Japanese Post-beginners (Level 2)

You can already manage in basic situations using the present tense, and you have some knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana. You can already manage in everyday situations using the present tense. You have reached the A1 level in the ELP self-assessment grid and/or completed the Beginners (level 1) Course.

Key information

Course starting January 2024

• Course: Tuesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 23 January - ends 2 July 2024
  Lengths: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
  Fees: £250 (payable in two termly instalments of £125 each)

Course started in October 2023

• Course: Wednesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 17 January - ends 20 March 2024
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £125

This course requires a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 20 students. The course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.

Term 1 runs from October to December, Term 2 from January to March and Term 3 from April to July. A full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language.

Alternatively, you can join a Fast Track Post-beginners course.

Entry level

You can already manage in basic situations using the present tense, and you have some knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana.You have reached a level similar to the CEFR A1 level or completed the Beginners (level 1) or you have enough knowledge to be on track with the group. You can use the ELP self-assessment grid to judge how competent you are in the language. Alternatively, if you require help to assess your level please contact us or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

Course content

• Making requests and asking permission
• Hotel and restaurant reservations
• Describing the characteristics of a person or place
• Giving opinions and making comparisons
• Reading and writing short paragraphs
• We will study 145 Kanji throughout the course

Resources

• Genki 1 textbook : First Edition / 2nd Edition
• Genki 1 Second Edition: Workbook

It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required. With some languages there is the option for us to order text books on behalf of a class.

There isn’t a University bookshop however The European Bookshop website holds our book list and offers a 10% discount to all our students. Languages at Leicester reading list.

Our approach

This course is taught in Japanese and English. Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary, writing system (Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana characters) and grammar structures of the Japanese language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic based activities and guided practice in the use of Japanese language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. Lessons are planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression

Upon completing the Post-Beginners level (2), you can progress onto the Intermediate level (3).