School of Literatures, Languages and Cultures: Asian Studies
The University of Edinburgh
8 Buccleuch Place
EH8 9LW
JAPANESE 1 (ASST08002): COURSE HANDBOOK
Takashi Murakami for Louis Vuitton (QR code for LV website)
Welcome to the Japanese 1 course, which we hope you will find both interesting and
challenging. Please read the contents of this handbook carefully, and keep it in a safe
place (e.g. the front of your Japanese 1 folder) for future consultation.
Contents
Staff ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
Essential Information .......................................................................................................................... 4
Essential textbooks ............................................................................................................................. 4
Arrangements for classes and tutorial ........................................................................................... 5
Course schedule .................................................................................................................................... 7
Notes on class preparation .............................................................................................................. 11
Your private study ............................................................................................................................. 12
Assessment ........................................................................................................................................... 13
Marking bands ..................................................................................................................................... 14
Plagiarism ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Special Circumstances Committee ................................................................................................. 16
University use of E-mail as method of contacting students ................................................... 17
Student Representation .................................................................................................................... 17
Japanese Societies and Social Events........................................................................................... 18
Beyond Japanese 1............................................................................................................................. 18
Disclaimer............................................................................................................................................. 18
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this handbook
is correct at the time of printing. However, it shall not form part of any contract
between the University and a student or applicant and must be read in conjunction
with the Terms and Conditions of Admission set out in the Undergraduate Prospectus.
QR codes for useful websites:
UoE Japanese Studies
UoE semester dates
UoE Registry (exams)
Genki textbook information
Useful web links
Useful Android app list
2
Staff
Convener for Japanese:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Dr Helen Parker
Room G.03, 7 Buccleuch Place
Helen.Parker@ed.ac.uk
650 4230
Course Secretary:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Mr David Horn
David Hume Tower, 5.10
George Square
david.horn@ed.ac.uk
0130 650 4227
Head of Asian Studies:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Professor Natascha Gentz
Room G.06, 8 Buccleuch Place
Natascha.Gentz@ed.ac.uk
0131 650 4229
Course Organiser:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Ms Fumiko Narumi Munro
Room G.10, 7 Buccleuch Place
F.Narumi-Munro@ed.ac.uk
0131 650 6971
Course Teaching staff:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Dr Yoko Matsumoto-Sturt
Room B.02, 7 Buccleuch Place
Y.M.Sturt@ed.ac.uk
0131 650 4228
Course Teaching staff:
Address:
e-mail:
tel:
Mr Richard Stevenson
Room G.05, 8 Buccleuch Place
r.l.stevenson@ed.ac.uk
0131 651 1722
3
Essential Information
Course aims:
 to provide a structured introduction to Japanese grammar
 to enable students to read and write hiragana, katakana and 'at least
approximately 250-300 kanji characters, according to each student's previous
language background, and to use Japanese for simple spoken and written
communication
Length of Course: 2 semesters (22 weeks)
Contact hours: six hours per week (four class hours, one speaking class, and one
Workbook tutorial)
First meeting: 12.10pm, DHT 7.011, on Monday 19 September
Enrolment questionnaire and placement test: After the introduction on the first
meeting day, students will complete an enrolment questionnaire and placement test.
This is for two purposes: firstly to gather information on your interests in Japan and
Japanese language learning, and secondly, for those who have already studied some
Japanese, to determine whether to place you in beginners or post-beginners groups for
speaking class.
Course assessment (see the details on Page 14: Assessment):
Degree examination: 60% / Continuous assessment: 40%
Essential textbooks
1) Essential textbooks:
1. GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese I [Second Edition]
[ With a CD-ROM for Win & Mac ]
Author: Eri Banno, Yoko Ikeda, Yutaka Ohno, Chikako Shinagawa, Kyoko
Tokashiki, ISBN 978-4-7890-1440-3, Published: 11/02/2011.
2. GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Workbook I [Second
Edition] [ With a CD-ROM for Win & Mac ]
Author: Eri Banno, Yoko Ikeda, Yutaka Ohno, Chikako Shinagawa, Kyoko
Tokashiki, ISBN 978-4-7890-1441-0, Published: 11/02/2011.
