BA Japanese

The objective of this module is to develop beyond pre-intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for the year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will develop knowledge of Japanese customs and cultures and the ability to engage with people appropriately, appreciating cultural understanding and diversity. ?Its focus is to consolidate their basic grammar and use it to speak and write about their experiences and opinions. Students should also be able to read upper beginner level materials on various topics.

This module follows the J200 Intermediate Japanese A module and will develop further students' intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for their year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will also develop knowledge of Japanese customs and cultures that would help them to integrate into their relevant community in Japan and the ability to engage with people appropriately, appreciating intercultural understanding and diversity. Its focus is to consolidate their pre-intermediate level knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary so that they can use them to read and write intermediate level materials on various topics. Students should also be able to communicate in situations which they might frequently encounter when they go to Japan.

This module aims to develop a basic elementary level of interactional competence by using productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/listening) skills in Japanese on concrete and familiar everyday topics. In addition to the four skills mentioned above, acquiring transferable skills such as translation to and from Japanese/English also form a part of learning Japanese at this module. Students are also expected to learn essential customs and Japanese cultures through the engagement of language activities and appreciate the importance of intercultural understanding and diversity in everyday contexts and develop cultural awareness in Japanese cultures. On completion of this module, students should be able to convey very simple information about themselves, their family and friends.

This module aims to develop an elementary level of interactional competence by using productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/listening) skills in Japanese on predictable and familiar everyday topics. In addition to the four skills mentioned above, acquiring transferable skills such as translation to and from Japanese/English also form a part of learning Japanese at this module. Students are also expected to learn appropriate customs and Japanese cultures through the engagement of language activities and appreciate the importance of intercultural understanding and diversity in everyday contexts and develop cultural awareness in Japanese culture. They will learn to engage in everyday activities in simple Japanese, such as describing future plans, exchanging direct information, expressing requests, basic opinions or preferences about everyday topics in immediate environment by using appropriate speech styles. On completion of this module, students should be able to exchange simple information about themselves, their family and friends in more detail with reasoning or explanation and compare different information.

This module aims to develop a solid elementary level of interactional competence by using both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/listening) skills in Japanese. In addition to the four skills mentioned above, acquiring skills such as translation to and from Japanese/English also form part of learning Japanese at this module. The students will also acquire some knowledge of cultural aspects in relation to uses of the language and deepen intercultural understandings through language learning.

Japanese manga and anime, as well other popular products, have firmly taken hold of global popular culture. In addition, Japanese food, such as sushi and bento have become a staple for many busy people in London and elsewhere in the world, leading to the image of Japan as a cool country with great food. The Japanese government has therefore proclaimed the Cool Japan initiative in the effort to brand Japan and lift it to the public consciousness around the world. However, many of these images are formed by the media, some within Japan, some outside of Japan. Looking at Japan via the various channels of its consumption – manga, anime, media and food – this module aims to analyse how the various aspects of our ‘imagination of Japan’ come together, working outhow some of our stereotypes are formed. It will enable student to understand how the concept of ‘Japan’ came about. Students thinking of writing an ISP on popular culture/media or any other topic in relation to the topic of the module in their final year are strongly encouraged to enrol in it.

The module introduces students to the core academic skills they will use while studying at university. The module is designed to lay the foundation for students to develop into experts in their particular area. This includes fundamental academic skills such as finding, assessing and using resources and evidence in their research, writing for different audiences, and practical skills like attributing and referencing others work correctly. It also includes an introduction to the different ways East Asian Studies students can research the topics that interest them, laying the foundation for the dissertation work they will carry out in the third and fourth year of their degrees.

This module introduces students to some of the major topics and approaches to the study of East Asian civilization, including rulership, religion, warfare, otherness, and gender, from prehistory to the 19th century.

Japanese manga and anime, as well other popular products, have firmly taken hold of global popular culture. In addition, Japanese food, such as sushi and bento have become a staple for many busy people in London and elsewhere in the world, leading to the image of Japan as a cool country with great food. The Japanese government has therefore proclaimed the Cool Japan initiative in the effort to brand Japan and lift it to the public consciousness around the world. However, many of these images are formed by the media, some within Japan, some outside of Japan. Looking at Japan via the various channels of its consumption – manga, anime, media and food – this module aims to analyse how the various aspects of our ‘imagination of Japan’ come together, working outhow some of our stereotypes are formed. It will enable student to understand how the concept of ‘Japan’ came about. Students thinking of writing an ISP on popular culture/media or any other topic in relation to the topic of the module in their final year are strongly encouraged to enrol in it.

