TOK1 - Introduction to the Japanese Language

27 June 2016 – 08 July 2016
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

 A one-day trip with students of other GSP TOK courses will be scheduled out of the course.

Target Audience/ Prerequisites

Bachelor students, Master students and PhD students

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

This course is aimed at beginners of the Japanese language with no previous knowledge of the Japanese language. However, students are expected to be able to read Hiragana before the course begins.  

The Center for Japanese Language Education at the University of Tokyo provides an e-learning website through which 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. Students will be provided with a password to access restricted e-learning materials for a limited period.

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 the names of products found in the supermarket or convenience store in katakana, and select the correct product
• 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)

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, you should consider the practicability of taking two courses.

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 (5 minutes from Hongo Campus on foot): http://kizankan.co.jp/english/

Students must arrive by June 26. Check-in is possible from 26 June.
Check-out date July 9.

You can extend your stay depending on room availability of the hotel.

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 in the IARU Global Summer Program at the University of Tokyo are strongly advised 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 2015 TOK participant and frequently asked questions with answers on the following website:
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/prospective-students/iaru.html