OPAL Japanese Basic

Time &Tutor: Group 1: Thursdays 15:30 - 17:30

Tutor: Nahoko Mulvey nahoko.mulvey@lang.ox.ac.uk

Group 2: Thursdays 18.00 - 20.00

Tutor: Keiko Harada keiko.harada@orinst.ox.ac.uk

Course book: Minna no Nihongo I (Shokyuu beginner) 2nd

version.

(ISBN978-4-88319-603-6)

Minna no Nihongo Shokyu [2nd ver] vol. 1 Kaite Oboeru Bunkei Renshucho

(ISBN978-4-88319-607-4)

(as a reference) Minna no Nihongo Shokyu (2nd

ver) vol.1 Translation &

Grammatical Notes English ver.(ISBN978-4-88319-604-3)

These books can be purchased on Monday of Week 3 at the JP BOOKS Sale at the Language

Centre.

Prerequisites:

The course is aimed at complete beginners who have a keen interest in Japan and a great

enthusiasm for learning the language. The ultimate aim of the course is to enable learners to

communicate using easy practical phrases in daily situations. The class work is structured to

develop four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Participants are expected to do a

substantial amount of homework and preparation for each lesson, which will amount to at

least an additional four hours’ work per week. Regular attendance is essential. A high level of

commitment and dedication will be appreciated.

Kanji are not taught on this course, but thirty-minute kanji classes are available separately.

All students who take the Basic class are strongly advised to participate in Kanji 1. Please

have a look at the OPAL Japanese Kanji programmes. It is vital to learn kanji steadily,

especially if you intend to continue learning Japanese at a higher level.

Course material:

The course is taught in English and in Japanese using the textbooks above as well as other

printed exercises and audio/video material. If you cannot attend a class for an unavoidable

reason, please check the updated weekly syllabus and homework of the week in OPAL

Japanese Basic Weblearn after the class.

Course description:

The course will cover the Lessons 1- 13 in Minna no Nihongo. Please note that the students

will be provided with a detailed ‘week-by-week’ course syllabus and a self-study guide at the

beginning of each term.

Structural content:

Usage of different particles

Numbers/days of the week/days of the month

Various counters to count different things

Conjugation of verbs (present, present negative, past and past negative forms).

The verbs for ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’

Adjectives (tense conjugations)

Comparison and Superlative forms, using adjectives

Expressions of ‘liking’, ‘understanding’

Expressions of what one can do, be good at

Expression of existence

Expression of desire, ‘wanting to do’.

Communicative contents: Introducing oneself, talking about others

Daily greetings

Expressing likes, dislikes and preferences

Talking about food, ordering in a restaurant

Describing daily routine

Making appointments and invitations

Finding your way

Sightseeing in Japan

Buying presents

Writing invitations

Japanese basic Assessment framework:

Continuous assessment (participation, in-class test & coursework) 20%

Final exam at the beginning of Trinity Term 40%

Final Presentation in Trinity Tem 40%

Final mark & recommendation:

50 – 59 Pass

60 – 69 Good pass

70 – 79 Pass with merit

80 - 89 Distinction

90+ Distinction*

Learning outcomes

CEFR A1

- Can understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a

predictable topic. Can ask simple questions of a factual nature and understand answers

expressed in simple language.

- Can understand basic notices, instructions or information. Can understand simple

instructions on medicines and simple directions to places. Can understand short reports

or product descriptions on familiar matters, if these are expressed in simple language and

the contents are predictable.

- Can complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places. Can write

a simple routine request to a colleague.

Updated October 2017