This module supports students with their transition to Higher Education. It delves into the study of Humanities, with a focus on questions concerning the colonial genealogy of Humanities and the ways of decolonising Humanities, and skills acquired in the various disciplines in the college. Students learn to identify and describe the skills they acquire in this module and during their studies in the Humanities. Students are introduced to research, reading, listening, writing, performance and communication skills through multiple disciplinary lenses, addressing the planetary questions of this age. They compare different disciplinary approaches and are encouraged to reflect on interdisciplinary approaches to studying the Humanities, grounded in different regions. This enables students to make more informed decisions in the designing of their individual educational journey. Students practice their skills and reflect on their skills through real-world projects, drawing on critical content from all disciplines in the College of Humanities at SOAS.

Japanese manga and anime, as well other popular products, have firmly taken hold of global popular culture. In addition, Japanese food, such as sushi and bento have become a staple for many busy people in London and elsewhere in the world, leading to the image of Japan as a cool country with great food. The Japanese government has therefore proclaimed the Cool Japan initiative in the effort to brand Japan and lift it to the public consciousness around the world. However, many of these images are formed by the media, some within Japan, some outside of Japan. Looking at Japan via the various channels of its consumption – manga, anime, media and food – this module aims to analyse how the various aspects of our ‘imagination of Japan’ come together, working outhow some of our stereotypes are formed. It will enable student to understand how the concept of ‘Japan’ came about. Students thinking of writing an ISP on popular culture/media or any other topic in relation to the topic of the module in their final year are strongly encouraged to enrol in it.

This module supports students with their transition to Higher Education. It delves into the study of Humanities, with a focus on questions concerning the colonial genealogy of Humanities and the ways of decolonising Humanities, and skills acquired in the various disciplines in the college. Students learn to identify and describe the skills they acquire in this module and during their studies in the Humanities. Students are introduced to research, reading, listening, writing, performance and communication skills through multiple disciplinary lenses, addressing the planetary questions of this age. They compare different disciplinary approaches and are encouraged to reflect on interdisciplinary approaches to studying the Humanities, grounded in different regions. This enables students to make more informed decisions in the designing of their individual educational journey. Students practice their skills and reflect on their skills through real-world projects, drawing on critical content from all disciplines in the College of Humanities at SOAS.

This is the first of a pair of modules that introduce students to some of the major topics and approaches in the study of East Asian civilization, from prehistorical times to the early modern era.
Taking a thematic approach, East Asian Civilizations A addresses the key issues of prehistory, rulership, religion, the world of sinographs, and otherness in China, Korea, and Japan. Together, these units give students a grounding in some of the major commonalities and intersections that exist across East Asia through to the early modern period, while also allowing them to see how local dynamics and priorities affected social and cultural forms in each state.

Japanese manga and anime, as well other popular products, have firmly taken hold of global popular culture. In addition, Japanese food, such as sushi and bento have become a staple for many busy people in London and elsewhere in the world, leading to the image of Japan as a cool country with great food. The Japanese government has therefore proclaimed the Cool Japan initiative in the effort to brand Japan and lift it to the public consciousness around the world. However, many of these images are formed by the media, some within Japan, some outside of Japan. Looking at Japan via the various channels of its consumption – manga, anime, media and food – this module aims to analyse how the various aspects of our ‘imagination of Japan’ come together, working outhow some of our stereotypes are formed. It will enable student to understand how the concept of ‘Japan’ came about. Students thinking of writing an ISP on popular culture/media or any other topic in relation to the topic of the module in their final year are strongly encouraged to enrol in it.

The module introduces students to the core academic skills they will use while studying at university. The module is designed to lay the foundation for students to develop into experts in their particular area. This includes fundamental academic skills such as finding, assessing and using resources and evidence in their research, writing for different audiences, and practical skills like attributing and referencing others work correctly. It also includes an introduction to the different ways East Asian Studies students can research the topics that interest them, laying the foundation for the dissertation work they will carry out in the third and fourth year of their degrees.

This module will examine the social and historical context of the recent boom in South Korea's popular culture, both domestically and internationally. It will look at the role of rapid economic development and the transition from dictatorship to democracy in providing the conditions for the creation of a ruthless and highly successful system of cultural production.

This module takes its title from the book China in Ten Words by contemporary Chinese novelist Yu Hua. It is designed to introduce students to a range of key concepts in the study of China and Chinese cultures.

This module introduces students to some of the major topics and approaches to the study of East Asian civilization, including rulership, religion, warfare, otherness, and gender, from prehistory to the 19th century.

This module follows the J100: Elementary Japanese module and will develop further the intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for the Year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will also develop some knowledge of cultural issues in relation to the uses of the language.

This module introduces students to key topics in global linguistic diversity, enabling students to put into a global context the language, region or culture that their degree programme focuses on.

