Japanese Beginners (LL190)
Summary
Level
This course is designed for learners who have no or very little previous knowledge in Japanese.
Main Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to use fundamental grammar to conduct simple conversations in a range of predictable everyday situations. You will be able to read Hiragana and distinguish the different scripts used in Japanese. You will also acquire knowledge on customs and the lifestyle in Japan.
Please read our Can-do Statements (link on the right of this page) to see the competences which you will be working towards and can achieve by the end of the year.
Teaching
Teaching will be delivered fully online through MS Teams.
Microsoft 365 documents will be used. You will have to be able to open and work with the materials to engage in the course.
One weekly two-hour online session for 18 weeks.
Course Text
Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture-Starter A1
(The Japan Foundation, 2013); Sanshusha Publishing Co., ISBN:978-3875487084
Course Description
This course is based on the textbook 'Marugoto: Starter A1', lessons 1 to 10. The Hiragana script will be introduced during Term 1 and reading skills will be developed throughout the course. Students are recommended to further their literacy for the Japanese writing system to advance to higher levels of Japanese studies. Teaching will be focused on communication in real daily contexts such as meeting people and eating out, along with acquiring basic grammar structures. Learners will explore cultural aspects of daily life in Japan to help them understand the language in greater depth. . Students will be supported by additional resources and online materials. Weekly homework will be assigned to support learning and engagement outside the lessons.
Syllabus
This course will cover the following:
Topics
- Introduction to Japanese and the writing system
- Greetings and classroom expressions
- Self-introduction and talking about family members
- Talking about food preferences and ordering food
- Describing where you live
- Talking about daily routines and activities
- Talking about schedules and plans
- Learning how to type in Japanese
Grammar
- Simple grammatical structures and sentence patterns
- Present tense verbs and adjectives
- Use of particles
- Numbers and counters
- Time phrases, frequency and duration
- Expressing preferences
- Asking questions with relevant counters
Subject-specific and transferable skills
- Written and spoken communication
- Strategies for understanding gist and specific information
- Intercultural Awareness, Professionalism, Digital Literacy, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Can count towards the Warwick Award
