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Updated in [March 06th, 2023]
This course, Japanese for Beginners 1, is designed for those who are interested in exploring the culture of the modern East through learning the language. The course materials are provided by the teaching staff from the Department of Japan Studies. Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to read simple texts in Japanese, write using hiragana and katakana scripts as well as kanji characters, understand basic vocabulary in speech and use it in everyday communicative situations, and form their own sentences using the provided grammar material. The course provides extensive materials on Japanese grammar, phonetics, writing system and communication etiquette, as well as exercises for learners to apply the new knowledge. The vocabulary of the course consists of more than 200 words. Those who wish to continue their learning of Japanese language can proceed to the second part of this course - Japanese for Beginners 2.
[Applications]
Upon completion of this course, learners are encouraged to apply their new knowledge of Japanese language by engaging in conversations with native speakers, reading Japanese literature, and watching Japanese films. Additionally, learners can further their knowledge by taking the second part of this course - Japanese for beginners 2 - which will provide more in-depth materials on the language.
[Career Paths]
The following are some recommended career paths for learners who have completed this course:
1. Japanese Translator/Interpreter: Translators and interpreters are in high demand in the global market, and those who are proficient in Japanese language can find many opportunities in this field. With the knowledge gained from this course, learners can start their career as a Japanese translator/interpreter, and develop their skills further by taking advanced courses in translation and interpretation.
2. Japanese Language Teacher: Learners can also pursue a career as a Japanese language teacher. With the knowledge gained from this course, they can teach basic Japanese language to beginners, and develop their skills further by taking advanced courses in teaching Japanese language.
3. Japanese Content Creator: With the knowledge gained from this course, learners can also pursue a career as a Japanese content creator. They can create content for websites, blogs, magazines, and other media outlets in Japanese language. This field is growing rapidly, and those who are proficient in Japanese language can find many opportunities in this field.
4. Japanese Business Consultant: Learners can also pursue a career as a Japanese business consultant. With the knowledge gained from this course, they can provide advice and guidance to businesses on how to conduct business in Japan, and develop their skills further by taking advanced courses in business and management.
[Education Paths]
Recommended degree paths for learners of Japanese for beginners 1 include:
1. Bachelor of Arts in Japanese Studies: This degree program provides a comprehensive overview of the language, culture, and history of Japan. Students will learn about the language, literature, and culture of Japan, as well as the history and politics of the country. They will also gain an understanding of the Japanese economy and its role in the global economy. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in international relations, business, or teaching.
2. Master of Arts in Japanese Language and Culture: This degree program focuses on the language, culture, and history of Japan. Students will learn about the language, literature, and culture of Japan, as well as the history and politics of the country. They will also gain an understanding of the Japanese economy and its role in the global economy. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in international relations, business, or teaching.
3. Master of Science in Japanese Language and Culture: This degree program focuses on the language, culture, and history of Japan. Students will learn about the language, literature, and culture of Japan, as well as the history and politics of the country. They will also gain an understanding of the Japanese economy and its role in the global economy. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in international relations, business, or teaching.
4. Doctor of Philosophy in Japanese Language and Culture: This degree program focuses on the language, culture, and history of Japan. Students will learn about the language, literature, and culture of Japan, as well as the history and politics of the country. They will also gain an understanding of the Japanese economy and its role in the global economy. This degree program is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in research, teaching, or international relations.
The development trends for these degree paths include an increased focus on the use of technology in language learning, as well as an emphasis on the cultural aspects of the language. Additionally, there is an increased focus on the use of digital tools and resources to facilitate language learning. Finally, there is an increased emphasis on the use of authentic materials and resources to help learners gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture.
Course Syllabus
Unit 1
This week we are going to learn the general information about the Japanese language, the basics of phonetics and pronunciation, grammar structure of the Japanese sentences, and the first letters of hiragana script.Unit 2
This week's grammar materials contain the information about Japanese pronouns, the structure of a simple declarative sentence. In writing lessons you are going to learn how to write new hiragana letters.Unit 3
This week you are going to learn how Japanese verbs and adjectives change their form, as well as learn new Japanese suffixes. Writing lessons introduce another Japanese script - katakana. Unit 4
This week you are going to learn to introduce new objects and adverbial modifiers, ask new questions. In writing lessons you will learn the rules of voicing and invoicing in the katakana script. Unit 5
In this unit there will be less new grammar rules, and main attention will be paid to lexical aspects, as well as to etiquette and polite forms. In the writing lessons you will learn how to write your first characters.
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