Japanese Intermediate (part 1)

sIn part 1, you’ll learn to talk about trips and new experiences - sharing your thoughts and feelings about the things that you’ve tried. There are another 100 kanji characters to discover, and you’ll work on your writing skills, carefully practising on Japanese manuscript paper.

We’ll also continue to draw on Japanese culture as a learning tool. There is a lot of fun ahead - reading manga and watching anime films in your own time and discussing these in class!

This intermediate level is designed to challenge you. There’s a lot to learn but with the support of your tutor, your classmates and our resources, you’ll be well prepared.

This is the first of three intermediate level modules. Join us for parts 2 and 3 to work towards JLPT N3 level or enrol on the full syllabus.

Who is it for?

We should be able to communicate at JLPT N4 level to enrol. This usually means at least 180 hours of formal learning and some independent study. You may have recently completed our lower intermediate syllabus, or equivalent. See the eligibility section for more information.

Timetable

This course takes place once a week for 10 weeks.

Benefits

• Sign up for this 10 week module without committing to a full year
• Small group sizes create an engaging learning environment and allow more tailored feedback from the tutor.

By the end of this course, you will be able to

• talk about trips and new experiences – your thoughts, your feelings and the things you tried
• present information about your pets and family and explain your relationships with them
• read a recruitment announcement and understand the application process and other details
• imagine participants impressions to an event or the activities they did
• talk with a friend about a private matter while confirming information
• use another 100 kanji.

Grammatical structures including:

• ～たて
  焼きたてのパンは、やわらかくて美味しいね。
  Freshly baked bread is soft and delicious.
• ～に慣れる
  東京に3年間住んで、混んでいる電車に慣れました。
  I lived in Tokyo for 3 years and became used to the crowded trains.
• ～しかない
  電車もバスも止まってしまったから、歩くしかない。
  Since the train and bus are not working, there is no choice but to walk.
• ～代わりに
  上司の代わりに出張に行く。
  I will go on a business trip in place of my superior.
• ～によると
  天気予報によると、あさっては雨だそうです。
  According to the weather forecast, the day after tomorrow will be rain.
• V-ようとする
  シャワーを浴びようとしたが、水が出なかった。
  I was about to take a shower, but no water would come out.
• ～さえ～ば
  時間さえあれば、もっと日本語が勉強できます。
  If only I had more time, I could study more Japanese.

You will be awarded an official City, University of London certificate on completion of the course if you attend over 70 per cent of the classes. The course is not formally accredited.

Assessment

You won’t need to sit an exam at the end of the course, but you will be required to complete around two hours of homework each week.

Teaching

Teaching is tailored to your needs. As you progress through the course you’ll work with your tutor to identify areas of weakness and find ways to improve them.

You’ll gain skills to become a successful independent learner and you must commit to home study to get the most from the course. The weekly class is your opportunity to check in with your tutor and show what you’ve learnt. You’ll write a simple essay each week and read it out in class, sharing your learning with the group for everyone to benefit.

Outside of lessons you’ll be working online with your classmates, exchanging tips and information about the language and culture.

It is the right level if you have either:

• completed our full lower intermediate syllabus, or equivalent
• studied formally for 180 hours (with additional home study)
• able to communicate at JLPT N4 level.

Your tutor may assess you prior to enrolment, to help determine your level and if this course is right for you.

You should already be able to:

• talk about someone’s physical features and personality
• explain what others have done
• express gratitude
• ask someone to convey a message on your behalf
• talk about imminent actions
• visit a hairdresser and ask for a particular style from a photo.

We have a range of Japanese courses available, so if this isn’t right for you see what else we offer.

English requirements

You will need a good level of spoken and written English to enrol on this course.