This module introduces students to the history of the part of the world that was profoundly influenced by the Chinese cultural sphere through a gendered lens. Chronologically, it covers the periods of early state formation and the rise of the first unified empires, the centuries of political and religious plurality of the first centuries of the common era, and the heyday of Chinese civilization following the 'reunification' in the Sui/Tang and the social and economic transformations of the Song dynasty. We will look at this history through the experience of women from different walks of life and study how women were represented in different kinds of texts, from the Classics to biographies of exemplary women and tales of the strange. This perspective will provide a focused and engaging way to learn about the ideological foundations and hierarchical and patriarchal social structures that supported the expanding Chinese states.

This course introduces selected popular music cultures of the world, examining case studies from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as diasporic and globalised styles. Each lecture will introduce: representative musical styles with their characteristic sounds, instruments and forms; the cultural contexts within which they have developed; relationships between music and global and local forces including political power structures, gender, nationalism, tourism and globalisation; the roles of musicians and those working in music industries; circumstances surrounding musical performance, recording and dissemination of music.

This module will examine the social and historical context of the recent boom in South Korea's popular culture, both domestically and internationally. It will look at the role of rapid economic development and the transition from dictatorship to democracy in providing the conditions for the creation of a ruthless and highly successful system of cultural production.

This module takes its title from the book China in Ten Words by contemporary Chinese novelist Yu Hua. It is designed to introduce students to a range of key concepts in the study of China and Chinese cultures.

This is the first of a pair of modules that introduce students to some of the major topics and approaches in the study of East Asian civilization, from prehistorical times to the early modern era.
Taking a thematic approach, East Asian Civilizations A addresses the key issues of prehistory, rulership, religion, the world of sinographs, and otherness in China, Korea, and Japan. Together, these units give students a grounding in some of the major commonalities and intersections that exist across East Asia through to the early modern period, while also allowing them to see how local dynamics and priorities affected social and cultural forms in each state.

The second of a pair of modules, East Asian Civilizations B continues with a thematic approach to the study of premodern East Asia, with units on Buddhism, warfare, and gender, law, and hierarchy. The structure of the module encourages students to compare the civilizations of China, Korea, and Japan so that they can see their commonalities and intersections as well as identify the particularities of each that arose from local contexts.

This module introduces students to key topics in global linguistic diversity, enabling students to put into a global context the language, region or culture that their degree programme focuses on.

This module introduces students to the history of the part of the world that was profoundly influenced by the Chinese cultural sphere through a gendered lens. Chronologically, it covers the periods of early state formation and the rise of the first unified empires, the centuries of political and religious plurality of the first centuries of the common era, and the heyday of Chinese civilization following the 'reunification' in the Sui/Tang and the social and economic transformations of the Song dynasty. We will look at this history through the experience of women from different walks of life and study how women were represented in different kinds of texts, from the Classics to biographies of exemplary women and tales of the strange. This perspective will provide a focused and engaging way to learn about the ideological foundations and hierarchical and patriarchal social structures that supported the expanding Chinese states.

This course introduces selected popular music cultures of the world, examining case studies from Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as diasporic and globalised styles. Each lecture will introduce: representative musical styles with their characteristic sounds, instruments and forms; the cultural contexts within which they have developed; relationships between music and global and local forces including political power structures, gender, nationalism, tourism and globalisation; the roles of musicians and those working in music industries; circumstances surrounding musical performance, recording and dissemination of music.

This module will examine the social and historical context of the recent boom in South Korea's popular culture, both domestically and internationally. It will look at the role of rapid economic development and the transition from dictatorship to democracy in providing the conditions for the creation of a ruthless and highly successful system of cultural production.

This module takes its title from the book China in Ten Words by contemporary Chinese novelist Yu Hua. It is designed to introduce students to a range of key concepts in the study of China and Chinese cultures.

The second of a pair of modules, East Asian Civilizations B continues with a thematic approach to the study of premodern East Asia, with units on Buddhism, warfare, and gender, law, and hierarchy. The structure of the module encourages students to compare the civilizations of China, Korea, and Japan so that they can see their commonalities and intersections as well as identify the particularities of each that arose from local contexts.

This module follows the J100: Elementary Japanese module and will develop further the intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for the Year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will also develop some knowledge of cultural issues in relation to the uses of the language.

The objective of this module is to develop beyond pre-intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for the year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will develop knowledge of Japanese customs and cultures and the ability to engage with people appropriately, appreciating cultural understanding and diversity. ?Its focus is to consolidate their basic grammar and use it to speak and write about their experiences and opinions. Students should also be able to read upper beginner level materials on various topics.

