Japanese Literature
and Language
The Japanese Literature and Language course is designed to provide students with the autonomy to develop a deep understanding of the nature of language and language learning skills. This course will provide students with a supportive learning environment where they can develop the ability to use Japanese effectively for the purpose of practical and authentic communication. Students will have the opportunity to explore and discuss written texts dealing with Japanese literature and various aspects of Japanese culture and society, as well as global issues. The study of Japanese Literature and Language will cultivate the skills of analysis and evaluation needed to be critical consumers, and the communicative competencies required to be creative producers of texts. This course will allow students to critically examine and reflect upon their own roots and identities.
"With a new global education agenda that prioritizes quality, equity, and lifelong learning for all, it is essential to encourage full respect for the use of mother language in teaching and learning and to promote linguistic diversity. Inclusive language education policies will not only lead to higher learning achievement, but contribute to tolerance, social cohesion, and, ultimately, peace”
Irina Bokova (Former Director-General UNESCO)
Course Aims
Gain linguistic proficiency, fluency and range in order to become effective communicators.
Develop empathy, compassion and respect for others by experiencing the stories of different times and places.
Explore different text types to develop critical literacy in a digital age.
Foster creativity to express thought, feelings and imagination.
Explore the connections between languages, identities and cultures.
Cultivate effective reading habits and inspire a lifelong love of reading.
Develop the cultural and linguistic knowledge needed to understand and critically appreciate literature and language.
Course Outline
The units in Japanese Language and Literature are designed to reactivate and deepen prior learning and cater to different learners. By contextualising and connecting to real-world experiences, the learning units are meaningful and empower student choice.
Grade 9
Unit 1: Culture and Contexts
In this unit, students explore the relationship between language and culture, gaining an appreciation of how the context in which language is used, including its geographical, historical, cultural, and socio-economic aspects, will affect meaning. Students examine the role of ideology, religion, history, geography and celebrations and traditions in shaping the culture and context of works of literature.
Unit 2: Literary Criticism
Literary appreciation is an informed, critical opinion supported by evidence from a literary work. In this unit, students compare, analyse, interpret, and evaluate a variety of works of literature through productive skills such as writing and presentation. Students develop their literary competency through the exploration of genres based on specific shared conventions: prose (essay, novel, stories, myths), poetry and lyrics. By studying diverse works and literary movements, students gain an understanding of the scope and evolution of Japanese language, whilst also exploring their personal responses and appreciating authors' stylistic choices.
Unit 3: Political Economy
In this unit, students explore the relationship between individuals and society and between media and the economy. By studying a diverse range of case studies, drawn largely from economics, political media and sociology, students gain a deeper understanding of how the country has evolved and how it is currently governed. They develop digital and information literacy skills and a sense of the importance of the tension between economic and political decision-making.
Grade 10
Unit 1: Identity and Linguistics
In this unit, students explore the relationship between language and identity. Students delve into the meaning of their own linguistic identity and the impact of societal factors on the perception of identity. Concepts and issues such as, gender roles, sexism in language, linguistic dominance, dignity and pride, link directly to social categorization, and students will examine how language provides a sense of belonging in a society. Students consider how to approach the notion of voice, register, style, diction, and tone through artistic language and its connection to student agency.
Unit 2: Literary Appreciation
Literary appreciation is an opinion supported by evidence of a literary work. In this unit, students compare, analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of works of literature through productive skills such as writing and presentation. Students develop their literary competency through the exploration of genres based on specific shared conventions: drama, non-fiction, and graphic novel. By studying diverse works and literary movements, students gain an understanding of the scope and evolution of Japanese language and explore their personal responses and appreciate the stylistic devices used by the authors.
Unit 3: Global Citizenship
In this unit, students develop an appreciation of the role of language for global citizenship. By studying a variety of contemporary, controversial and mission-related global issues, in areas such as ethics, technology, and environmental sustainability, students gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and interconnectedness of our world. They develop digital and information literacy skills and a sense of the importance of the intended audience and voice as a tool for activism and advocacy. Students understand the significance of language and communication skills in contributing to positive change.
Skills developed
Japanese Language and Literature is a course that will provide multiple opportunities for students to develop and practise the following skills:
Critical Thinking
Collaboration
Research
Decision Making
Self-management
Planning and writing
Risk-taking
Creative production
Digital Literacy
Literary and textual analysis
Present ideas effectively
Independent understanding of texts
Assessment
There are five assessment objectives for the Japanese Language and Literature course:
knowledge and understanding,
analysis, interpretation and evaluation,
organization and presentation,
use of language and
creative production.
Assessments vary in their form and purpose, ranging from individual creative writing, literary analysis and argumentative writing. There are interdisciplinary projects involving oral presentations and debates, as well as research and critical thinking-based projects.