JAPN 3211 - Intermediate Japanese A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course aims to develop students' Japanese language competence at the (lower) intermediate level. A substantial number of vocabulary, kanji and grammar points at the intermediate level are introduced using function-based textbooks, whilst enabling students to review and integrate their prior knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. This course also offers practical communication practice to build students' ability to converse and discuss on a wide range of topics. At the same time, strong emphasis is placed on developing reading and writing skills using practical materials used for different functions and situations in Japanese.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code JAPN 3211
    Course Intermediate Japanese A
    Coordinating Unit Asian Studies
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites JAPN 2212, JAPN 3202 & JAPN 3203
    Incompatible JAPN 2011
    Course Description This course aims to develop students' Japanese language competence at the (lower) intermediate level. A substantial number of vocabulary, kanji and grammar points at the intermediate level are introduced using function-based textbooks, whilst enabling students to review and integrate their prior knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. This course also offers practical communication practice to build students' ability to converse and discuss on a wide range of topics. At the same time, strong emphasis is placed on developing reading and writing skills using practical materials used for different functions and situations in Japanese.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Associate Professor Shoko Yoneyama

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course students will: 
    1 have knowledge and understanding of Japanese at an intermediate level (e.g. grammar, vocabulary, kanji) 
    2 have linguistic skills of Japanese at an intermediate level, in all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. 
    3 be able to locate and use Japanese materials on the Internet, to conduct basic research on various aspects of Japan 
    4 develop skills in communicating in Japanese in a culturally appropriate manner in a variety of situations including business and professional contexts. 
    5 be proficient in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies in research, writing, communication and presentation. 
    6 develop qualities to become autonomous, critical and creative thinkers, able to work as professionals in relevant fields relating to Japan, using the knowledge and skills listed above.
    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
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1-6
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 6
    An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 1-6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The following textbooks are used:

    1) Minna no nihongo Chukyu I (みんなの日本語中級I )(Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 2008)
    2) Minna no Nihongo Chukyu I: Translation & Grammatical Notes (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 2009)
    3) Minna no Nihongo Chukyu 1: Mondaishu (Tokyo: 3A Corporation, 2012)

    The above set of textbooks are available at UniBooks.

    Copies of these textbooks are available at the Barr Smith (University) Library.

    Lecture recordings: Please note that lectures will not be recorded.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    All classes will involve interactive teaching and learning. There will be two parts:
    • Textbook-based structured learning where students can learn essential vocabulary, kanji, grammar and conversation skills in a systematic manner;
    • Student-centred and small group learning where students are engaged in small-scale research on a topic relevant to the reading material provided.

    The small group discussions will enable students to share information and ideas in Japanese.
    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 1-hour workshop (or equivalent) per week 12 hours per semester
    4 hours reading per week 48 hours per semester
    4 hours practice per week 48 hours per semester
    2 hours assignment preparation per week 24 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Information available on enrolment.
  • 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
    Participation and research journal Formative and Summative 20% 1-6
    Vocabulary and grammar tests Formative and Summative 20% 1-6
    Group research presentation Formative and Summative 20% 1-6
    Conversation test Summative 10% 1-6
    Exam Summative 30% 1-6
    Assessment Detail
    Participation and research journal (20%): Student participation and interaction in the classes will be included in the assessment and is essential. Progress of the hard copy research journal will also be assessed.

    Kanji, Vocabulary & Grammar Tests (20%): These are designed to help students to keep up with the learning of vocabulary, kanji and grammar.

    Conversation Test (20%): This is to assess students’ ability to communicate verbally based on vocabulary, expressions and grammar points learned in Lessons 1-5, and in particular, the conversation section of the textbook. The test will conducted with 2 students who speak for 2 minutes each.

    Research Presentation (10%): Students are required to do a presentation in groups of 2-3 based on a research topic they have selected in consultation with the lecturer. Mode of delivery can be face to face in the class (using PowerPoint) or online through a pre-recorded video.

    Exam (30%): The 2-hour exam will cover all aspects of the course.
    Submission
    Information available on enrolment.
    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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