B2692 - Japanese Language (Third Language) I

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has a basic knowledge of the Japanese language and culture; achieves linguistic competence, both written and oral, applicable in communicative situations on familiar and everyday topics (corresponding approximately to Level A1).

Course contents

This is the first annual course offered in the first-cycle degree program designed for total beginners.

The lecture of the responsible instructor takes a place once every week (Wednesday 15:15-16:45. Aula 7 Teaching Hub), accompanied with a weekly exercise session "Esercitazioni di Lingua Giapponese" (also once every week) conducted by Prof. Masako Suzuki (masako.suzuki@unibo.it): Friday 13:30-15:00, Lab 5 (DIT Lab, Via B. Lombardini 5)

The course concentrates on the use of the language in actual communicative situations. By the end of the course, the students will learn two of the three Japanese writing systems (hiragana and katakana) and some characters of the third (kanji). The students will also learn the basics of Japanese grammar and be able to conduct basic conversations, read and write simple Japanese texts. They also familiarize themselves with some aspects of the Japanese Culture.

Furthermore, the students will learn how to use the computer in Japanese (in the end of the course, they will be able to write Japanese compositions with the computer).

Readings/Bibliography

Textbooks

• 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)

These 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

Class handouts

• Handouts for the first semester are available for download on Virtuale page of the course

Online resourses

• Virtuale page of the course
  
• Genki study resources - online exercises for all the units of Genki to utilize for reviewing or catching up with lesson contents
  
• Jisho - online Japanese-English dictionary
  

Optional references

< Dictionaries >

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

< 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

The final grades will be decided, based on the results of final exams (summer 2023), mid-term (for extra credit) and writing homework.

The attendance is not  mandatory.

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
• Virtuale e-learning platform of the course (link) for download course materials, upload homework and receive communications
  

Office hours

See the website of Motoko Ueyama