This module follows the J200 Intermediate Japanese A module and will develop further students' intermediate language competence in both productive (speaking/writing) and receptive (reading/ listening) skills in preparation for their year abroad in Japan in Year 3. Besides the four skills mentioned above, students will also develop knowledge of Japanese customs and cultures that would help them to integrate into their relevant community in Japan and the ability to engage with people appropriately, appreciating intercultural understanding and diversity. Its focus is to consolidate their pre-intermediate level knowledge of grammatical structures and vocabulary so that they can use them to read and write intermediate level materials on various topics. Students should also be able to communicate in situations which they might frequently encounter when they go to Japan.

In this module, students will learn how to communicate effectively and appropriately in a variety of contexts, styles, and modes. Students engage in communication on both personal and social topics, using complex oral and written texts. They also learn Japanese customs and culture and compare them with those they are familiar with, appreciating the importance of intercultural understanding and diversity. 

In this module, students will learn how to communicate effectively and confidently in a variety of contexts, styles, and modes. Students engage in communication on both concrete and abstract topics, using complex oral and written texts. They develop a deeper understanding of Japanese customs and culture and compare them with those they are familiar with, appreciating the importance of intercultural understanding, diversity, and global citizenship. 

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of changes occurring in the late 20th century Japanese culture and society. The module will prepare students for the year abroad, by providing an overview of issues facing contemporary Japanese society.

The module is designed to provide an overview how imperialism from within East Asia itself as well as the outside, has shaped the region.

The module will give an overview of pre-modern Japanese grammar and expressions as well as providing an overview of its relevance in the context of contemporary Japan. 

This module is directed to language learners who are planning to conduct research on various aspects of social and cultural life during a period of residence in the region of their interest. It explores ways in which “culture” can be conceptualized and observes in particular the role of language in the construction of culture and cultural identity.

This module introduces students to some of the most prominent themes of East Asian mythology. From mythical culture bearers and warring monkey kings to mischievous fox spirits and perfidy sensing goats, we will examine the origins of various myths, their sources and evolution over time, as well as their historical and cultural significance.   

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of East Asian cinema, and its interregional flows from the beginning to the present day. It will be looking at how actors and directors travel across the region.

This module will run for two terms, three hours per week. It is designed for students who have successfully completed?Chinese 1B or equivalent. It aims to introduce more grammar points, vocabulary and sentence structures enabling students to develop skills in reading, writing, and speaking at elementary level.? Upon successful completion of this module, students are expected to be able to read and write simple texts and communicate on certain everyday topics with confidence.  

Develops further the range of language skills attained in the first year, with emphasis on reading and comprehension. A wide variety of Korean texts is read and discussed in class, along with closely co-ordinated grammar practice.

In this module students will learn to communicate in relatively simple tasks that require a direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters in both everyday and college contexts. You also practice in describing aspects of their background and matters in areas of your immediate need and academic interests. 

This module is designed for students who have mastered basic modern Chinese grammar and a vocabulary of at least 600 words. It concentrates on consolidating the grammar and expanding the vocabulary.

This is an intermediate module designed to develop comprehensive reading skills and to expand vocabulary systematically beyond the 1,500+ characters level reached in Chinese 3. It aims to achieve a capability of independent study of documentary Chinese texts, while giving considerable attention to oral skills.

After a brief introduction to the linguistic structure of Prakrit and to its role in Indian literary and religious tradition, some basic grammar exercises will be followed by study of extracts from the Jain narrative text Manipaticarita. This includes verse in both the classical Maharashtri and old Magadhi dialects. Roman script will be used throughout the module.

Prakrit is an important language of Ancient India in literary texts (dramas, anthologies of lyrical poetry, etc.), in inscriptions from the earliest times of writing in India (Asoka, etc.), and in the vast canonical and narrative literature of the Jains. The syllabus of the module will include selected stanzas from Hala's Sattasai as well as excerpts from Classical Indian dramas, exemplifying its use of different Prakrits in prose and poetry; selected Prakrit inscriptions in Kharosthi and Brahmi scripts, exemplifying the earliest Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu historical records of India; and selected passages from important Jaina texts, such as the Ayaranga, Kalpasutra, etc. from the Svetambara canon, and/or Puspadanta's Mahapurana from the Digambara texts.

The objective of this module is to prepare students to understand the main points on familiar matters regularly encountered in contexts such as university, leisure, etc. It builds on knowledge gained in the early beginners’ level, developing further students’ understanding of some aspects of Japanese customs and cultures and encouraging them to reflect on intercultural understanding.

The objective of the module is to attain the higher beginner level of Korean language by consolidating the linguistic knowledge of the basic level, whether acquired through ‘Basic Korean I’ module or elsewhere, and preparing for the next level, ‘Intermediate Korean’ module, where near-authentic materials are used.

This module aims to develop and consolidate students' advanced Japanese language knowledge and skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. It also aims to allow students to develop advanced mediation skills both from English to Japanese and from Japanese to English. The focus is on developing advanced transferable skills around language and communication that can be used in society and will increase students' employability.