2) Kanji text book: Chieko Kano et al., Basic Kanji Book I (Tokyo: Bonjinsha, 1989)
They are available for online purchase from:
1. JP Books: http://shop.jpbooks.co.uk/ (you’ll get 10% student discount on its
online shop)
2. Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk
3. Blackwell’s Japanese 1 reading list (not for Genki but others including
recommendations)
4
http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/jsp/readinglists/displaylist.jsp?fm_course=293
24 (password: kyookasho) / Blackwell Bookshop South Bridge, 53-62 South
Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS.Tel: 0131 622 8222, Email:
Edinburgh@blackwell.co.uk
4. Japan Book Centre, Piccadilly http://www.japancentre.com/?cmd=cat&cid=17
Passport-size photo
You are going to make a Japanese ID card in Speaking class in S1W3 so please bring a
passport-sized photograph of yourself with your name written clearly on the back. This
is to help staff identify student names with faces.
Arrangements for classes and tutorial
(from S1W2. Special arrangement for S1W1: see Course Schedule from Page 6)
Note: the classroom on each day of the week will be the same for a whole year, so
even during the special arrangement weeks, please go to the classrooms according to
the day of the week.
10:00-10:50am
11:10am12:00pm
12:10-1:00pm
M
Japanese 1
Language exercises
DHT 7.01(FNM)
T
Japanese 1
Kanji class
CMB Seminar Room 5
(YMS & RS)
W
T
Japanese 1
Speaking exercise –
Group B*
Medical School
Teviot, Seminar Room
2(FNM)
Japanese 1
Speaking
exercise –
Group C*
Medical School
Teviot, Seminar
Room 2(FNM)
Japanese 1
Language exercises
DHT 7.01(FNM)
Japanese 1
Grammar lecture
DHT 7.01(HP)
2:00-2:50pm
3:00-3:50pm
Japanese 1
Speaking exercise
– Group A*
AT G.05 (FNM)
Walk-in
Surgery***
Casual study
group for
students of all
years
7BP Common
Room
Japanese 1
Workbook
Tutorial**
AT G.05(RS)
Japanese 1
Workbook
Tutorial**
AT G.05(RS)
Venues: DHT: David Hume Tower CMB: Chrystal MacMillan Building AT: Appleton
Tower
Teachers: FNM: Fumiko Narumi-Munro YMS: Yoko Matsumoto-Sturt HP: Helen Parker
RS: Richard Stevenson
* You will be allocated to one of those Speaking exercise groups according to the
result of the placement test.
** You will be allocated to one of those Workbook tutorial groups according to the
result of the placement test.
*** This is not a part of Japanese 1 course.
5
Note: Regular attendance is essential, and your attendance will be monitored in all
Japanese 1 classes and tutorial. If you are unable to attend classes or tutorial for
more than a few days, you should account for your absence to the course organizer.
In the case of illness lasting less than seven days, you should ask your Director of
Studies or student Support Officer to complete a medical certification form. If you
are ill for a longer period, a doctor's note is required. In other cases of absence,
you should provide a written statement explaining the reasons for your absence.
6
Course schedule
(please note that this is only a guideline and it may change depending on the
course progress. More details will be given on a separate Weekly Course
timetable.)
