TOK1 - Introduction to the Japanese Language

26 June 2017 – 06 July 2017
Hosted by the University of Tokyo

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 by themselves.  To improve students' Japanese literacy, "practical" lessons, such as the use of dictionaries, will also be included in this course to enable students to continue their study of the language when they return to their home country.

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)
• V-stem +”- tai (des)“
• Explanatory ending “ –n des ”

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)

Field Trip

Japanese cultural experience opportunity will be scheduled out of the course.

Target Audience/ Prerequisites

• Bachelor students
• Master students
• PhD students

All students are welcome to take the course as long as they understand that this course is aimed at total beginners.

Prerequisites

TOK1 is not a stand-alone course. Only available to those enrolled in one or more of the other courses (TOK 2/TOK3/TOK4).

Also, this course is aimed at total beginners with no previous knowledge of the Japanese language. However, students are required to be able to read Hiragana before the course begins by using an e-learning website provided by the Center for Japanese Language Education at UTokyo. Students should study how to read Hiragana (the Japanese phonetic character system consisting of 46 characters) and numbers up to 100 before coming to Japan.

Delivery Method & Learning Outcomes

Delivery Method: Lecture, discussion and group work.  The course is taught in English.

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 how to use kanji dictionaries)
• Be able to write some kanji of your choice (includes experience of Japanese calligraphy)
• Be able to read and write your name and your nationality in katakana
• Be able to write a short 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%

Credit equivalent at host university & contact hours

2 credits

Approx. 27 total contact hours (105 minutes×15 classrooms).  Excluding self-study hours.  

Please make sure to secure a two-hour self-study time on weekdays and three to four hours on weekends for preparation and review. If you take the TOK 2 course conducted at the same period but different time frame, you should consider the practicability of taking two courses.

Also, students who have not completed a pre-course study using the e-learning website offered by the Center for Japanese Language Education may find that they face some difficulties during the course.

Lecturer(s) / Tutor(s)

Professor Yasuto KIKUCHI

Accommodation

Hotel Kizankan http://kizankan.co.jp/english/index.html or similar. A list of accommodation will be provided for students to choose from during the pre-admission procedure.

 Additional information:

Students must arrive by 25 June 2017.

Students will be able to check in from 25 June 2017.

Check-out date 6 July 2017.

Costs

Figures are estimates only, costs are subject to changes, and successful applicants will be informed. Click on each item for details.

Required and/or Recommended Insurance(s)

All participants of the IARU Global Summer Program at UTokyo are required to purchase adequate health and travel insurance BEFORE leaving their home university, and to be insured throughout their time in Japan.

Further Required Application Material

Please answer to the supplementary questions about your previous Japanese learning experiences in “6. Statement of Purpose” on your application form.

Further Information

You can find pictures and comments from 2016 TOK participant and frequently asked questions with answers on the following website: http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/iaru.html.

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