cultural and linguistic expertise that our degree
programmes in Japanese Studies develop. In addition, the degree programmes help inculcate a wide range of
generic skills, such as word-processing, internet usage, the use of audio-visual and other communicative
technology, the giving of individual and group presentations, and other activities.
Further information is available on the School website: http://www.shef.ac.uk/seas
16. Programme aims
The MA Distance Learning programme in Advanced Japanese Studies offered by the School of East Asian
Studies has the following general aims consonant with the Mission Statement of the University of Sheffield:
1. to provide high-quality teaching at postgraduate level, informed and invigorated by the research and
scholarship of the School's staff and alert to the benefits of student-centred forms of learning which foster
transferable analytical and communicative skills;
2. to provide for the acquisition of high-level practical Japanese language skills alongside a thorough awareness
and understanding of the Japanese cultural context;
3. to sustain a culture of research and teaching that is able to foster the free pursuit of knowledge, the impartial
analysis of values, and the acquisition of intercultural awareness and of informed, professional attitudes towards
Japan, its culture and society;
4. to respond to the diversity of student interests by allowing an appropriate level of student choice within
Advanced Japanese Studies;
5. to widen access by allowing study by distance learning from any part of the world;
6. to enable students to maximise their potential in all aspects of the course;
7. to assess students over a range of knowledge, understanding and skills, and to identify and support academic
excellence.
The aims of the PG Certificate and PG Diploma in Advanced Japanese Studies are the same as above, except
that opportunities to gain breadth of knowledge and understanding would be significantly reduced.
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17. Programme learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: On successful completion of the award of either PG Dip or Masters will
have developed:
K1
An advanced knowledge and critical understanding of the structures and usage of modern Japanese.
K2
A highly developed awareness of translation issues involved in Japanese-English/English-Japanese
translation.
K3
A sound knowledge and critical understanding of key aspects of Japanese culture and society.
K4
A sound knowledge and critical understanding of the methodologies used to analyze language and
society.
K5
In the case of the ’badged theme’ MA’s, a sound knowledge of the specialist language as well as key
issues relating to the particular specialism of the degree.
In addition to K1 – K5, students achieving the award of Masters will have developed:
K6
Either detailed research-based knowledge of a particular aspect of contemporary Japanese society, or a
specialised Japanese text which further develops understanding of translation issues involved in Japanese
– English translation. In the case of the ‘badged theme’ MA’s, detailed research-based knowledge relating
to the particular specialism of the degree and, for those undertaking the Annotated Translation, in addition
to relevant research-based knowledge, an advanced knowledge of the specialist language relating to the
theme of the degree.
Skills and other attributes:
S1
A high level of competence in writing and speaking modern Japanese.
S2
A high level of competence in understanding written and spoken forms of modern Japanese.
S3
A high level of intercultural awareness, derived from the study of language and society, leading to
professional and informed attitudes to the language and culture.
S4
Skills in acquiring, using, and critically evaluating information about language and culture gained from a
variety of sources, including tutors, native speakers, newspapers, broadcasts, books and works of
reference, and electronic sources.
S5
Well-developed analytical and essay writing skills.
S6
The capacity to make an oral presentation to a small group and to respond to questions.
S7
The ability to carry out individual study and research, and to participate in group activities such as
seminars and online discussion.
S8
Well-developed IT skills based around email, online discussion via bulletin boards, and use of the
internet for gaining access to electronic resources, including the use of Japanese for such purposes.
S9
Further transferable skills, valuable for employment, including information gathering, the development of
individual resourcefulness, analytical thinking, the ability to identify problems and ways of resolving them,
the critical appreciation of Japanese source material, the ability to construct and sustain logical argument
on the basis of such material, and the ability to present such argument clearly in both oral and written
forms.
In addition to S1-S9, on successful completion of the programme, MA students will be able to:
S10
Carry out an extended piece of research based upon a critical appreciation of some primary and a wide
range of secondary source materials.
Students awarded a postgraduate Certificate or Diploma will be able to demonstrate a more limited range of
learning outcomes from K1-K5 and S1-S9, in accordance with their chosen modules.
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18. Teaching, learning and assessment
Development of the learning outcomes is promoted through the following teaching and learning
methods:
1. Text, video and audio materials are used in order to impart essential knowledge relating to K1-K5
above. Model answers for language units are provided for self-checking.
2. Comprehensive feedback on assignments designed to highlight strengths and weaknesses of a
student’s work is particularly important in a DL programme when opportunities for face-to-face teaching
are limited.