SEMESTER 1
Week 1
Mon: Introduction to the course, enrolment questionnaire and placement test (All)
Tue: Hiragana, greetings 1 (FNM)
Wed: Katakana, greetings 2 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L1 and Speaking class allocation announcement (HP)
No Speaking class
Tutorial:
Workbook: Hiragana & katakana practice (RS)
Week 2
Mon: Exercises: L1 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji lecture (YMS)
Wed: Exercises: L1 / HW: L1 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L2 (HP)
Speaking Class:
L1 (FNM)
Tutorial:
L1 Review of Week 2, Workbook (RS)
Week 3
Mon: Exercises: L1 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji lecture (YMS)
Wed: Exercises: L2 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L2-3 (HP)
Speaking class:
L1-2 / HW: Composition 1 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 3, Workbook (RS)
Week 4
Mon: Exercises: L2 / HW: L2 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Tue: Kanji lecture (YMS)
Wed: Exercises: L2 / HW: Composition 2(FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L3 (HP)
Speaking class:
L2 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 4, Workbook (RS)
Week 5
Mon: Exercises: L3 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji lecture (YMS)
Wed: Exercises: L3 / HW: L3 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L4 (HP)
Speaking class:
L3 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 5, Workbook (RS)
Week 6
Mon: Exercises: L3 / HW: Composition 3 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L4, Class Test 1 (L1-3)(FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L4 (HP)
Speaking class:
L4 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 6, Workbook (RS)
7
Week 7
Mon: Gakuen-sai (shopping activity): joint class with J2(FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L4 / HW: L4 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L5 (HP)
Speaking class:
L3-4 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 7, Workbook (RS)
Week 8
Mon: Exercises: L4 / HW: Composition 4 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L5 / HW: Presentation preparation for Speaking class (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L5-6 (HP)
Speaking class:
L5 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 8, Workbook (RS)
Week 9
Mon: Exercises: L5 / HW: L5 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L5-6 / HW: Composition 5 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L6 (HP)
Speaking class:
L5, Presentation 1 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 9, Workbook (RS)
Week 10
Mon: Exercises: L6(FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L6 / HW: L6 Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L7 (HP)
Speaking class:
L6 (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 10, Workbook (RS)
Week 11
Mon: Exercises: Lesson 6 / HW: L6 Listening (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class / Kanji test (tbn) (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L6 (FNM)
Thu: Review, Class Test 2 (L4-6) (HP)
Speaking class:
L6 / HW: Composition 6, New Year card (FNM)
Tutorial:
Review of Week 10 / Semester 1, Workbook (RS)
8
SEMESTER 2
Week 1
Mon: Exercises: L7 (FNM)
Tue: Computer writing (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L7 / HW: Presentation Preparation for Speaking Class and L5
Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L7-8 (HP)
Speaking class:
L7 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of S1, Workbook (RS)
Week 2
Mon: Exercises: L7 / HW: Composition 7 (FNM)
Tue:
Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L8 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L8 (HP)
Speaking class:
L7, Presentation 2 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 2, Workbook (RS)
Week 3
Mon: Exercises: L8 / HW: Class poster(FNM)
Tue:
kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L8 / HW: L8 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L9 (HP)
Speaking class:
L8 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 3, Workbook (RS)
Week 4
Mon: Exercises: L8 / HW: Composition 8 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L9 / HW: L9 Listening (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L9 (HP)
Speaking class:
L9 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 4, Workbook (RS)
Week 5
Mon: Exercises: L9 / HW: L9 Reading (FNM)
Tue:
Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L9 / HW: Composition 9 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L10 (HP)
Speaking class:
L9 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 5, Workbook (RS)
Week 6: Innovative Learning Week
No usual classes
Event
Week 7
Mon: Exercises: L9 / Class Test 3 (L7-9)(FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: lesson 10 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L10 (HP)
Speaking class:
L10 / HW: look up websites (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 7, Workbook (RS)
9
Week 8
Mon: Exercises: L10 / HW: L10 Reading (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L10 / HW: Composition 10, L10 Listening (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L11 (HP)
Speaking class:
L10 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 8, Workbook (RS)
Week 9
Mon: Exercises: L10-11 / HW: job vocab list (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L11 / HW: L11 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L12 (HP)
Speaking class:
L11 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 9, Workbook (RS)
Week 10
Mon: Exercises: L11 / HW: Composition 11 (FNM)
Tue: kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L12 (FNM)
Thu: Grammar: L12 (HP)
Speaking class:
L11, Presentation 3 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 10, Workbook (RS)
Week 11
Mon: Exercises: L12 (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Exercises: L12, Class Test 4 (L10-12) / HW: L12 Listening and Reading (FNM)
Thu: Grammar review 1 (HP)
Speaking class:
L12 (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 11, Workbook (RS)
Week 12
Mon: Exercises: L12 / HW: Composition 12 (by Wed) (FNM)
Tue: Kanji class (YMS & RS)
Wed: Review (L1-12) (FNM)
Thu: Grammar Review 2 (HP)
Speaking class:
Guidance for oral exam (FNM)
Beginner Tutorial:
Review of Week 12 / Semester 2, Workbook (RS)
10
Notes on class preparation
As most of you will know from previous experience, when learning a language it is most
effective to study consistently as you go along. Advance preparation for classes and
tutorials will ensure that you benefit fully from the course.