The upper intermediate module introduces further grammatical aspects of the modern Korean language and aims at improving the students' all-round language skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing by mastering topics at a suitable linguistic level. Students begin studying topics relevant to modern Korea, using authentic Korean texts in an effort to better prepare to deal with original Korean source materials.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the lower-intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the lower-intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the lower-intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The module aims to expand upon the level of Amharic attained in Amharic I by exposing students to a variety of different styles of language and language contexts. Through materials drawn from newspapers, magazines, traditional folk-tales and simple fictional literature, students will expand grammatical and vocabulary competence. Skills in using the target language are further enhanced through regular translation and free-composition exercises, as well as regular weekly conversation classes to advance oral and aural skills in the language. Students are also introduced to elementary grammatical description and analysis of the language, and are expected to make use of a prescribed reference grammar.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The module aims to expand upon the level of Amharic attained in Amharic I by exposing students to a variety of different styles of language and language contexts. Through materials drawn from newspapers, magazines, traditional folk-tales and simple fictional literature, students will expand grammatical and vocabulary competence. Skills in using the target language are further enhanced through regular translation and free-composition exercises, as well as regular weekly conversation classes to advance oral and aural skills in the language. Students are also introduced to elementary grammatical description and analysis of the language, and are expected to make use of a prescribed reference grammar.

The module aims to develop students’ language skills through grammar work, translation, prose composition, and conversation at the intermediate level. Previous knowledge of the language is consolidated and developed by further class work on linguistic structures, sentence construction, and conversation. Students are introduced to a wide range of language using diverse materials from contexts such as journalism, literature, recorded conversations, social media and so forth. Regular homework tasks reinforce the class learning, encouraging students to read, write and speak the language with more accuracy and confidence.

The aim of the module is to deepen the student’s awareness of Swahili through the study of texts, visual and audio productions which belong to, and are produced in, both written and oral contexts. Students will examine the use of language in the society. Themes explored include politics, religion, popular culture, literature and translation. By the end of the module, a student should have acquired an excellent understanding Swahili language and culture.

Chinese for Business

This is a basic introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the written and spoken language. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. At the end of this module, successful students will be able to function at Lower A1 of CEFR or Band 1 of HSK.

This module aims to introduce students more basic vocabulary and grammar points at beginner and elementary level. At the end of the semester, successful students are expected to be able to read and write simple texts and communicate on basic everyday topics and function at A1 of CEFR or Band 2 of HSK.

In this module, students will learn how to communicate in very simple Japanese on concrete and familiar everyday topics. Both spoken and written Japanese will be taught from the very first day. On completion of this module, students should be able to convey very simple information about themselves, their family and friends, their belongings etc., and ask questions about others. They will also learn to socialise with Japanese-speaking people in familiar everyday contexts. From the beginning, they will be exposed to Japanese cultures as reflected in various situations and expressions used therein.

Korean 1A is available to students on a wide variety of programmes across SOAS. This module aims to offer opportunities for students to acquire introductory/basic communicative knowledge and skills needed to participate in the target language community so that they can apply these in the context of their academic or professional needs, regardless of their degree programme. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts, and communicate on simple everyday topics.

Korean 1B is available to students on a wide variety of programmes across SOAS. This module aims to offer opportunities for students to acquire introductory/basic communicative knowledge and skills needed to participate in the target language community so that they can apply these in the context of their academic or professional needs, regardless of their degree programme. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple sentences consisting of past and future tense, and honorifics, and communicate on familiar topics concerning their everyday life.

This is a basic language acquisition module for students who have already studied the Language A equivalent in the previous term, or who have equivalent knowledge. Students are therefore assumed to have some basic knowledge of the language or its script. This module develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write simple texts, and communicate on everyday topics. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This is a basic language acquisition module for students who have already studied the Language A equivalent in the previous term, or who have equivalent knowledge. Students are therefore assumed to have some basic knowledge of the language or its script. This module develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write simple texts, and communicate on everyday topics. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This is an introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the written and spoken language; students are not assumed to have any previous knowledge of the language or its script. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts, and communicate on simple everyday topics. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This is a basic language acquisition module for students who have already studied the language 1A equivalent in the previous term, or who have equivalent knowledge. Students are therefore assumed to have some basic knowledge of the language or its script. This module develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write simple texts, and communicate on everyday topics. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This is a basic introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the written and spoken language; students are not assumed to have any previous knowledge of the language or its script. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.

This is a basic language acquisition module for students who have already studied the Language A equivalent in the previous term, or who have equivalent knowledge. It develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.

This module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts, and communicate on simple everyday topics.

