Introduction to the Japanese Language

Hosted by The University of Tokyo
4 – 15 July, 2011

GSP 2010 enjoying a night out in town (picture credit: Nanae Obata)

The University of Tokyo provides an introductory course for those new to Japan which will both facilitate participation in Japanese society and introduce characteristics of the Japanese language - such as the Japanese writing system, elementary grammar, and communication patterns. With the Japanese language learnt in these classes we hope our students will be able to experience a wider range of Japanese culture. To improve students' Japanese literacy, "practical" lessons, such as the use of dictionaries, will also be included in this course. This will enable students to continue their study of the language when they return to their home country.

More course details

The Center for 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.

Target Audience

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.

Delivery Method, Exams & Learning Outcomes

Lesson plan (2 credits/25 hours):

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)

Method of evaluation:
Attendance rate: 30%
Class participation: 30%
End of course exam: 40%

Accommodation

Students will be accommodated in Hotel Kizankan, located close to the University of Tokyo's Hongo Campus (Approximately 5 minutes walk). For further information about the Hotel Kizankan, visit: www4.ocn.ne.jp/~kizanweb/

Costs

Note: Costs may change closer to the course

Tuition fee: JPY 29,600

Accommodation: JPY 85,000 (does not include meals and other costs)

Estimated living expenses: approximately JPY 3,000 per day

Further Information

For further information about this course, visit http://www.adm.u-tokyo.ac.jp/res/stuex/IARU_GSP/index.html

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