The Japanese scripts will be new to many of you, so you will need to set aside time to
study them and to find an approach to them which suits you. At the beginning of the
course, you will need to spend time memorizing the hiragana and katakana syllabaries.
If you use hiragana and katakana from the start, especially for writing, you should find
it easier to associate them with the sounds they represent.
Weekly self-study plan:
Self-study preparation before Grammar lecture:
Read the Grammar sections in Genki textbook of the week. Some of Workbook
exercise can be done in this Grammar lectures.
Self-study preparation before Monday, Wednesday and Speaking classes:
Revision: the grammar sections in Genki textbook and Grammar notes.
Preparation: the Vocabulary and Practice part of each class. Listening to the
accompanying audio files on CD-Roms of the textbook and Workbook.
Self-study before Workbook tutorial:
Finish all the assigned Workbook parts BEFORE Thursday Workbook tutorial.
Kanji class:
Regular self-study is essential. The study of kanji is a continuous process:
however long you study Japanese, you will still sometimes encounter new kanji.
On this course we introduce about 250-300 kanji characters: when you know
these, you will be able to read only very simple Japanese, but you will have a
basis on which to continue your study, and you will begin to see links between
new kanji and those you already know. For each kanji, you need to remember
what it means, how to read it in different contexts and how to write it. To
retain this knowledge, it is best to learn your kanji thoroughly and a few at a
time.
Homework (please check the separate weekly course timetable for details):
Monday, Wednesday and Speaking classes:
Regular compositions, presentation preparations, Reading comprehension
exercises and Listening comprehension exercises in Workbook (please see the
weekly course timetable for more details).
Kanji class:
Regular assignments will be given during semesters. The dates will be given on
the weekly timetable, the details on WebCT’s Assignment page.
It is essential to keep up with this work, which is designed to help you learn the
material on which you will be examined.
You should plan your own revision of the grammatical functions and structures and the
vocabulary covered on the course. It is sensible to revise at regular intervals to retain
the material well.
11
Your private study
We recommend that you use some or all of the following aids to study Japanese outside
classes.
Audio-visual
There are Japanese language listening materials available at the Language and
Humanities Centre in the basement of David Hume Tower. You can use them during the
self-access periods timetabled by the centre.
Online Genki resources:
You can access online the following material related to the textbook, Genki:
http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/self_en
Online additional self-study resources: http://study.u-biq.org/english.html
Reference books for Japanese language
Dictionaries
For immediate use in Japanese 1, The Japan Foundation Basic Japanese-English
Dictionary (Tokyo/Oxford: Bonjinsha & Oxford U.P., 1986), designed for English
speaking beginners, is very helpful. The vocabulary is limited, but the dictionary
contains many examples of usage and the entries use both Japanese script with
furigana and romanized script. A range of pocket-sized Japanese-English and EnglishJapanese dictionaries is available in bookstores.
A number of useful larger dictionaries can be found in the reference section of the
Edinburgh University Main Library, on the second floor. If you intend to continue
studying Japanese, the following are recommended for purchase:
1. Kenkyusha’s New Japanese-English and English-Japanese Dictionaries
2. Haig, John W. ed., The New Nelson Japanese-English Character Dictionary, based on
the classical edition by Andrew N Nelson (Tokyo: Tuttle 1997) or Hadamitzy, Wolfgang
and Mark Spahn eds., Japanese Character Dictionary with compound lookup via any
kanji (Boston: Cheng and Tsui 1991)
Online Japanese-English / English-Japanese dictionary: http://jisho.org/
Books on Japanese Language
In addition to the main textbooks, Genki I and Basic Kanji Book I, you are encouraged to
consult other reference books on Japanese language as often as is necessary. Visit
http://www.lib.ed.ac.uk/lib/resbysub/eastasian.shtml
for detailed information on how to locate books on Japanese language in Edinburgh
University Main Library.
