Japanese Advanced (Level 5)

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 500 kanji. You are confident when speaking about yourself and can talk about something that you are interested in. You have reached the equivalent to a full level B1 on the ELP self-assessment grid (equivalent to an A-Level grade B to A) and/or completed the Upper-Intermediate (level 4) course.

Key information

Course started in October 2024

• Course: Wednesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes 22 January - ends 26 March 2025
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £150

This course is taught in conjunction with the Upper-intermediate level (4) as a mixability group. The tutor provides appropriate support to each group and students to support progress and attainment at their respective levels.

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 500 kanji and confident when speaking about yourself and can talk about something that you are interested in. You have reached a level similar to a full CEFR B1 or completed the Upper-intermediate (level 4) 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 topics will be chosen from current Japanese events and culture. You are going to read some newspaper articles, blog posts and watch YouTube videos. Also you will be asked to research and give presentations in the class in order to increase vocabulary and gain confidence speaking in a group. During each term two Japanese guest speakers will be invited for you to talk about their experience in Japan. You will have a few Japanese volunteers sit in your class every week to help your learning and practising Japanese.

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. 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 Advanced level (5), you can progress onto the Post-Advanced level (6).If you are interested in attending an Post-Advanced course please email Languages at Leicester at lalenquriries@le.ac.uk to register your interest.