Japanese Upper-intermediate (Level 4)

This course is for learners who are able to understand Japanese text written in Kana and Kanji with some support. You should be familiar with at least 300 kanji. You are confident when speaking about yourself and can talk about something that you are interested in. You have reached a B1.1 level in the ELP self-assessment grid (equivalent to an A-Level grade F to C) and/or completed the Intermediate (level 3) Course.

Key information

Course starting in October 2024

• Course: Wednesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Starts 9 October 2024 - ends 26 March 2025
  Lengths: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
  Fees: £300 (payable in two termly instalments of £150 each)  

This course will be taught in a small group. It requires a minimum of 7 and it can have up to a maximum of 14 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. 

Entry level

You are able to understand Japanese text written in Kana and Kanji with some support. You are familiar with at least 300 kanji. You are confident when speaking about yourself and can talk about something that you are interested in. You have reached a level similar to the first part of a CEFR B1 or completed the Intermediate (level 3) 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

The course is for learners who will reach the level of Independent Language User. You will practice and learn in order to understand the main points of texts about familiar topics. Also you will learn to be able to have a coherent conversation in Japanese. These are the keywords for the course:

• Meeting people
• Food, favourite music
• Going traveling
• Manga
• Martial arts
• Gadgets
• Traditional festivals

Resources

The tutor will provide the language resources for this course. For your first lesson, you will only need a notepad and a pen/pencil.

Our approach

This course is taught in Japanese; English is used when necessary or requested by students in particular situations or grammar explanations. 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. The group size is limited to 12 students and planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression

Upon completing the Upper-intermediate level (4), you can progress onto the Advanced level (5).