12
Assessment
Your final mark for the course will be made up of the following:
1. Continuous assessment (40%)
a) Exercise class homework assignments (e.g. compositions), class activities (e.g.
presentations) and cultural contribution(e.g. performance event for Innovative
Learning Week, ‘Sound of Spring’ etc) and Class tests(held in class hours 4 times
during the year) : 20%
b)
Kanji quiz (during class hours) and Kanji project: 20%
2. Degree examination (60%)
a) Three-hour written paper: 50%
Time: ‘Consolidation and exams’ block (precise time and date to be arranged by the
Registry)
Material covered:Genki I, lessons 1-12
Content: vocabulary and grammar, reading comprehension and composition.
b) Oral examination: 10%
Time: ‘Consolidation and exams’ block (to be arranged by the department)
Material covered: all speaking exercise
Content: short interview in Japanese
Please note that regular homework must be submitted to the class teachers who
assigned the homework, or via WebCT for online assignments. It can be submitted to
the course secretary in the David Hume Tower, but please note that there will be some
delay to get your feedback. Dropboxes have been made available in the fifth-floor
corridor of DHT, one each for Chinese, Japanese and East Asian Civilisation. Your work
will be date-stamped on receipt, as there may be a mark penalty for late submission.
N.B.

If you are unavoidably absent from a class examination or degree examination,
you should provide medical or other relevant evidence for the course organizer
to present to the Special Circumstances Committee before the Board of
Examiners in May. You will receive information about the procedures by e-mail
at the appropriate time (usually during Exam Week). You should also inform
your Director of Studies of any missed examinations, as the documentation for
the Special Circumstances Committee is normally prepared by Directors of
Studies. Please note that it is your responsibility to check university emails
regularly.

No alternative arrangements can be made for students who are absent from
tests held during the class hours.

You will be awarded a percentage mark for each piece of continuous
assessment. The descriptors below (see “marking bands”) are designed to help
you understand how these marks reflect your progress.

The pass mark for the course is 40%.
13
Although the pass mark for the course is 40%, students intending to go onto Japanese
Honours are strongly advised to aim for a mark of 50% or above, and should also be
aware that the mark for Japanese 1 will be taken into account when determining plans
for the third year in Japan: the better your mark, the more likely you are to be able to
go to your first choice of university in Japan.
More details available on: http://www.registry.ed.ac.uk/Examinations/default.htm
Marking bands
Common Extended Marking Scheme
(http://www.registry.ed.ac.uk/Examinations/New_CMS.htm) adapted to language
courses:
A1 (90-100) Excellent
Outstanding work which demonstrates an exceptional understanding of conceptual
ideas and literary texts, showing an unusual degree of original insight and breadth of
independent research. It will have an authoritative ability to synthesise material and to
conceptualise and sustain a sophisticated argument. It will show excellence in its
detailed readings and an ability to both engage with critical debate and intervene
independently in it. In language work, the mark reflects an exceptionally high level of
linguistic competence. (Marks above 90% are considered outstanding and are only rarely
awarded.)
A2 (80-89) Excellent
Excellent work which demonstrates comprehensive understanding of conceptual ideas
and literary texts, showing clear evidence of independent insight and breadth of
research. It will have an impressive ability to synthesise a range of material effectively,
to think analytically and to sustain a complex argument. Its detailed readings will be
sensitive and nuanced and it will show an ability to evaluate alternative critical
perspectives. Its style will be articulate, convincing and engaging. In language work,
the mark reflects a very high level of linguistic competence.
A3 (70-79) Excellent
Work which demonstrates excellent understanding of conceptual ideas and literary
texts, showing evidence of independent insight and reading. It will have an ability to
synthesise material effectively, to think analytically and to sustain an independent
argument. It will show excellence in its detailed readings and an awareness of
alternative critical positions. Its style will be clear, convincing and engaging. In
language work, the mark reflects a high level of linguistic competence.
B (60-69) Very Good
Work which demonstrates an ability to understand the issues raised by the course and
posed by the specific question, engaging in effective discussion. The work will show a
facility in handling concepts, a very good knowledge of primary and some secondary
texts, and a clear, fluent and accurate writing style, at ease with the conventions of
presentation. It will show critical judgement in selecting, ordering and analysing
14
material and an ability to use detailed analyses of texts to further its arguments. The
work will demonstrate a good understanding of the way reading is affected by different
critical perspectives. The work will show a thoughtful response to the texts concerned
and elements of independent thinking. In language work, the mark reflects a sound
level of linguistic competence.
