TOK1: Introduction to the Japanese Language

Lesson plan:

1. Grammar
   • Noun sentences (non-past)
   • Adjective sentences (non-past)
   • Verb sentences (non-past & past) with particles: o, ni, de, kara, no, to
   • Various question sentences (what, who, when, where, which, how, how much, how many, what time,)
2. Conversation
   • Greetings, self-introduction,
   • Shopping, eating, and making reservations
   • Talking about weekend
   • Inviting, asking, offering, requesting
   • Giving short comments on various things
   • Mini-interview
   • Making a short talk show
3. Reading & Writing
   • Japanese characters: Hiragana Katakana and Kanji introduction
   • Mini-composition using Japanese word processor
   • Experiences of Kanji calligraphy
   • Looking up words in Japanese dictionary (Japanese-English dictionary and Kanji dictionary)

This course is aimed at beginners of the Japanese language. When students apply for this course, they are not expected to have any previous knowledge of the Japanese language. However students are expected to be able to read the Hiragana before this course begins. The Center of Japanese Language Education at the University of Tokyo provides an e-learning website through which students should study how to read the Hiragana (a Japanese phonetic character system consisting of 46 characters) and numbers up to 100 before coming to Japan. Students will be provided with a password to access restricted e-learning materials for a limited period.

Please note that students are only eligible for this course if they are enrolled in other GSP course(s) offered by the University of Tokyo.

Learning Outcomes

Speaking and Listening

• Be able to give a self-introduction in Japanese
• Be able to exchange simple conversations with Japanese people both in Tokyo and whilst travelling
• Be able to give simple comments about things you have seen or heard
• Understand and be able to use Japanese communication patterns, as well as non-verbal communication methods (includes activities such as simple interviews with Japanese people)

Reading and Writing

• Understand the use of the Japanese writing system – Hiragana, katakana and kanji
• Be able to read simple Japanese sentences (includes use of a Japanese-English dictionary)
• Understand the characteristics of Kanji and how to study them (includes explanation of using a kanji dictionary)
• Be able to write some kanji of your choice (includes experience of Japanese calligraphy)
• Be able to read the names of products found in the supermarket or convenience store in katakana, and select the correct product
• Be able to write a simple self-introduction in Japanese
• Be able to use a Japanese word processor

Assessment

Attendance rate: 30%

Class participation, including assignments: 30%

End of course exam: 40%

Contact hours: 25

Credit equivalent: This course is awarded 2 credits at the University of Tokyo.

Hotel Kizankan (5 minutes on foot from Hongo Campus)

Students must arrive by 30 June 2013.

Students will be able to check-in from 30 June 2013.

Check-out date 13 July 2013.

To extend your stay, you have to reserve your rooms by yourself. Please note that for the extra nights, you will have to pay the full amount of the accommodation fee to the hotel directly.

Costs are subject to minor changes. Successful applicants will be informed.

Tuition fees	:	JPY 29,600
Accommodation including any deposits	:	JPY 109,200 (does not include meals and other costs)
Other deposits	:	N/A
Textbook Fees	:	N/A
Miscellaneous Fees	:	N/A
Living Expenses	:	Approximately JPY 3,000 per day

1. Can I participate in more than one GSP course at your University, concurrently?
   Yes. The University of Tokyo has designed TOK2, TOK3 and TOK4 to be taken as standalone or concurrent courses. However, TOK1 is only available for students enrolled in another TOK course. Please note that a separate application fee will be applied for each course, including "Introduction to the Japanese Language".
2. If I am accepted, when will I receive more course details, such as course content, reading lists, timetables, payment schedule & cancellation policies, campus maps and other logistics details?
   We will send you general program information in April and detailed program information in June.
3. Will I have access to student facilities such as computer labs, libraries and health services at the hosting university?
   Unfortunately, GSP students cannot use computers of the University of Tokyo and internet services on campus but students will have access to the internet service at the hotel. Please bring a laptop. Libraries and health services are available to GSP students.
4. Will I need a visa to attend this GSP course?
   Information about visas is available from http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html. The host GSP coordinator can provide supporting letters and other relevant information for your visa application. Please consult your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate whether you need to obtain a visa.
5. How can we interact with other participants and GSP alumni before the course?
   Please visit our GSP Facebook page and join the various events groups to meet informally with other GSP participants as well as alumni.

Please see also the FAQ page on the University of Tokyo GSP website.

You can direct your questions about course credits and scholarships to your home institutions. More details about the application process and deadlines will be available in the "How to Apply" page.

Once nominated by your institution, you will be required to submit a “Supplementary Questionnaire” to The University of Tokyo.

Note: if the download link does not work, please try this secure link.  

For more information, please visit: http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/about/international-activities/gsp/