Teaching: Pioneering New Language Training

Thomas McAuley talks about the M.A. Advanced Japanese Studies and the technology behind it.

Dr Thomas McAuley is a lecturer at the University of Sheffield.

MA Advanced Japanese Studies

East Asian Studies departments from Sheffield and Leeds have re-launched their MA Advanced Japanese Studies (Research Methods) to nurture and train students through a world-class programme.

As part of our commitment to provide jointly the best training to equip newly recruited students with the language skills needed, the departments of East Asian Studies at the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds have re-launched their Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)-approved MA Advanced Japanese Studies (Research Methods) from this academic year, drawing on the expertise of both institutions.

The programme combines training in postgraduate research methods with the social science-based study of modern Japan, topped off with Japanese language modules aimed at providing the skills researchers require to study Japan through the medium of its own language.The main challenge has been to find a way to deliver a tailor-made programme of advanced language instruction simultaneously to students at two different locations, but who are also studying full-time. This course provides the solution in combining the use of online techniques, as used in our distance learning programmes, with intensive face-to-face teaching. As a result, students focus exclusively on different aspects of the programme for short periods of time throughout the year, as opposed to doing all their subjects simultaneously.

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Written by Thomas McAuley Tuesday, 07 October 2008 16:15