C (50-59) Good
Work which covers the subject matter of the course and is appropriately organised and
presented. It will demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of relevant
conceptual material and literary texts, derived from a solid basis of reading. It will be
accurate and clearly written, grammatically correct, use quotation appropriately and
show adequate familiarity with conventions of presentation in terms of reference and
bibliography. It should be able to draw on information and ideas from lectures and
secondary reading, but may not engage effectively in critical discussion. In language
work, the mark reflects a fair level of linguistic competence.
D (40-49) Satisfactory
Work which shows an adequate but limited knowledge of the subject matter of the
course. The work shows satisfactory knowledge of the content and some response to
the course texts, a basic grasp of critical vocabulary, and some ability to frame an
appropriate response to the question. There are likely to be weaknesses in particular
areas, such as:
• ability to maintain relevance to the question posed
• appropriate illustration to substantiate argument
• grasp of critical material encountered in lectures or secondary reading
• breadth of reading in the set works on the course
• use of effective style, good punctuation and spelling
• use of the conventions specified for the presentation of essays.
In language work, the mark reflects a basic level of linguistic competence.
E (30-39) Falls short of the standard expected for a pass
Work may show some awareness of the issues raised by the course but deals with them
inadequately. It may show some knowledge, but clear weakness in the ability to
understand and respond to individual texts. It may have stylistic problems of
expression, spelling and punctuation. In examinations this mark may indicate short
measure, incomplete answers or rubric violation. In language work, the mark reflects
some level of linguistic competence but shows deficiencies in important respects.
F (20-29) Clear Fail
Work which shows a lack of understanding of the ideas of the course, a substantially
inadequate knowledge of the set texts, and an inability to formulate and communicate
a response to the question. In examinations it will often involve seriously short measure
or incomplete answers. In language work, the mark reflects major linguistic
deficiencies and a failure to grasp basic structures.
G (10-19) Bad Fail
H (0-9) Very Bad Fail
15
These marks (Bands G and H) are generally given only in examination situations,
indicating an unattempted paper or profoundly short measure.
Plagiarism
According to the university's Undergraduate Assessment Regulations 2010/11, No. 14.2
(see
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academic-services/policiesregulations/regulations/assessment; consulted 1/9/2011):
"Plagiarism is the act of copying or including in one’s own work, without adequate
acknowledgement, intentionally or unintentionally, the work of another. It is
academically fraudulent and an offence against University discipline. Plagiarism, at
whatever stage of a student’s course, whether discovered before or after graduation,
will be investigated and dealt with appropriately by the University. The innocent
misuse or citation of material without formal and proper acknowledgement can
constitute plagiarism, even when there is no deliberate intent to cheat. Work may be
plagiarised if it consists of close paraphrasing or unacknowledged summary of a source,
as well as word-for-word transcription. Any failure adequately to acknowledge or
properly reference other sources in submitted work could lead to lower marks and to
disciplinary action being taken."
Please read carefully the university’s guidance for students on avoiding plagiarism at:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/academicservices/staff/discipline/plagiarism
Special Circumstances Committee
Students whose studies and/or exam performance have been affected by illness or
other such factors beyond their control, should make sure that the facts (in writing)
and any appropriate documentation are in the hands of their Director of Studies before
the Boards of Examiners.
You will receive information about the procedures by e-mail at the appropriate time
(during Exam Weeks).
If for any reason you do not wish to involve your Director of Studies in the process, or if
your own DoS is not available, please consult the relevant Exam Convener (details given
during Exam Weeks) who will be able to give you further advice on procedure.
Alternatively, you may contact any other Director of Studies, or the Course Organiser
concerned.
The Boards of Examiners will take place after the Exam Weeks. Board meetings remain
anonymous (i.e. students' names are not mentioned) until the degree class has been
determined, therefore any information about a student's individual special
circumstances will have to be considered by a sub-committee before the Board of
Examiners meets. Evidence cannot be taken into consideration if presented after the
Board has met.
Appeals can only be considered in cases where evidence could not reasonably have
been presented by the deadline or where the exam process is in some way faulty.
More details available at:
http://www.acaffairs.ed.ac.uk/Administration/GuidanceInformation/SpecialCircumsta
nces/index.htm
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University use of E-mail as method of contacting students
When a student joins the University they will be given a University of Edinburgh (UoE)
e-mail account and address. This UoE e-mail account will then be used by the
University for a variety of essential communications with students - for example, the
University will use this mail account to send individuals vital information from time to
time on matters such as exam arrangements or library-related alerts.
