Basic
Time: Basic Group 1: Friday 14:30 - 16:30
Basic Group 2: Friday 17.00 - 19.00
Tutor: Group 1: Nahoko Mulvey
Group 2: Keiko Harada
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)
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
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.
Thirty-minutes Kanji classes are also available. It is highly recommended to learn Kanji together with
the grammar class. If you are interested in Kanji, please have a look at the OPAL Japanese Kanji
programme.
Course material:
The course is taught in English and in Japanese using the textbook Minna no Nihongo 2nd ver. vol.1
(ISBN 978-4-88319-603-6 Publisher: 3A Corporation) and Minna no Nihongo Shokyu [2nd ver] vol. 1
Kaite Oboeru Bunkei Renshucho (ISBN: 978-4-88319-607-4)
(as a reference) Minna no Nihongo Shokyu (2nd ver) vol.1 Translation & Grammatical Notes English
ver, (ISBN 978-4-88319-604-3) as well as other printed exercises and audio/video material.
Course description:
The course will cover the Lessons 1- 13. 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, coursework)
Progress test at the end of Michaelmas term
A two-hour examination at the beginning of Trinity term
A project to be presented by the end of week 5 during Trinity term
15%
15%
35%
35%
Final marks & recommendation:
50 – 59 Pass
60 – 69 Good Pass
70 – 79 Pass with merit
80 + Distinction
Learning outcomes:
*We will complete the first 13 chapters of the textbook.
*The students will understand a range of familiar everyday expressions and vocabulary. They will be
able to ask / answer questions about personal details. The students will also read simple texts and
write short essays. They will find themselves quite confident in spoken Japanese.
By the time they complete the course, the students will be at a level similar to the grammatical level in
the half way into Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), N5.