3. Seminars (face-to-face and online), which may be either staff-led or student-led, are used for both
language units and units devoted to literature, social science readings, history and society. They are
designed to reinforce information imparted through the DL materials by allowing students to work
through, analyse, understand and respond to that information. Seminars devoted to Japanese language
acquisition may take the form of classes devoted to translation both from and into Japanese, production
of written Japanese, formal presentations in Japanese, and analysis/discussion of literary and social
science-related texts. In all cases the aim is to expose students to as much authentic Japanese material
as possible, both written and spoken. Language classes led by native speakers of Japanese are
conducted in the target language. Seminars thus contribute both to the achievement of knowledge and
understanding (K1-K5) and to the development of key skills (S1-S4, S6-S8). Face-to-face seminars take
place during “residentials” (week-long summer schools in either Hiroshima or Sheffield).
4. Tutoring (face-to-face and online) are meetings/online interactions between a tutor and an individual
student in order to clarify a particular problem experienced by that student in the understanding of
material or in the process of preparation for a seminar or an assessment. Face-to-face tutorials take
place during “residentials” (week-long summer schools in either Hiroshima or Sheffield).
5. Independent study is essential to the successful completion of the programme. The amount of
independent study broadly expected for each unit is clearly set out in the course information, although it
is recognised that this will vary from student to student. Independent study is generally geared towards
the assimilation and further clarification of material gleaned from distance learning materials, online
discussion, preparation for seminars, preparation for written assessments, and the broader development
of knowledge of the field of study. Independent study thus contributes to the development of all the
programme learning outcomes, but is especially important in refining skills S3-S5, S8-S10.
6. Residential periods. During the course of the programme, two four day 'residential weekends' are held.
These supplement distance learning by allowing face-to-face seminars and tutorials to be held, facilitate
formative assessment (by allowing feedback to be given in person) and enable students to raise issues
and explore issues of interest. These residential periods contribute both to the achievement of
knowledge and understanding (K1-K5) and to the development of key skills (S1-S4, S6, S7).
Opportunities to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes are provided through the following
assessment methods:
Regular formative assessment – usually in the form of assessed language assignments designed to reinforce
knowledge and skills such as vocabulary acquisition, language production (written and spoken), language
comprehension (written and spoken), translation to and from Japanese – is used to monitor carefully the
student’s progression through the core language programme and to pick up and rectify areas of potential
weakness in linguistic competence (K1, K2, S1, S2).
Summative assessment comprises the following:
Formal written language examinations designed to test the student’s ability to demonstrate productive and
receptive written target-language skills (S1, S2);
Oral examinations designed to test the student’s ability to demonstrate productive and receptive spoken targetlanguage skills (S1, S2);
Assessed essays designed to test subject knowledge, autonomy in student learning and the development of
transferable skills ((K3-K5, S3-S5, S7-S9);
Assessed translations designed to test the student’s ability to produce a polished translation into English and
Japanese and justify translation choices.(K1, K2, K3, S1-S3);
Assessed report in Japanese designed to test the students’ ability to comprehend issues presented in taped
lectures and organise these as well as their own ideas in a formal Japanese written format (K1, S1-S4);
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A dissertation (15,000 words) designed to assess the ability of a student to successfully complete an in-depth
piece of research based substantially on primary as well as secondary materials (S2-S6), and demonstrate
understanding of the topic and their analytical and critical skills (K1-K6, S7-S10) OR Annotated Translation
designed to test students’ research and translation skills, and their understanding of the minutiae of the
translation process (K1-K6, S2-S4, S7-S10).
19. Reference points
The learning outcomes have been developed to reflect the following points of reference:
Subject Benchmark Statements
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/AssuringStandardsAndQuality/subject-guidance/Pages/Subject-benchmarkstatements.aspx
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (2008)
http://www.qaa.ac.uk/Publications/InformationAndGuidance/Pages/The-framework-for-higher-educationqualifications-in-England-Wales-and-Northern-Ireland.aspx
University Strategic Plan
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/strategicplan
Learning and Teaching Strategy (2011-16)
http://www.shef.ac.uk/lets/strategy/lts11_16
The research interests of departmental staff and the research strategy of the School of East Asian Studies
20. Programme structure and regulations
The MA in Advanced Japanese Studies is a high level degree which builds on existing language and study
skills. It comprises a core of advanced language modules, supplemented by a number of non-language
('studies') modules designed to enhance a student's understanding of Japan, its history, and Japanese culture
and society. More specifically, the Advanced Japanese Studies programme comprises the following elements:
Years 1 and 2 (Diploma level)
 five core language modules covering writing in Japanese, translating and oral /aural skills (75 credits);
 a choice from a range of modules covering modern Japanese history, contemporary Japanese society,
social science texts, literature, patent translation and classical Japanese (45 credits).
