JAPN 1001 - Japanese IA

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

Japanese IA: Beginner is designed for students with little or no previous knowledge of Japanese. If you already know hiragana, katakana and approximately 60 basic kanji, you are advised to enrol in Japanese IB. This course offers instruction and practice in the four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking, while introducing the basic grammar and vocabulary of modern Japanese as well as the basic writing system, hiragana, katakana and beginners kanji. In classes, emphasis will be placed on developing students' basic communication skills in both spoken and written Japanese to build a solid foundation at the beginner level. The aims of the course are: i) to enhance and consolidate the introductory grammar; ii) to expand knowledge and use of vocabulary in both conversational and written contexts; iii) to develop communication skills/strategies; iv) to become familiar with hiragana, katakana and basic kanji; v) to become efficient and independent language learners. If you have completed Year 12 SACE Beginners/Continuers Japanese at high school or any equivalent study overseas, you are not eligible to enrol in this course. Entry courses for students with Year 12 NEW SACE grades: 1) Beginners Japanese graduates Japanese IA (All graduates) Japanese IB (Graduates with A+ and A)* 2) Continuers Japanese graduates Japanese IA (Graduates with B- or below) Japanese IB (Graduates with B-)* Japanese IIA (Graduates with A-, B+ and B) Japanese IIB (Graduates with A-)* Japanese IIIA (Graduates with A+ and A) *subject to course advisor's approval

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code JAPN 1001
    Course Japanese IA
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites No assumed knowledge of Japanese is required. This course is for (total) beginners with little or no previous knowledge of Japanese.
    Assessment continuous assessment, exam(s)
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Ms Akiko Tomita

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Enhance and consolidate the introductory grammar and expand knowledge
    and use of vocabulary in both conversational and written context
    2 Become familiar with hiragana, katakana and basic kanji
    3 Develop communication skill/strategies
    4 Develop the skills required for collaborative work with peers
    5 Become efficient and independent language learners
    6 Equip students with skills to use online sources for Japanese language studies
    7 Develop an understanding of and respect for cultural difference and diversity combined
    with a knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in intercultural
    communication
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1,2,3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 4,5
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3-7
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4,5
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 6
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 7
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 7
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Textbooks

    1. Minna no Nihongo I (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 1998)

    2. Minna no Nihongo I: Translation & Grammatical Notes (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 1998)

    3.Minna no Nihongo I: Kanji (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 2000)

    4. Minna no Nihongo I:Hyoojun-mondai-shuu (Exercises) (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 1999)

    The above books are sold as “Minna no Nihongo Pack 1” at UniBooks of the North Terrace campus. Minna no NihongoI accompanying CDs are available in the Reserve section of Barr Smith Library.

    5. Supplementary booklet for Japanese 1A compiled by Akiko Tomita.
    The booklet is available for purchase at the Image and Copy Centre which is located on Level 1 of the Hughes Building. Please visit the Centre just before or in the first week of the first semester.
    Recommended Resources
    At this beginner level, a dictionary is not an essential item since the vocabulary and kanji that students need to learn are listed in Translation & Grammatical Notes and the Kanji book. There may be cases, however, when students feel the need to look elsewhere for other words and grammatical points for the assignments and their independent study. The following reference books are useful for study outside classroom at this course level.

    Essential Kanji – 2,000 basic Japanese characters, 1987, O’Neill, P.G., New
    York: Weatherhill.

    A Dictionary of Elementary Japanese Grammar, 1995, Makino, S. & Tsutsumi,
    M., Tokyo: Japan Times.

    In addition, many useful online Japanese-learning sites, including online dictionary/translation sites are also available on the Internet – a list of useful Japanese learning web-links can be found under the ‘e-learning links’ tab on MyUni.

    Online Learning
    The couse will utilise several e-learning learning resources via the MyUni platform and students will be given a practical session using such resources.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    To create language compatible learning environments where students feel free to interact and contribute to the class we endeavour to use relevant situational material to construct ‘real’ example sentences in a variety of pair or group activities in Japanese 1A.

    This approach allows us to provide real world communication situations while emphasising the relevance and the importance of learning new grammar and vocabulary in Japanese.

    Teaching props, guest visitors and audio visual teaching aids may be used to teach vocabulary and grammar. Focus is given to understandings of Japanese language, culture and intercultural relationships throughout the course.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 2-hour lecture (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    1 x 2-hour tutorial (or equivalent) per week 24 hours per semester
    4 hours vocabulary study per week 48 hours per semester
    3 hours language practice per week 36 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Schedule
    Week 1 Greetings, Introduction, and Japanese Script
    Week 2 Greetings, Introduction, and Japanese Script
    Week 3 Greetings, Introduction, and Japanese Script
    Week 4 Chapter 1 & Script & Dictation Test 1
    Week 5 Chapter 2
    Week 6 Review & Script & Dictation Test 2
    Week 7 Chapter 3
    Week 8 Chapter 4 & Review Test 1
    Week 9 Chapter 5
    Week 10 Review, Intercultural Group discussion & Pronunciation clinic
    Week 11 Listening Comprehension & Dictation Test
    Week 12 Review Test & Oral Test
    Specific Course Requirements
    Self-study Students are expected to study at least one hour in the Computer Language Laboratory (LL) in Napier Building 107 per week.

    The Minna no Nihongo 1 audio material has been digitized onto all computers in the LL for students' use.

    Alternatively, students may wish to do the oral/aural practice by borrowing a tape/CD from the University Library.

    Please see the LL notice for the times available for students to study in the LL.

    In the LL, students are responsible for bringing along their own headsets for their use.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Learning Outcome
    Script & Dictation Test 1 Formative
    and summative
    10% 1,2,3,5,6,7
    Script & Dictation Test 2 Formative
    and summative
    15% 1,2,3,5,6,7
    Review Test Formative
    and summative
    15% 1,2,3,5,6,7
    Project Formative
    and summative
    10% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
    Listening & Dictation Examination summative 10% 1,2,3,5,6,7
    Oral Examination summative 10% 1,2,3,4,5,6,7
    Written Examination summative 30% 1,2,3,5,6,7
    Assessment Detail
    Test

    Script & Dictation Test 1 (Hiragana & L1 Vocab) 10% weighting

    Script & Dictation Test 2 (Hiragana, Katakana & L1& L2 Vocab) 15% weighting

    Mid–Semester Review Test (Vocab/Grammar L1—L3, Kanji Unit 1-3) 15% weighting

    Assignment:Intercultural Project 10% weighting
    (1) Discussion board (3%)
    (2) Intercultural Reflection Paper (7%)  

    Examination

    Final Listening Comprehension & Dictation Examination 10% weighting

    Written Examination  (Vocab/Grammar L1-L5, Kanji Units 1-5) 30% weighting

    Oral Test (pair presentation) 10% weighting
    Submission
    Students must submit their assignments online via Turnitin.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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