[GeoMash]

I've been desperately searching the TSR forums, but I haven't been able to adequate advice on these courses.
I'm really interested in doing a Japanese course next year, but I'm a bit conflicted over courses, and unis.

Sheffield was going to be my sure fire choice, but I'm really not sure whether I want to apply for East Asian Studies (T300) or Japanese Studies (T210). I haven't been able to find much info on EAS, and a lot of people have been praising JS. However, what interests me in East Asian Studies is its greater focus on history, literature and sociology, however I also want to learn the language, and apparently this course isn't very good for that. But Japanese alone is a bit too tough and specific for my liking, although there is the temptation of the year abroad.

Leeds also sounds pretty good, and its Japanese course offers a bit more focus on history and literature, but I'm having a hard time getting excited after I've had my heart set on Sheffield for so long

So I'm asking for people's experience and advice, please, and if there's other good unis/courses that I ought to consider

[kara99]

Hm.
I can't really comment upon the East Asian Studies part of your question.
However, this year, I will be joining the University of Sheffield for Japanese Studies (T210).

My reasons were:
1. I love intensive language, no idea why, I like the idea that I have to work at something.
2. I looked at some videos of past pupils and they all seem to have only good things to say, while a few did various module in Anthropology and Literature. (Something I'd quite like to undertake)
3. Sheffield! The city feel, the course itself and the lecturers.
4. Japanese studies is a slightly focused degree.

Finally, if you want to focus on language (with the year abroad!) then choose Japanese studies.
Regardless, if you do choose either, they are closely related so you may be able to switch in the first month or two, of University.
As a whole, you might want to consider what you want to do AFTER uni, where you want to be, doing what and why, that'll make your decision a no-brainer.

Go with your gut instinct, but have a backup plan incase.

- Ant

[GeoMash]

Mmm, I do really want to learn the language, but I find the fact that the course focuses pretty much solely on intensive language learning really off-putting. I've always found the history and culture far more interesting. I just wish there was a course the combined the two a bit more evenly.

However, learning that I may be able to switch them is relieving, as I would really quite like to go to Sheffield, thank you

[kara99]

Hm, from what I read, it is language intensive, but there are modules on various tthings besides language, plus you're likely to discover these topics through the language.
At any rate, depending on your choice, good luck and I hope you make the right choice for you.

[TaniaT]

I can't give you much advice, as I'm going through the same dilemma! However, my sister goes to Sheffield (doing Architecture though, nothing Japanese related) and she says the city and the atmosphere is amazing.

A friend of hers who does Japanese Studies (so no help on the other one) says it's really good, they go at a good pace and the teaching is good too.

Have you looked into other places? I used to be so certain about SOAS, because it's the "best" but reading on here about the politics and the terrible buildings and organisation... I'm less sure!

I haven't looked at Leeds, but I do like the look of some of their joint honours, but remember you do have 5 options! Just aim for both, and weed out later?

[VickyDoodle]

I don't know about Sheffield, but I applied for Leeds for Japanese and Spanish,and the modules for Japanese really put me off. Japanese and Politics, Japanese and Religion.. didn't sound interesting at all! Of course, it depends on what kind of thing you're interested in. ^^

[Kolya]

(Original post by GeoMash)
Mmm, I do really want to learn the language, but I find the fact that the course focuses pretty much solely on intensive language learning really off-putting. I've always found the history and culture far more interesting. I just wish there was a course the combined the two a bit more evenly.

However, learning that I may be able to switch them is relieving, as I would really quite like to go to Sheffield, thank you

If you find the idea really off putting then why are you even considering taking the course? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

[WhiteBoneDemon]

Chinese is a better choice

[phoenixmiko]

There are cultural modules you can take which will cater to your interests in the history and culture side of things. As a Japanese Studies student myself, I find them to be very interesting. Another option you may have is to combine East Asian Studies and Japanese Studies.

[GeoMash]

(Original post by TaniaT)
I can't give you much advice, as I'm going through the same dilemma! However, my sister goes to Sheffield (doing Architecture though, nothing Japanese related) and she says the city and the atmosphere is amazing.

A friend of hers who does Japanese Studies (so no help on the other one) says it's really good, they go at a good pace and the teaching is good too.

Have you looked into other places? I used to be so certain about SOAS, because it's the "best" but reading on here about the politics and the terrible buildings and organisation... I'm less sure!

I haven't looked at Leeds, but I do like the look of some of their joint honours, but remember you do have 5 options! Just aim for both, and weed out later?

Nice to hear I'm not the only one worrying

Yes, I think I'm pretty set about Sheffield, everything I've heard about it sounds wonderful. And yes! Haha, I felt exactly the same with SOAS before, and then I heard about the horrible organisation and the 'niche atmosphere'. It also really felt like, for a more Oriental focused Uni, it didn't really have very good Japanese courses.
Yes, that's true... I'll have to see how things go, haha.

And phoenixmiko: God I wish I could combine them- my panic arose from realising I couldn't in fact combine them

[Narutofan88]

(Original post by GeoMash)
I've been desperately searching the TSR forums, but I haven't been able to adequate advice on these courses.
I'm really interested in doing a Japanese course next year, but I'm a bit conflicted over courses, and unis.

Sheffield was going to be my sure fire choice, but I'm really not sure whether I want to apply for East Asian Studies (T300) or Japanese Studies (T210). I haven't been able to find much info on EAS, and a lot of people have been praising JS. However, what interests me in East Asian Studies is its greater focus on history, literature and sociology, however I also want to learn the language, and apparently this course isn't very good for that. But Japanese alone is a bit too tough and specific for my liking, although there is the temptation of the year abroad.

Leeds also sounds pretty good, and its Japanese course offers a bit more focus on history and literature, but I'm having a hard time getting excited after I've had my heart set on Sheffield for so long

So I'm asking for people's experience and advice, please, and if there's other good unis/courses that I ought to consider

Hey, I'm currently a Japanese Studies student at Sheffield Uni and I have to say that Japanese Studies course is pretty intensive for a language course as you'll be spending at least 7-8 hours a week having lessons in grammar, speaking practice and as well as learning 3 new grammar points every week on top of the 20 kanji you need to learn for weekly tests. You will most likely have to give up some of your social time but i guess the sacrifice is worth it and if you're passionate enough, you will definitely get through it.

However if you find it to be too much work you can switch to East Asian Studies which is more flexible with what you can do such as all of the different modules on Japan, China, Korea, etc.

[karenyuen1994]

Hello
i will be studying management and economics, but i will like to take a japanese course as the unrestricted module. Unfortunately, i couldn't find the course "EAS145 Japanese language IA" in that list of modules of study for unrestricted module, but there is another one "Japanese for Non-specialists I". I would like to know what is the difference between those two courses? My first impression of "Japanese for Non-specialists I" focuses more on speaking, am i right?