This module develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write simple texts, and communicate on everyday topics.

The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This module develops knowledge of several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Emphasis will be placed on good pronunciation and on the social and linguistic conventions of everyday conversation.

This is a basic introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the written and spoken language; students are not assumed to have any previous knowledge of the language. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write short simple texts and communicate on simple everyday topics.

Persian 1 B

Hebrew.

Hebrew 1 B

Bengali Language 1

Bengali Language 1 B

Hindi Language.

The module covers all the major tenses and significant grammatical constructions of the language, enabling successful students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.

Urdu Language.

Urdu Language.

This is a basic introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the the language; students are not assumed to have any previous knowledge of the language or its script. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing,and comprehension. Successful students will gain the ability to read simple original texts and to write short simple sentences.

Sanskrit Language 1 B

Indonesian Language.

This module develops knowledge of some of the several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to develop their skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking. Successful students will gain the ability to read and write simple texts, and communicate on everyday topics.

Vietnamese Language.

Vietnamese Language.

Burmese Language 1 A

Burmese Language 1 B

The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.

Thai Language.

This is a basic introductory language acquisition module for absolute beginners in the written and spoken language; students are not assumed to have any previous knowledge of the language or its script. The module covers several basic constructions of the language, enabling students to acquire basic skills in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking.

Arabic 1 B

The course provides students with intermediate knowledge of Turkish and practice of using Turkish in a variety of everyday and more specialised situations, including the understanding and expression of opinions and different points of view. Texts for study are selected from newspapers and magazines, scholarly articles and literary works (short stories and excerpts from novels).

The course provides teaching and learning of intermediate level Turkish language with emphasis on practical written and spoken Turkish. The course covers complex points of word and sentence structure as well as textual relations in Turkish writing and discourse.

Ottoman Turkish Language A

Ottoman Turkish Language B

The module provides for the teaching and learning of upper-intermediate level Persian language with emphasis on practical as well as nuanced written and spoken Persian. The course introduces complex sentence structures including conditional sentences, as well as more use of abstract or technical terminology in Persian writing and discourse. By the end of this module students should be able to relate detailed experiences, as well as discuss and understand concrete and abstract topics, in both spoken and written language with ease and confidence.

The course provides for the teaching and learning of lower-intermediate level Persian language with emphasis on practical written and spoken Persian. The course introduces complex sentence structures including relative clauses, as well as more focused use of idiomatic structures in Persian writing and discourse. By the end of this module students should be able to describe experiences, events, plans, hopes and concerns in both spoken and written language with ease and confidence.

Arabic 5 A

This module aims to utilize students' knowledge of syntax to develop their ability in comprehension and grammatical analysis as well as composition and translation into Arabic. The module is based on the reading and discussion of three types of written language: various literary texts, Arabic journalism and selected texts for translation. The module also caters for the oral aspect of language learning.

This is a high advanced language acquisition course.

This is a high advanced language acquisition course.

This is a lower advanced language acquisition course that will reinforce competence in grammar and syntax, widen active vocabulary, and simultaneously develop listening and speaking skills.

This is a lower advanced language acquisition course that will reinforce competence in grammar and syntax, widen active vocabulary, and simultaneously develop listening and speaking skills. Letter writing skills will be introduced. Oral competence is developed in conversation classes and by using audio-video material.

This module is a continuation of Arabic 1 B. It completes the coverage of the grammar and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic at an intermediate level and trains students in reading, comprehending and writing with the help of a dictionary more complex Arabic sentences and passages.

This module is a continuation of Arabic 2 A. It completes the coverage of the grammar and syntax of Modern Standard Arabic at an intermediate level and trains students in reading, comprehending and writing with the help of a dictionary more complex Arabic sentences and passages.

This is an intermediate language acquisition module, and builds on knowledge acquired in Arabic 1A, Arabic 1B, Arabic 2A, and Arabic 2B. Students study authentic Arabic texts of various writing genres and gain further knowledge of grammar (syntax and structure). The module develops students' competence equally in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.

This is an upper intermediate language acquisition module that builds on Arabic 3A, providing students with a firmer foundation in Arabic grammar, and training them in the active use of the language through writing exercises that draw on and reinforce a number of skills including knowledge of grammar, syntax, phraseology and general and specialised terminology. Writing skills will also be further built through targeted translation exercises. The module also includes an oral component where students are trained in speaking the colloquial register of the language

This module develops oral, aural, writing and reading proficiency in Modern Hebrew, with equal attention to the colloquial and the formal. All aspects of Hebrew grammar and syntax are introduced, some at a basic level, and vocabulary is enriched and enhanced by the introduction of more complicated texts from different sources and on a variety of topics.

