Japanese

Please see our timetable for course offerings in the upcoming term.

Konnichi wa! Are you travelling to Japan for business, pleasure, or to teach English? Perhaps you will be hosting Japanese visitors. Our Japanese courses give you the language skills you need to deal with these and other situations. Japanese characters (hiragana, katakana, and kanji) and grammar concepts are gradually introduced as students build confidence and competence in spoken Japanese. Our instructors will make you feel comfortable using the language while they introduce you to a culture rich in traditions of respect for history and family. "I recommend this course to anyone interested in a challenge worth taking on. It's an important language to learn for the future."

LEVEL I

Students with no previous knowledge of the language should register at this level. Participants will develop comprehension and "survival" speaking skills. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to understand simple sentences and ask and respond to basic questions relating to themselves and their classmates.

LEVEL II

Beginner level students who have had some exposure to the language, but who require a review of basic language structures and vocabulary should register at this level. Students will practise simple phrases and questions, increase their vocabulary, and improve their ability to understand the language. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to answer simple questions and talk about daily life in the present tense.

LEVEL III

This course is designed for students with a command of basic vocabulary and grammar skills. Students will begin to develop fluency and confidence in speaking at this level as their knowledge of language structures and vocabulary increases. Upon completion of this course, students should be able to use structures and vocabulary to discuss events in the present and past.

LEVEL IV

This level is designed for students who have acquired basic fluency, but still need work in the areas of verb usage, vocabulary enrichment, and complex sentence structure. Students will increase their fluency through presentations and discussions. Upon completion, students should have begun to think in the target language and speak spontaneously using present, past, and future tenses.

LEVEL V

This course is designed for students who can understand and carry on a discussion. The complex verb tenses are introduced at this level and students will participate in discussions and make presentations in the target language. Upon completion, students should have developed the confidence to use the language in a variety of situations.

LEVEL VI

This course is designed for students who can communicate well using most verb tenses. Participants will direct this seminar-style course under the guidance of the instructor. Upon completion, students should have increased fluency through discussion and exposure to culture.

LEVEL VII

This course is designed for students who have acquired an advanced level of oral communication, but need practice to maintain fluency. Under the direction of the instructor, students will lead this seminar-style course. A review of grammar will be conducted as required.

For more information please contact 982.6633.