Year 3 (MA level)
 Dissertation on an aspect of contemporary Japanese society or modern Japanese history or an
Annotated translation of a text of the students’ choice. This comprises one third of the credits for this
programme.
The “badged themes” differ in the following way:
MA in Advanced Japanese Studies (Japanese-English Translation)
Years 1 and 2 (Diploma level)
 One theory unit on Japanese-English translation (15 credits);
 Four core language modules covering writing in Japanese, translating from Japanese to English (60
credits);
 a choice of two out of three units covering translation of specialised texts (Classical Japanese or
Japanese Patents) or oral/aural skills (30 credits);
 a choice of one out of two units covering Japanese literature and society and social science texts (15
credits).
Year 3 (MA level)
 Dissertation on an aspect of Japanese – English translation theory or an Annotated translation of a text
of the students’ choice. This comprises one third of the credits for this programme.
MA in Advanced Japanese Studies (Gender, Diversity and Citizenship)
Year 1 and 2 (Diploma level)



five core language modules covering writing in Japanese, translating and oral /aural skills. Certain
language tasks will be related to the theme of Gender, Diversity and Citizenship (75 credits);
one unit (Specialised Texts II: Social Science Readings) which deals with issues of gender and
nationality through the medium of written Japanese(15 credits);
Two “studies” units relating to the theme of the degree: Japan’s Ethnic Minorities and Gender, Sexuality
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and the Japanese State.
Year 3 (MA level)
 Dissertation relating to the topic of Gender, Diversity and Citizenship. (60 credits) This comprises
one third of the credits for this programme.
Detailed information about the structure of programmes, regulations concerning assessment and progression
and descriptions of individual modules are published in the University Calendar available on-line at
http://www.shef.ac.uk/govern/calendar/regs.html.
21. Student development over the course of study
In Year 1, students study core language modules which provide strategies for dealing with complexities of the
written language as well as opportunities to develop oral/aural skills and a “studies” module appropriate to the
theme of their degree programme, designed to provide them with a grounding in their field of study. Students on
the unbadged MA programme will study one out of two “studies” modules, designed to deepen students’
understanding of modern Japanese history or aspects of contemporary Japanese society (depending on module
choice). Course materials are in English and familiarise students with key concepts, terminology and
methodologies involved before they go on to tackle these through the medium of Japanese in Year 2. Reading
materials utilise a mixture of English and Japanese materials (depending upon the degree programme taken).
In Year 2, the unbadged programme provides continued advanced tuition in the Japanese language through
core language units; a choice of either Japanese Literature and Society or Japanese Social Science readings,
each designed to increase students’ understanding of modern Japan as reflected in Japanese literary or social
science related texts; plus further approved units, such as Japanese Patent Translation or Classical Japanese,
designed to develop students’ skills in understanding these kinds of specialised texts. The badged
programmes provide, in addition to advanced language tuition, specialised content relevant to the theme of
each programme.
(Students who have acquired 60 credits may exit the programme with a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced
Japanese Studies, and students with 120 credits may exit the programme with a Postgraduate Diploma in
Advanced Japanese Studies if they so desire).
In Year 3, the programme provides the opportunity to bring together the knowledge, understanding and skills
acquired in the previous two years to produce either an in-depth study of some aspect of Japan in the form of a
dissertation (of 15,000 words) or an extended annotated translation prefaced by a well-researched introduction
placing the text in context.
22. Criteria for admission to the programme
(a) A good first degree, or equivalent;
(b) Japanese level required: Upper intermediate level of Japanese -- approximately 800-1000 characters or
close to Level 2 of the Japan Foundation Proficiency Test. Candidates who do not have an appropriate formal
qualification in Japanese language will be provided with a diagnostic test.
English language: Students whose native language is not English are also required to offer a suitable English
language qualification, e.g. IELTS with average 6.5, TOEFL 600 (paper test) or 250 (computer test).
23. Additional information
For further information students are directed to the School web pages at http://www.shef.ac.uk/seas
These contain full information on courses and provide access to student handbooks.
This specification represents a concise statement about the main features of the programme and should be
considered alongside other sources of information provided by the teaching department(s) and the University. In
addition to programme specific information, further information about studying at The University of Sheffield can
be accessed via our Student Services web site at http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid.
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