Through watching entertainment /educational TV programs (using audio-visual materials), students are expected to learn traditional Japanese culture, modern lifestyle, and underlying values of the Japanese people. Various practices will be conducted to improve students' listening skills required for intermediate level.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. enrich their lives in Japan by understanding various aspects of Japanese culture;
2. develop appropriate listening skills to understand spoken Japanese used in real life.
It is highly recommended that students set their own goals at the beginning of this course so as to realize their achievements after seven weeks.
audio-visual material, culture, lifestyle, sense of values, Japanese in real life
Specialist skills | ✔ Intercultural skills | ✔ Communication skills | ✔ Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
At each class, students will watch a DVD which highlights one topic. To begin with, students should try to grasp a general idea of the whole story, rather than to understand every single word they hear. Handouts will be provided to help students understand precisely. On the other hand, students should maintain their viewpoints while watching, because sometimes there is no simple right answer as might be asked in a “listening quiz”. Students are encouraged to share their opinions on the topic. Homework will be assigned as well.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Orientation, Tokyo station -- restored gateway to Tokyo (entertainment) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 2 | Bento — a big message in a small container (food culture) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 3 | Hot spring culture — it’s more than just “bathing” (entertainment) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 4 | Introduction to traditional Japanese confectionery – sweet and clever hospitality (food culture) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 5 | Introduction to basic Japanese business manners1 (how to deal with visitors) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 6 | Introduction to basic Japanese business manners1 (how to deal with visitors) | mastering today's vocabulary, writing an essay on the scenes watched today with keywords |
Class 7 | Final exam, Presentation | measuring the achievement of objectives; discussing the opinions about DVD |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
The instructor will provide all the material needed for class.
Not specified.
Students are required to attend more than 70% (mandatory) of the scheduled classes and to achieve a score of 60 or above to pass the course based on the following criteria: assignments (20%) , final exam(45%), and presentation(35%).
Only for international students who have completed Intermediate Japanese 4 or the equivalent level.
You must reserve your place in the class in advance using Japanese class online system (http://js.ila.titech.ac.jp/~web). You will not be allowed to attend the class without reservation.