Module manager: Ayako Yoshino
Email: a.yoshino@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Japanese language skills equivalent to a pass in the LCS Year Abroad (Japanese) module.
EAST3286 Advanced Japanese in Context: Culture and Identity EAST3281, Advanced Japanese in Context 1: Politics and International Relations EAST3287 Advanced Japanese in Context 5: Japanese Diplomacy and Foreign Policy in Historical Context
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module focuses on the critical analysis of formal Japanese texts within their historical, cultural, and disciplinary contexts. We will explore a variety of significant and complex Japanese texts from a range of fields across the humanities and the social sciences relating to modern and contemporary Japan. Given the contemporary nature of this course, and the particular specialities of staff, the specific individual texts will necessarily vary from year to year. The students will also complete a student-led project which allows them to select a text relevant to their own research, interests or career, demonstrate their understanding and provide an analytical commentary on the text and its context. This will be accompanied by a short reflection. Some work will be conducted in groups, which will provide students with the chance to work collaboratively with their peers. Where possible this collaboration may also involve collaborative online international learning activities with students at institutions in other countries. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
By the end of this module, students will have a greater awareness and understanding of the formal documentary and literary Japanese, across a range of subject areas. They will also have a greater understanding of the broader significance of the particular texts studied, and of the socio-historical context in which they were produced.
The module will be run in student-led seminar-style classes. These will consist of close readings/translation of these texts, discussion of implied meanings and the contexts from which they were produced.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes specific to the subject:
1. Critique and investigate a range of complex and specialised Japanese texts within their specific socio-cultural and historical contexts
2. Select appropriate approaches to understanding context-specific Japanese texts and articulate and evaluate their meaning and significance
3. Formulate both English and Japanese accurately in translation tasks, with correct spelling and grammar.
4. Select and critique a Japanese text related to their own chosen special area of interest, research, or future career.
5. Improve data and media literacy (including the use of AI assistance) through critical analysis of core texts, and through location and handling of self-selected text
6. Demonstrate effective interpersonal and collaboration skills by working in teams, including with international partners where possible
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 2 | 0.2 | 0.4 |
| Seminar | 21 | 2 | 42 |
| Private study hours | 157.6 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 42.4 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
The classes are run as student-centred discussions with ample opportunities for oral feedback on interpretation and analysis of texts including elements of blind peer-review for each others’ works. Each student is also offered 2 supervision meetings on their individual project.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Commentary | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) (S2) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 50 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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