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Language B (Japanese & Foreign
Languages)
Aims
The
aims of the study of a modern foreign language are to:
- enable
the student to use the language effectively as a
means of practical communication
- offer
insight into the life and civilization of the
communities where the language is spoken, and
into the local and standard aspects of language
- encourage
integration with the local community, where
relevant
- encourage
positive attitudes towards speakers of other
languages and an appreciation of, and empathy
for, other cultures
- provide
a sound basis of communicative skills necessary
for future study, work and leisure
- develop
an appreciation of literature in the target
language and, more particularly, in the language
B (advanced) option develop understanding of the
nature of language and the process of language
learning
- complement
other areas of study by providing access to more
varied sources of information
- begin
to develop an understanding of the cultural
patterns that affect the thinking, feeling and
acting of the societies in which the language is
spoken
- understand
that total language learning comprises the
integration of linguistic, cultural and social
components
- develop
curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the target
language.
Objectives
The
four skills that are fundamental to language learning are
speaking, writing, listening and reading.
Although they are presented separately in this guide,
these skills should be seen as interactive and
interdependent and should not be dealt with in isolation.
There
are also separate objectives for language B and language
B (advanced). These do not differ in basic nature
although more demanding objectives are included for
advanced students.
Intercultural
awareness must play a special role in learning
associated with a foreign language. In both language B
options students should always be encouraged to use the
language that they are learning as a tool to enhance the
understanding of other cultures.
Language
B Objectives
Speaking
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- communicate
with comprehensible pronunciation and intonation
- use
a variety of vocabulary and idiom appropriately
and with accuracy appropriate to the level
- request
and provide information spontaneously on a range
of topics within their experience using
comprehensible pronunciation and intonation
- take
part in conversation and dialogue and express
personal feelings and opinions
- take
part in formal and informal discussion on a
variety of topics related to the areas of
interaction and to cultural issues
Writing
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- communicate
effectively and appropriately in writing about
concrete or familiar situations
- communicate
effectively for a variety of purposes through the
appropriate use of grammatical structures,
cohesive devices, vocabulary and spelling.
Listening
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand
an appropriately paced conversation from various
sources on a variety of concrete or familiar
topics
- understand
formal and informal presentations, given in
language B by native speakers, on a variety of
concrete or familiar topics including cultural
issues
- understand
specific factual information and attitudes
expressed in a spoken context even where some
unfamiliar language is included
- recognize
some different types of discourse and main ideas
and draw conclusions.
Reading
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- demonstrate
comprehension of ideas in a variety of authentic
material including literary and non-literary
texts, some of which may be simplified
- identify
important points, main ideas and supporting
details
- extract
relevant information and draw conclusions
- identify
some aspects of style.
Language
B (Advanced) Objectives
Speaking
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- communicate
with near-standard pronunciation and intonation
- use
a wide range of vocabulary and idiom
appropriately and with accuracy appropriate to
the level
- demonstrate
fluency by initiating and maintaining
conversation
- take
part in formal and informal discussion on a wide
variety of topics related to the areas of
interaction and to cultural issues
- express
ideas and opinions clearly
- communicate
effectively in a variety of contexts in both
prepared and impromptu situations
- communicate
effectively in a variety of registers.
Writing
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- communicate
effectively and appropriately in various writing
styles (for example narrative, descriptive and
discursive) with a good degree of fluency and
accuracy
- communicate
effectively for a variety of purposes through the
appropriate use of grammatical structures,
cohesive devices, appropriate vocabulary,
spelling and varied idiom
- express
a personal response to cultural and literary
materials.
Listening
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand
a normally paced conversation from various
sources on a wide variety of topics
- understand
formal and informal presentations given in the
language B by native speakers on a wide variety
of topics including cultural issues
- understand
specific factual information expressed in a
spoken context even where unfamiliar language is
included
- recognize
many types of discourse and main ideas, and draw
conclusions.
Reading
At
the end of the course students should be able to:
- demonstrate
comprehension of ideas in a variety of authentic
material including literary and non-literary
texts
- identify
important points, main ideas and supporting
details
- extract
relevant information and draw conclusions
- identify
the aims and tone of the writer
- recognize
and describe literary techniques
- express
a personal response to cultural and literary
materials.
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