HU Credits: 4

Degree/Cycle: 1st degree (Bachelor)

Responsible Department: Language Center

Semester: 1st Semester

Teaching Languages: Japanese

Campus: Mt. Scopus

Course/Module Coordinator: Language Center

Coordinator Email: languagehu@savion.huji.ac.il

Coordinator Office Hours: By appointment

Teaching Staff:
Dr. Kumiko Yayama

Course/Module description:
The Language Center courses are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). “Japanese 3” is designed in accordance with A2.1 outcomes. Classes are conducted in the target language from day one and simultaneously develop oral and written reception, production and interaction skills. The learning process is systematic and gradual, placing emphasis on linguistic and cultural awareness, on mediation and intercultural communication competence, and on developing effective learning strategies, fostering autonomous learning. Learning outcomes are formulated in CAN DO terms, what learners can actually do in the language, in keeping with the CEFR.

Course/Module aims:
- developing a rich communicative repertoire in the target language
- internalizing the language through first-hand experience
- developing nuanced cultural awareness
- constructing an enjoyable and supportive learning environment
- boosting learner confidence
- constructing the foundations of academic skills in the target language
- developing autonomous learning tools
- maximizing learning in and outside of the classroom

Learning outcomes - On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
-Understand enough to manage routine exchange without much effort in familiar contexts
-Maintain a conversation or discussion with opportunity for clarification; learner is generally intelligible throughout, despite occasional mispronunciation
-Comprehend straightforward texts on subjects related to own fields of interest, without understanding every word or every Kanji.
-Write a text on familiar topics, present and justify one’s opinion.
-Write personal letters/emails giving news and expressing thoughts
-Talk about cultural topics.
-Explicitly reflect on own progress, in speech and in writing, using the target language
-Integrate into the consecutive course at Hebrew University or at CEFR-aligned institutions abroad.
-Rely on tools acquired in the course to engage in autonomous learning outside of class (i.e. via Tandem or student exchange programs)

Detailed learning outcomes are available at https://languages.huji.ac.il/cefr

Attendance requirements(%):
100

Teaching arrangement and method of instruction: Active and intensive learning, facilitated by the teachers, via exclusive use of the target language. The course takes an action-oriented approach; therefore, all students must be active and work to co-construct meaning, employing oral and written reception, production, interaction and mediation skills. Students are responsible for their own learning processes, inside and outside of classroom. Outcomes depend entirely on preparation (flipped classroom) and on active participation in all sessions. The learning process relies on continuous assessment and learner awareness throughout, centered around oral and written CAN DO tasks and various forms of quizzes. Students receive consistent and detailed feedback, and reflect on their own needs and learning processes, which in turn feed back into their learning. Summative assessment consists of an oral exam towards the end of the semester and a final written exam, which both assess fluency, accuracy and cultural appropriateness.

Course/Module Content:
1.Discussing physical conditions and simple matters at a hospital
2.Sharing experiences
3.Customs, culture and rules – learn it and expressing your opinion
4.Communicate news and everyday information to others
5.Using polite language
6.Searching for work, discussing life in Japan
7.Shopping – asking for help, make decisions
8.Future plans and goals – asking for advice
9.Share information about your town

Required Reading:
The Language Center courses rely on current learning materials imported from abroad. Towards the opening of the academic year, students registered for the course will receive detailed guidelines re purchasing the book(s) at reduced cost for HUJI students and the manner of distribution. Students must bring the coursebook(s) to every class.
We'll finish the books from last year and continue with the yellow books:

Dekiru Nihongo Beginner-Intermediate Textbook, by Kazuko Shimada et al.,
publisher: Bonjinsha Co.LTD
Dekiru Nihongo Beginner-Intermediate: My Grammar Note
Dekiru Nihongo Beginner-Intermediate: My Word Note
Kanji Tamagao Beginner-intermediate: By Kazuko Shimada et al, Publisher: Bonjinsha Co. LTD

Additional Reading Material:
Will be published on moodle during the semester

Grading Scheme :
Written / Oral / Practical Exam / Home Exam 20 %
Other 80 %

Additional information:
Formative Assessment

Assessment of Communicative Competence:
-"Can do" projects, including revision and reflection: 20%
-Oral communication quizzes (online): 15%

Assessment of Building Blocks:
-Ongoing tasks, including preparation: 15%
-Catch up tasks 10%
-Kanji quizzes 5%

Summative Assessment:
-Oral exam 15% (during class time, towards the end of the semester)
-Final written CAN DO exam 20% (dates published in official university exam schedule)

*Please note: according to the regulations of the Asian Studies Dept., a minimum of 70 is required in order to advance to the next Japanese language course.

Please carefully review the guidelines below:
1. According to HUJI regulations (6.2) participation in all classes is mandatory. Lack of participation, including due to conflicts in scheduling, may result in not being eligible for a course grade.
2. Participation in Language Center classes is 100% mandatory. Since language classes, much like workshops or labs, rely entirely on learning by doing, they cannot be made up after the fact. When absence is justified due to illness, students must make a special effort to catch up and come prepared to the next session. Arriving in class more than 15 minutes late will be marked as an absence. In the event of participation in less than 80% of the sessions, the student will not receive a grade for the entire course.
3. All quizzes are conducted at the designated time only and cannot be completed later.
4. All course assignments must be submitted on time to ensure the coherence of the learning process. Submitting a language task from early on in the course at the end of the course defeats the purpose and cannot be accepted.
5. In the event of planned absence, recognized by university regulations, including army reserve duty, hospitalization, childbirth or a mandatory study trip for another course, the teacher will provide guidelines for completing course work, including alternative submission and quiz dates. Such arrangements must be coordinated with the teacher in advance and not after the fact.
6. The oral exam will take place during class time, towards the end of the semester, and will be conducted by two teachers, as per the regulations. This exam will have no alternative date.
7. The final written exam will take place on the dates set within the official university exam schedule. This exam is open book.