The aim of the module is to introduce students to the Japanese language; to provide them with the practical knowledge and calligraphic skills to recognise and reproduce the hiragana and katakana scripts and approximately 200 kanji (Chinese characters); and to introduce basic grammatical structures and vocabulary in both active and passive applications; to enable students to understand and to express spoken Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to read, comprehend short passages of elementary-level Japanese; to provide students with the skills required to write short passages in Japanese.

• Read and write the hiragana script, katakana script and approximately 200 kanji
• Understand and manipulate basic grammatical structures
• Understand and use appropriate vocabulary
• Understand classroom instructions and express basic courtesies in Japanese
• Understand and manipulate orally Japanese grammatical structures
• Comprehend and participate in straightforward conversations in Japanese
• Comprehend passages of Japanese text using vocabulary and grammar introduced
• Write short compositions in Japanese
• Apply logical thought to Japanese grammatical structures
• Apply memory skills to Japanese grammatical patterns
• Develop memory skills associated with the acquisition of Japanese script
• Pronounce Japanese appropriately
• Understand Japanese culture and its relevance within the language
• Conduct oneself in a manner appropriate to a Japanese setting 

There will be eight classes per week, with a Reading Week in Week 6, with some additional tutorials throughout the semester. In classes the relevant grammar, vocabulary and language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are introduced and developed. 

A Japanese textbook is followed on a weekly basis, and material from other language books is incorporated from time to time.

Independent study is expected.

• Apply logical thought and memory skills
• Understand cultural differences
• Have an awareness of and respect for other languages
• Adapt to a different language
• Develop self-confidence
• Develop an ability to lead conversations
• Develop the skills required to obtain verification on a certain issue, as required

The formal assessments contain a range of questions designed to cover the learning outcomes for the module and to test skill development.

Informal assessment is provided through discussion in classes and feedback on the students’ independently produced work.

Class Test - Kanji & Vocabulary - 1 hour - 20% - Week 11

Class Test - Listening & Writing - 1 hour - 20% - Week 11

Oral exam - 20% - Week 11

Exam - 2 hours - 40%

What does Japanese sound like? - The basic pronunciation and syllabic make-up of the language.

How is Japanese written? - Explanation of the historical background to the written language in use today. After mastering hiragana and katakana, kanji will be introduced.

Japanese Grammar - Step by step introduction to the Japanese language. Detailed explanations of components of the language will be given.

Cultural elements - An awareness of the importance of register within the language is provided throughout the course.

Compulsory textbooks

Minna no Nihongo Shokyū 1 Honsatsu [Main Textbook, Beginner 1] , 2^nd Edition (2012), 3A Corporation.

Minna no Nihongo Shokyū 1 Honyaku-Bunpō Kaisetsu Eigo-ban [Translation and Grammar Notes - English, Beginner 1] , 2^nd Edition (2012), 3A Corporation.

Minna no Nihongo Shokyū 1 Hyōjun-Mondai-shū [Basic Workbook, Beginner 1] , 2^nd Edition (2012), 3A Corporation.

Minna no Nihongo Shokyū 1 Kanji Renshū-chō [Kanji Workbook, Beginner 1] , 2^nd Edition (2012), 3A Corporation. 

Recommended textbook

Williams, N. K. (2010) The Key to Kanji: A Visual History of 1100 Characters, Cheng & Tsui Company, Inc.

Suggested resource

Minna no Nihongo Shokyū 1 CD [CDs, Beginner 1] , 2^nd Edition (2014), 3A Corporation.