JAPANESE
Introduction to Japanese Language Course
The N5 Beginner level course in Japanese is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of the language. This course focuses on introducing basic vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills, enabling students to understand and use everyday expressions and simple phrases to communicate in a basic way.
Course Overview: The A1 Beginner level course in Japanese is designed for students with little or no prior knowledge of the language. This course focuses on introducing basic vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills, enabling students to understand and use everyday expressions and simple phrases to communicate in a basic way.
Course Objectives:
- Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases.
- Introduce oneself and others, and ask and answer questions about personal details.
- Interact in a simple way, provided the other person talks slowly and clearly.
Topics Covered:
Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture
- Greetings and introductions
- Basic Japanese customs and etiquette
Basic Vocabulary
- Everyday objects and activities
- Numbers, dates, and time
- Family and personal relationships
Grammar
- Sentence structure and word order
- Basic verb conjugation (present tense)
Listening Comprehension
- Understanding simple spoken language in familiar contexts
- Following basic instructions and directions
Speaking Skills
- Introducing oneself and others
- Asking and answering basic questions
- Engaging in simple conversations about everyday topics
Reading Skills
- Reading and understanding simple written texts (e.g., signs, menus, short messages)
Writing Skills
- Writing short, simple messages and notes
- Filling in forms with personal details
Skills Developed:
- Listening: Understand and respond to basic questions and instructions in familiar contexts.
- Speaking: Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information.
- Reading: Understand short, simple texts on familiar topics.
- Writing: Write short, simple messages and notes.
Learning Activities:
- Vocabulary Practice: Learn and practice basic vocabulary through flashcards, quizzes, and exercises.
- Grammar Exercises: Practice basic sentence structures and verb conjugations through interactive exercises.
- Dialogue Practice: Engage in role-plays and dialogues to practice speaking and listening skills.
- Reading Assignments: Read short texts and dialogues to improve reading comprehension.
- Writing Practice: Write short messages, descriptions, and simple sentences to practice writing skills.
Assessment:
- Quizzes and Tests: Regular quizzes and tests to assess understanding of vocabulary and grammar.
- Speaking Tasks: Oral assessments to evaluate speaking and listening skills in basic conversations.
- Reading Comprehension: Reading assignments with questions to test comprehension of simple texts.
- Writing Assignments: Writing tasks to assess the ability to write simple sentences and short messages.
By the end of the A1 Beginner level, students will be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases. They will be able to introduce themselves and others, and ask and answer questions about personal details. They will have a basic foundation in Japanese language and be prepared to continue their studies at a higher level.
Course Objectives:
- Understand and use expressions commonly encountered in daily life.
- Describe experiences and events, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
- Read and understand passages on familiar topics.
Topics Covered:
Everyday Communication
- Expressing opinions, feelings, and intentions
- Making requests, invitations, and suggestions
Expanded Vocabulary
- Daily activities, hobbies, and interests
- Travel, weather, and leisure activities
Grammar
- More complex sentence structures
- Past, present, and future tenses
Listening Practice
- Understanding main points in conversations and announcements
- Following simple narratives and explanations
Speaking Practice
- Describing experiences, events, and plans
- Expressing reasons and giving explanations
Reading Comprehension
- Understanding the main points of written materials (e.g., advertisements, emails, simple articles)
Writing Skills
- Writing short compositions and messages
- Describing personal experiences and opinions
Skills Developed:
- Listening: Understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters.
- Speaking: Handle most situations likely to arise while traveling in a Japanese-speaking area.
- Reading: Read articles and reports about everyday topics and understand the main point.
- Writing: Write simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
Learning Activities:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learn and practice new vocabulary related to daily life and common topics.
- Grammar Exercises: Practice using more complex grammar structures and verb forms.
- Listening Practice: Listen to conversations and dialogues to improve listening comprehension.
- Speaking Practice: Engage in conversations and role-plays to practice speaking skills.
- Reading Assignments: Read short articles and passages to improve reading comprehension.
- Writing Assignments: Write short compositions and messages to practice writing skills.
Assessment:
- Regular Quizzes: Assess understanding of vocabulary and grammar.