This module develops oral, aural, writing and reading proficiency in Modern Hebrew, with equal attention to the colloquial and the formal. All aspects of Hebrew grammar and syntax are introduced, some at a basic level, and vocabulary is enriched and enhanced by the introduction of more complicated texts from different sources and on a variety of topics.

The module provides for the teaching and learning of upper-intermediate level Persian language with emphasis on practical as well as nuanced written and spoken Persian. The course introduces complex sentence structures including conditional sentences, as well as more use of abstract or technical terminology in Persian writing and discourse.

The module will be focused on the teaching and learning of Persian language at lower-advanced level with emphasis on practically competent aural and oral skills, as well as nuanced writing ability and dexterity in reading comprehension.  

The course will explore complex grammar of formal modern Persian alongside vernacular use of the language through practicing and performing a variety of tasks such as translations of intricate texts, composition and gathering of information from a wide range of material and demonstrating confident spoken interaction and production. 

This course is an introduction to Avestan, the language of the earliest Zoroastrian texts. It is designed to provide students with a clear understanding of the basic principles of the Avestan language in a way that enables them to translate simple Avestan texts and to analyse their grammar. Students who complete the course successfully will be able to handle simple primary sources of the Zoroastrian religion in the original Avestan language.

This module is directed to language learners who are planning to conduct research on various aspects of social and cultural life during a period of residence in the region of their interest. It explores ways in which “culture” can be conceptualized and observes in particular the role of language in the construction of culture and cultural identity.

This module introduces students to some of the most prominent themes of East Asian mythology. From mythical culture bearers and warring monkey kings to mischievous fox spirits and perfidy sensing goats, we will examine the origins of various myths, their sources and evolution over time, as well as their historical and cultural significance.   

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of East Asian cinema, and its interregional flows from the beginning to the present day. It will be looking at how actors and directors travel across the region.

The module is designed to provide an overview how imperialism from within East Asia itself as well as the outside, has shaped the region.

This module will give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in their chosen industry, while developing their employability and graduate career prospects. It will allow students to acquire greater knowledge of the industry of their choice and enable them to explore and experience its practices. Students will apply some of what you have learned on their programme and reflect upon their career aspirations.

Important note: This module is offered on a first come, first served basis. In term 1, students have to engage with the SOAS Careers team to find a suitable internship for their degrees. Only upon the successful completion of this task, students will be invited to take this module in semester 2 of their degrees.

This module aims to develop and consolidate students' advanced Japanese language knowledge and skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. It also aims to allow students to develop advanced mediation skills both from English to Japanese and from Japanese to English. The focus is on developing advanced transferable skills around language and communication that can be used in society and will increase students' employability.

This module allows students to synthesise their learning in a single project that demonstrates their fulfilment of the programme’s learning outcomes. It integrates their academic knowledge with experiences beyond the classroom and combines their developing knowledge, skills, and personal interests. The project is conceived, designed, and carried out independently, with support and supervision.

This module aims to develop and consolidate students' advanced Japanese language knowledge and skills, including listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. It also aims to allow students to develop advanced mediation skills both from English to Japanese and from Japanese to English. The focus is on developing advanced transferable skills around language and communication that can be used in society and will increase students' employability.

An ISP is an essay (in English) of 10,000 words on an approved topic in East Asian Studies of the student’s choice. This module is the culmination of the research and writing training provided throughout their programme of study.

Focusing primarily on the Asia-Pacific War, this module critically explores the multiple ways in which memories have been created, circulated, and consumed in Japan, the Koreas, and the Sinophone area.

The module is intended to complement modules such as ‘History and Culture of Korea to the Late 19th Century’ and ‘Culture and Society in 20th Century Korea’ (which focuses on South Korea) to provide BA Korean students with a more comprehensive overview and understanding of the Korean peninsula and how it has developed, especially since the Pacific War.

This module examines themes and notions of 'modernity' in the Korean cultural context, through a syllabus which considers issues surrounding representation, identity, landscape and memory in Korean literature and film. It aims to provide students with the skills to read, analyse and understand Korean literary works and films against past and present socio-historical contexts and critical discourses.

This module focuses on Choson (1392-1910), the last dynasty of traditional Korea, and covers in depth aspects of society and culture that are of crucial importance for our understanding of not only traditional Korea but also developments on the Korean peninsula in the 20th and 21st centuries.

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Japanese into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications.

This module critically examines the evolution of Chinese cinema from its inception to the present, exploring mainstream and arthouse films within socio-political and cultural contexts. It addresses themes including tradition and modernity, representation and identity, as well as the connection between aesthetics and politics, while equipping students with essential film analysis skills.

This module offers a textual and contextual survey of modern Chinese literature, exploring seminal literary works in connection with key political movements.

