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20/S1 JPNS 1013 A - Introductory Japanese I

INTRODUCTORY JAPANESE 1

St. Thomas University

Fall, 2020

Class Hours:TTh 2:30 - 3:50pm

Instructor:Michiko Nishijima (西島美智子)

Office Hours:by appointment

Contact: nishijima@stu.ca

Course Description

This course focuses on (1) the fundamental structure of Japanese and (2) practice of communication skills. Each lesson of the textbook presents a communicative function which is followed by work on sentence structure and grammar. Listening and speaking practice is included in class activities. Writing systems, hiragana and katakana, are also practiced for both reading and writing. Since this course is introductory, it is not open to students who have studied basic Japanese before.

The course is conducted with a combination of different methods. Virtual live classes and small group in person classes. Students can take the course remotely, however, they are expected to attend the virtual live classes at scheduled hours. In person small group classes will be altered online if not able to attend.

Preparation for Alternate Methods of the course

Active STU email account

Good Internet Connection

Access to STU Moodle

Download MS Teams from Office 365 at STU website on your device. A desktop or laptop computer with a speaker and a camera is recommended.

Headset / Earphone (option)

Also, students are required to submit assignments and tests as PDF files. If you do not have a scanner, download the free app called Genuine Scan on your cell phone. It is easy to use and performs well.

Requirements

Preparedness10%

Get the proper course materials, have appropriate devices and apps, be able to access to the platforms the class uses, and be familiar with the alternative methods of learning.

Class Participation 10%

Because of the language element, class participation is important. Not only attending the class but also participating in the class activities is expected. Students are expected to be in the class on time and through the class hours.

Assignments10%

The instructor will give assignments in each class for students to complete by the following class. The assignments are meant to be all individual work, not team or group work. The assignments will be checked in the following class.

Class Tests 45%

Writing tests are conducted three times during the class hours. The tests cover the writing systems, vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and listening comprehension. Students are allowed to look at the GENKI 1 textbook, workbook, and the notes that are written by him/her self. Other references such as someone else’s assists, translating sites/machines, are regarded as cheating and will cause deduction of the mark.

Writing and Oral Evaluation 25%

First, write a letter in Japanese, hand it in, then each student will be assigned for the oral evaluation based on the content of the letter.

Grading Scale

A+ 92 - 100 B+ 76 - 79.9 C+ 64 - 67.9 D 50 - 54.9

A 86 - 91.9 B 72 - 75.9 C 60 - 63.9F 0 - 49.9

A- 80 - 85.9 B- 68 - 71.9 C- 55- 59.9

Textbook/Workbook required

GENKI 1 (Third Edition ONLY)

Publisher: The Japan Times (https://genki3.japantimes.co.jp)

Where to purchase:

the University Bookstore https://www.bkstr.com/newbrunswickstore/home

Blue Tree Management (Canada) Ltd. https://bluetreebooks.com/