- Oral Presentations: Present short speeches or dialogues to demonstrate speaking skills.
- Reading Comprehension Tests: Test comprehension of written materials.
- Writing Assignments: Write short compositions and messages to demonstrate writing skills.
By the end of the N4 Elementary level, students will be able to understand and use expressions commonly encountered in daily life. They will be able to describe experiences, events, and plans, and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions. They will have a solid foundation in Japanese language and be prepared to continue their studies at a higher level.
Course Overview:
The N3 Intermediate level course in Japanese is designed for students who have completed the N4 level or have equivalent knowledge. This course focuses on further developing vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills, enabling students to handle more complex conversations and understand a wider range of written materials.
Course Objectives:
- Understand and use Japanese in everyday situations and conversations.
- Describe and explain experiences, plans, and opinions in more detail.
- Read and understand a variety of texts on different topics.
Topics Covered:
Everyday Communication
- Expressing opinions, agreement, and disagreement
- Making suggestions, recommendations, and requests
Expanded Vocabulary
- Social issues, environment, and technology
- Health, education, and work-related topics
Grammar
- Advanced sentence structures and expressions
- Conditional forms, passive voice, and causative forms
Listening Practice
- Understanding detailed information in conversations and speeches
- Following complex narratives and explanations
Speaking Practice
- Describing experiences and giving detailed explanations
- Expressing hypothetical situations and outcomes
Reading Comprehension
- Understanding the main ideas and details of various texts (e.g., articles, essays, advertisements)
Writing Skills
- Writing coherent and detailed texts on various topics
- Expressing opinions and supporting arguments
Skills Developed:
- Listening: Understand the main ideas of complex speech on both concrete and abstract topics.
- Speaking: Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers possible.
- Reading: Understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
- Writing: Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects, expressing opinions and explaining the advantages and disadvantages of different points of view.
Learning Activities:
- Vocabulary Building: Learn and practice new vocabulary related to a wide range of topics.
- Grammar Exercises: Practice using advanced grammar structures and expressions.
- Listening Comprehension: Listen to lectures, interviews, and discussions to improve comprehension skills.
- Speaking Practice: Engage in discussions, debates, and presentations to enhance speaking abilities.
- Reading Assignments: Read articles, essays, and opinion pieces to improve reading comprehension.
- Writing Assignments: Write essays, reports, and opinions to practice writing skills.
Assessment:
- Regular Quizzes: Assess understanding of vocabulary and grammar.
- Oral Presentations: Present detailed speeches or discussions to demonstrate speaking skills.
- Reading Comprehension Tests: Test comprehension of various written materials.
- Writing Assignments: Write detailed compositions and reports to demonstrate writing skills.
By the end of the N3 Intermediate level, students will be able to understand and use Japanese in a variety of situations and conversations. They will be able to describe and explain experiences, plans, and opinions in more detail. They will have a solid intermediate level of Japanese proficiency and be prepared to continue their studies at a more advanced level.
Course Overview: The N2 Upper Intermediate level course in Japanese is designed for students who have completed the N3 level or have equivalent knowledge. This course focuses on further developing proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, enabling students to handle more complex and nuanced language.
Course Objectives:
- Understand and use Japanese in a wide range of situations, both familiar and unfamiliar.
- Express thoughts, opinions, and ideas clearly and coherently.
- Read and understand a variety of texts, including newspapers, articles, and literary works.
Topics Covered:
Advanced Communication Skills
- Expressing and supporting opinions, discussing abstract topics
- Negotiating and persuading in various contexts
Expanded Vocabulary and Idioms
- Business, politics, arts, and culture
- Idiomatic expressions and proverbs
Advanced Grammar Structures
- Advanced conditional forms, indirect expressions, and reported speech
- Expressing speculation, hypothesis, and probability
Listening and Comprehension
- Understanding main ideas and details in complex speech
- Following discussions and lectures with multiple speakers
Speaking Fluency
- Participating in debates, expressing and defending viewpoints
- Delivering extended presentations on various topics
Reading Comprehension and Analysis
- Understanding implicit meanings in texts
- Analyzing and interpreting information from different sources
Writing Skills Development
- Writing essays, reports, and critiques
- Summarizing and synthesizing information from different texts
Skills Developed:
- Listening: Understand extended speech and lectures and follow complex lines of argument.
