Japanese

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Why study Japanese?

Japanese is a complex yet intriguing language that attracts a wide variety of learners.

With one of the world’s largest economies, learning Japanese is essential to developing promising business relations in the areas of commerce, engineering, manufacturing and economics. In addition, learning Japanese opens the door to the unique, fascinating world of Japanese culture with its J-Pop (Japanese pop music), anime, manga and original fashion. Furthermore, as the third largest online language group, Japanese learners can connect with a community of millions of Japanese-speakers thanks to their knowledge of the language. Without a doubt, Japanese is a language that offers something to everyone!

COURSE details

Delivery
Course Overview
Schedule
Delivery

Classes are conducted as far as possible in the target language to give students maximum exposure to the new language and culture. During the course, students develop an ability to communicate in Japanese in situations relating to their personal lives.

In addition, students are expected to spend time on self-study preparing for classes and reviewing and consolidating work done in class. Students are also encouraged to develop a repertoire of strategies to promote their autonomy as language learners. For those students studying Japanese for credits two course assignments will be given during the semester.

Course Overview

Japanese is offered at three levels:

Level 1A, 1B & 2A – Beginner
Level 2B & 3A – Lower Intermediate
Level 3B – Intermediate

Japanese 1A

Japanese 1A is a beginners’ Japanese course that introduces students to the Japanese language and some aspects of Japanese culture and daily life. Hiragana and Katakana will be also introduced. Upon completion of this course, students should have the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the attitudes expected at Level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Japanese 1B

Japanese 1B is the second part of the introductory Japanese program continuing the work begun in Japanese 1A. At the end of this course, students should have the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the attitudes expected at Level A2 of the CEFR.

Japanese 2A

Japanese 2A is an elementary course, a further study of Japanese language and culture featuring the acquisition of the four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) begun in Japanese 1A and 1B. Kanji will be also introduced. At the end of this course, students should have the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the attitudes expected at Level A2 of the CEFR.

Japanese 2B and 3A

Japanese 2B and 3A are lower intermediate language and culture courses that build on the work done in Japanese 2A. Students will be able to function increasingly independently in all four skills in daily situations and familiar matters. Students will further study kanji scripts. At the end of Japanese 2B and 3A courses, students should have the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the attitudes expected at Level B1 of the CEFR.

Japanese 3B

Japanese 3B is intermediate language and culture course. At the end of Japanese 3B course, students should have the knowledge and skills and demonstrate the attitudes expected at Level B1 of the CEFR.

Schedule

There are 52-contact hours per semester. Classes meet for four 50-minute sessions per week, with classes beginning on the hour and ending ten minutes before the hour (e.g. 11:00 to 11:50).

However, class contact time should be supplemented by two hours of independent study for each contact hour.

View timetable.