This module aims to provide students with a broad knowledge base to understand Taiwan's culture and society. Because of its multifaceted cultural and ethnic mix and the complex colonial history, the module looks at Taiwan’s contemporary culture, unpicks the various dimensions of the complicated social change, and considers the colonial legacy and the impact of globalization.  The focus of the module is placed on the highly contentious issue of identity politics of the post-war era. By exploring contemporary Taiwanese cultural change and social development, this course facilitates a solid understanding of the complexity of this place, offers an interesting reference point to think about China and Japan, and provides a better understanding of the greater East Asian society. Because most courses cover China, Japan and Korea, this module can connect the dotted line to form a more complete picture of East Asia.

This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of key moments in modern Japanese history from the collapse of the Tokugawa hegemony (the 1850s) to the end of World War II (1945) in regional and global context. It examines social and political epochs such as the rise of the Meiji government, the social and political contexts of modernisation, the process of nation-building, the establishment of an overseas empire and the rise of militarism, and the Sino-Japanese and Pacific Wars.

The complex linguistic system serving the marking of social relations in Japanese is examined in this course through studies in the sociolinguistic, pragmatic and indexical traditions. Students are guided to go beyond a superficial reading of linguistic meanings and appreciate the broad sociocultural significance of keigo (honorifics) and other ‘politeness’, identity and relational markers.

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of Japanese cinema, and its progression from the beginning to the present day. It will look at how actors and directors are involved in the industry.

This module offers an overview of key works and themes in modern Japanese literature. By exposing students to methods, cultural movements and texts, the module aims to showcase and problematise the multiplicity of literary voices that are part of the Japanese literary domain. For this reason, while the module provides students with the theories, knowledge, and skills to analyse and discuss fundamental texts in Japan’s literary history, it also considers works that articulate the experiences of marginal" or peripheral identities, with topics ranging from modernism to queer writing, from atomic bomb literature to that written by ethnic minorities."

Focusing primarily on the Asia-Pacific War, this module critically explores the multiple ways in which memories have been created, circulated, and consumed in Japan, the Koreas, and the Sinophone area.

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Japanese into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications.

This course is designed to develop students’ understanding of key moments in modern Japanese history from the collapse of the Tokugawa hegemony (the 1850s) to the end of World War II (1945) in regional and global context. It examines social and political epochs such as the rise of the Meiji government, the social and political contexts of modernisation, the process of nation-building, the establishment of an overseas empire and the rise of militarism, and the Sino-Japanese and Pacific Wars.

This module is directed to language learners who are planning to conduct research on various aspects of social and cultural life during a period of residence in the region of their interest. It explores ways in which “culture” can be conceptualized and observes in particular the role of language in the construction of culture and cultural identity.

The complex linguistic system serving the marking of social relations in Japanese is examined in this course through studies in the sociolinguistic, pragmatic and indexical traditions. Students are guided to go beyond a superficial reading of linguistic meanings and appreciate the broad sociocultural significance of keigo (honorifics) and other ‘politeness’, identity and relational markers.

This module introduces students to some of the most prominent themes of East Asian mythology. From mythical culture bearers and warring monkey kings to mischievous fox spirits and perfidy sensing goats, we will examine the origins of various myths, their sources and evolution over time, as well as their historical and cultural significance.   

This module examines issues surrounding the practice and activity of translation, and offers students the opportunity to develop their skills and methods in translating texts from Japanese into English. The syllabus combines practical translation exercises with critical analyses of context, strategies, methods, and their socio-political and cultural implications.

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of East Asian cinema, and its interregional flows from the beginning to the present day. It will be looking at how actors and directors travel across the region.

The module is designed to offer a critical overview of Japanese cinema, and its progression from the beginning to the present day. It will look at how actors and directors are involved in the industry.

The module is designed to provide an overview how imperialism from within East Asia itself as well as the outside, has shaped the region.

This module offers an overview of key works and themes in modern Japanese literature. By exposing students to methods, cultural movements and texts, the module aims to showcase and problematise the multiplicity of literary voices that are part of the Japanese literary domain. For this reason, while the module provides students with the theories, knowledge, and skills to analyse and discuss fundamental texts in Japan’s literary history, it also considers works that articulate the experiences of marginal" or peripheral identities, with topics ranging from modernism to queer writing, from atomic bomb literature to that written by ethnic minorities."

This module will give students the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in their chosen industry, while developing their employability and graduate career prospects. It will allow students to acquire greater knowledge of the industry of their choice and enable them to explore and experience its practices. Students will apply some of what you have learned on their programme and reflect upon their career aspirations.

Important note: This module is offered on a first come, first served basis. In term 1, students have to engage with the SOAS Careers team to find a suitable internship for their degrees. Only upon the successful completion of this task, students will be invited to take this module in semester 2 of their degrees.