12252 - Japanese Language I

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired a basic knowledge of the Japanese language and culture. They will have developed both written and spoken language skills that can be applied in communicative situations involving familiar, everyday topics (corresponding approximately to CEFR Level A1).

Course contents

This year-long course is the first course in the Japanese language programme and is intended for students with no prior knowledge of Japanese.

The course consists of one weekly lecture (Wednesdays, 3:15–4:45 p.m., Teaching Hub, Room 9), complemented by the Japanese Language Practice classes taught by Professor Masako Suzuki (masako.suzuki@unibo.it), which are also held once a week on Fridays (1:30–3:00 p.m., Teaching Hub, Room 9).

The course focuses on the use of Japanese in authentic communicative situations. By the end of the course, students will have learned two of the three Japanese writing systems (hiragana and katakana) and acquired an introduction to the third (kanji). They will have mastered the fundamentals of Japanese grammar and will be able to engage in simple conversations and write short texts. In addition, they will have developed a basic understanding of selected aspects of Japanese culture.

Students will also learn how to use a computer in Japanese and, by the end of the course, will be able to compose short texts in Japanese using a computer.

Readings/Bibliography

Learning materials

You are required to bring all materials in printed (not digital) format to class, in order to optimize learning.

• Genki I: An Integrated Corse in Elementary Japanese (The Japan Times) - the third edition (Lesson 1-5)
• Genki I Work Book (The Japan Times) - the third edition (Lesson 1-5)
• Class handuts

The first two materials are going to be used not only in this course but also in the following two courses. So you are recommended to buy them. They are available on Amazon Italia: link

Important: to start the course

Prepare as soon as possible the printed materials for the first semester handouts and the Genki Startup Kit (only Introduction and Unit 1, to be used before purchasing Genki and the Workbook).

At the copy shop Carta Carbone (Via Oberdan 5, Forlì), ask to print the three PDF files for Lingua Giapponese I:

• Genki I Workbook, Unit 1
• Genki I, Unit 1
• First semester handouts (mandatory)

Note: If you already own the original Genki and Workbook volumes, photocopies are not required.

Online resourses

• Course website on Virtuale (accessible starting from the last week of September)
  
• Jisho - online Japanese-English dictionary
• Genki Self-study Room

Optional references

< Dictionaries >

• Il Dizionario di Giapponese - la seconda edizione (Zanichelli)
  
• Kodansha's Furigana English-Japanese Dictionary (Kodansha)

<Dictionary apps >

• Midori (iPhone&iPad)
• Takoboto (Android)

< Grammar >

• Makino, S. & Tsutsui, M. (1991). Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar. (The Japan Times)
  
• Mastrangelo, M., Ozawa, N. & Saito, N. (2016). Grammatica Giapponese (Hoepli)

Teaching methods

• Lectures
• In-class exercises
• Homework

Assessment methods

Method

Final grades will be determined on the basis of students' performance in the written and oral exams, the mid-term exam (for extra credit), and the writing assignments.

Attendance is not mandatory; however, students are strongly encouraged to attend classes regularly.

Students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) or with disabilities that can affect their ability to attend courses are invited to contact the University service for students with disabilities and SLD at the earliest opportunity -- ideally before the start of the course: https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students. The University service will suggest possible adjustments to the course work and/or exam, which must then be submitted to the course leader so they can assess their feasibility, in line with the learning objectives of the course. Please note that adjustments to the exam must be requested at least two weeks in advance.

Learning evaluation scale
30-30L Excellent level. The candidate demonstrates a very high level of the knowledge of course materials and competence in using such knowledge in actual communication both spoken and written.

27-29 Above-average level. The candidate demonstrates a solid command of the required skills and competences, making only minor errors.

24– 26 Generally sound level. The candidate displays a number of shortcomings, indicating a reasonable command of the required skills and competences.

21-23 Adequate level. The candidate displays significant shortcomings and only an adequate command of the required skills and competences.

18– 20 Minim level. The candidate only meets the minimum level required and shows a minimal command of the required skills and competences.

< 18 Fail
The candidate’s does not meet the required standard and shows a wholly inadequate command of the required skills and competences.

Teaching tools

• Computer with video projector and internet connection
• Handouts
• Audiovisual materials
• Online resources
• Virtuale e-learning platform of the course to download course materials, upload homework and receive communications

Office hours

See the website of Motoko Ueyama