Students must therefore access and manage this account regularly, as it will be
assumed that students have opened and acted on these communications. Failure by
students to do so will not be considered an acceptable excuse for student actions or
inactions, or as a ground for appeal.
Should a student already have a web-based e-mail account, and think that they are
unlikely to check their UoE e-mail account, it is that student's responsibility to set up
an auto-forward on the UoE account to ensure that all official University
communications are received.
Computing Services guidance on how to do this is available on the web at
http://www.ucs.ed.ac.uk/fmd/unix/docs/mail/forwarding.html.
A version of this statement of the University's use of e-mail to contact students has
been drafted for inclusion in student-focussed documentation (joining instructions,
programme handbooks, etc.), and is available to download as a rich text format Word
document: downloadable version.
Policy date: 20 May 2006
Last reviewed: 18 July 2008
Student Representation
The Staff Student Liaison Committee for Asian Studies, which usually meets at least
once per semester, is composed of elected class representatives from each class and is
convened by a staff representative. Other members of the teaching staff take turns at
attending the meetings. It is intended as a channel of communication between students
and staff and a forum for both students and staff to raise concerns (whether general or
related to a particular course). It is our opportunity to draw on the student body for
ideas and your chance to have a positive input into course development. If you would
like to speak for your class on the committee, why not stand for class representative
for Japanese 1?
Candidates should give their names to the course co-ordinator by Week 1. An election
will be held during class hours in Week 2-3.
Individuals are welcome to discuss any difficulties relating to study on Japanese 1 with
the course organizer or other members of staff during their office hours or by
appointment.
Complaints relating to academic matters may be raised by the class rep through the
Staff Student Liaison Committee. Alternatively, students may address complaints to the
course organizer, the Subject Convener or the Head of Asian Studies. This may be done
either individually or in consultation with the class rep or Director of Studies. You may
also consult the student association (EUSA) for advice.
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Please note that there is a formal procedure for appeals against the results of
examinations. If you require advice on this procedure you should consult your Director
of Studies, Student Support Officer or EUSA.
Japanese Societies and Social Events

Edinburgh University Japanese Society holds regular events for those interested
in Japan, and would be pleased to hear from you if you would like to join. For
further details, visit the website at: http://eduni.japanese-society.org.uk/

The Japan Society of Scotland, which is a Scotland-wide association, holds many
of its meetings in Edinburgh and particularly welcomes student members. The
web-site is to be found at:
http://www.japansocietyofscotland.org.uk/


The Sound of Spring is a traditional Asian Studies event in which students from
all years are invited to perform readings, songs, pieces of music, martial arts,
etc., in an East Asian language or on an East Asian theme.

Innovative Learning Week (Semester 2 Week 6): there will not be any regular
classes held during this week, but will be a special event and all of you will be
involved.
Beyond Japanese 1
Students who have successfully completed Japanese 1 may continue Japanese into the
second year. In order to prepare for the second year, it is essential to continue to study
regularly and to review the material covered in Japanese 1 thoroughly during the
summer vacation. Students who wish to enrol on Japanese 2A and Japanese 2B may be
required to take a diagnostic test, which is normally held in Week 1 of the first
semester of their second year.
Japanese 2A (40 credits) is a continuation of Japanese 1, on which teaching aims at
enabling students to speak, read and write modern Japanese at an intermediate level.
It is part of the normal second year curriculum for students intending to progress to
Japanese Honours and is also available to those wishing to take Japanese as a further
course. Japanese 2B (40 credits) is designed to equip students with the necessary
reading and writing skills to continue their study of Japanese language and culture at a
Japanese university. It is primarily aimed at students intending to progress to Japanese
Honours, for whom it is part of the normal second year curriculum.
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this course handbook is
correct at the time of publishing. However, it shall not form part of a contract between
the University and a student or applicant and must be read in conjunction with the
Terms and Conditions of Admissions set out in the Undergraduate Prospectus.
Hope you’ll enjoy our course and learn a lot of Japanese culture and language!
Teaching staff of Japanese 1
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