- Speaking: Present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects and explain viewpoints on topical issues.
- Reading: Understand articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular stances or viewpoints.
- Writing: Write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to personal interests or professional needs.
Learning Activities:
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learn and use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Grammar Practice: Practice using complex grammar structures and expressions.
- Listening Exercises: Listen to various audio materials to improve listening skills.
- Speaking Practice: Engage in discussions, debates, and role-plays to enhance speaking abilities.
- Reading Assignments: Read complex texts to improve reading comprehension and analytical skills.
- Writing Assignments: Write essays, reports, and critiques to practice writing skills.
Assessment:
- Regular Quizzes and Tests: Assess understanding of vocabulary, grammar, and reading.
- Oral Presentations and Discussions: Evaluate ability to express ideas and opinions orally.
- Reading Comprehension Tests: Test comprehension of various written materials.
- Writing Assignments: Evaluate writing skills through essays, reports, and critiques.
By the end of the N2 Upper Intermediate level, students will have a solid grasp of intermediate to upper-intermediate Japanese language skills. They will be able to understand and use Japanese effectively in a wide range of situations and contexts, and will be prepared to continue their studies at an advanced level.
Course Overview: The N1 Advanced level course in Japanese is designed for students who have completed the N2 level or have equivalent knowledge. This course focuses on refining and mastering proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing, enabling students to handle complex and nuanced language with near-native fluency.
Course Objectives:
- Understand and use Japanese fluently and effectively in professional, academic, and social contexts.
- Express thoughts, opinions, and ideas with precision, subtlety, and sophistication.
- Read and understand complex texts, including academic papers, literature, and technical documents.
Topics Covered:
Advanced Communication Skills
- Debating, negotiating, and presenting arguments convincingly
- Expressing complex ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively
Specialized Vocabulary and Idioms
- Business, scientific, and technical terminology
- Advanced idiomatic expressions and figurative language
Advanced Grammar Structures
- Subtle nuances of grammar, including rhetorical devices and stylistic elements
- Expressing complex relationships, conditions, and hypotheses
Listening and Comprehension
- Understanding nuanced meanings and implications in complex speech
- Following intricate discussions and lectures with multiple perspectives
Speaking Proficiency
- Engaging in high-level discussions on abstract and specialized topics
- Delivering formal presentations and speeches with confidence and clarity
Reading Comprehension and Analysis
- Analyzing and critiquing complex texts from various genres and fields
- Understanding implicit meanings and cultural nuances in texts
Writing Mastery
- Crafting sophisticated essays, reports, and critiques
- Synthesizing information from multiple sources to create cohesive arguments
Skills Developed:
- Listening: Understand complex ideas and nuances in extended speech.
- Speaking: Articulate thoughts and opinions with clarity, precision, and cultural sensitivity.
- Reading: Comprehend complex texts, including abstract academic writings and literature.
- Writing: Produce well-structured, coherent, and persuasive texts on complex topics.
Learning Activities:
- Vocabulary Enhancement: Learn specialized vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
- Grammar Refinement: Master advanced grammar structures and rhetorical devices.
- Listening Practice: Listen to and analyze complex audio materials.
- Speaking Exercises: Engage in debates, presentations, and discussions on various topics.
- Reading Assignments: Read and analyze complex texts from different genres and fields.
- Writing Tasks: Write essays, reports, and critiques to refine writing skills.
Assessment:
- Comprehensive Exams: Assess overall proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- Oral Proficiency Interviews: Evaluate ability to communicate fluently and accurately.
- Reading Comprehension Tests: Test understanding of complex written materials.
- Writing Assignments: Evaluate writing skills through essays, reports, and critiques.
By the end of the N1 Advanced level, students will have achieved a high level of proficiency in Japanese language skills, comparable to that of a native speaker. They will be able to understand and use Japanese fluently and effectively in a wide range of contexts, and will be prepared to engage in advanced academic or professional pursuits.