7241002 Linguistics

Numbering Code U-LET29 17241 SJ37 Year/Term 2022 ・ First semester
Number of Credits 2 Course Type Seminar
Target Year Target Student
Language Japanese Day/Period Thu.2
Instructor name PALIHAWADANA Ruchira (Institute for Liberal Arts and Sciences Professor)
Outline and Purpose of the Course When Japanese-language learners are asked about their purpose for studying Japanese, their top answer is always, “Because I am interested in Japanese language itself.” Why do you think that is? What are the characteristics of Japanese language that attract learners? In this class, we will select and analyze the “attractive Japanese” and “difficult Japanese” learning contents in a multidimensional way, along with foreign students who are academically studying and majoring in Japanese language and culture. In mixed groups of Japanese university students and foreign Japanese studies students, we will closely consider the attraction and special characteristics of Japanese language, while analyzing errors, usage, and textbooks, etc.
Course Goals The attainment goals of this course are:
 (1) While forming a relative way of viewing Japanese language, increase the ability to grasp the sociocultural factors behind it.
 (2) Acquire basic applied skills based on the selected learning content and usage, while learning the fundamentals of Japanese language education.
Schedule and Contents The plan for the course is outlined below but subject to change, depending on the students’ interests and backgrounds.
Meeting 1 Guidance and discussion of the novice Japanese language learners’ similar experiences in the world
Meeting 2 The state of Japanese-language education in the world and initial motivation of Japanese-language learners; Group activity (1): Selection of theme
Meeting 3 Example (1): Attraction of Japanese language communication; Group Activity (2): Analysis of selected learning content
Meeting 4 Methodology (1): Pedagogy and syllabus; Group Activity (3): Analysis of selected learning content
Meeting 5 Example (2): Japanese language in manga, anime, and J-Pop; Group Activity (4): Comparison with other languages
Meeting 6 Methodology (2): Classroom activities; Group Activity (5): Textbook analysis and proposals for classroom activities
Meeting 7 Characteristics of Japanese Language I; Group Activity (6): Preparation for mid-term presentation
Meeting 8 Mid-term presentations by group and wrap-up of first half
Meeting 9 Japanese language that is challenging to learn--- Why are these things hard to learn? ---; Group Activity (1): Selection of theme
Meeting 10 Example (3): Natural Japanese; Group Activity (2): Analysis of selected learning content and comparison with other languages
Meeting 11 Methodology (3): Textbook analysis; Group Activity (3): Textbook analysis
Meeting 12 Example (4): Learning content that is highly dependent upon social and cultural elements; Group Activity (4): Standards of usage
Meeting 13 Methodology (4): Examples of error analysis; Group Activity (5): Error analysis
Meeting 14 Characteristics of Japanese Language II; Group Activity (6): Preparation for final presentation
Meeting 15 Final presentations by group
Meeting 16 Feedback
Evaluation Methods and Policy Students will be graded as shown below.
 Participation in class activities: 20%
 Mid-term presentation and mid-term report: 30%
 Final presentation and final report: 50%
Note that attendance is emphasized because this is a workshop course.
Course Requirements None
Study outside of Class (preparation and review) Advance preparations and collaborative learning outside of the classroom are required for executing the group activities.
Textbooks Textbooks/References Not used. Copies will be distributed in class.
References, etc. 白川博之監修 (ed. Hiroyuki Shirakawa) 『中上級を教える人のための日本語文法ハンドブック』 (Handbook of Japanese Grammar for Teachers of Middle to Advanced Japanese Language) (スリーエーネットワーク) (3A Network) ISBN4-88319-201-6. 川口義一・横溝紳一郎 (Yoshikazu Kawaguchi and Shinichiro Yokomizu『成長する教師のための日本語教育ガイドブック(上)』(John and Paul's Live Stage for Self-directed Teachers of the Japanese Language Vol. 1) (ひつじ書房) (Hitsuji Shobo), ISBN4-89476-251-X. 川口義一・横溝紳一郎 (Yoshikazu Kawaguchi and Shinichiro Yokomizu『成長する教師のための日本語教育ガイドブック(上)』(John and Paul's Live Stage for Self-directed Teachers of the Japanese Language Vol. 2) (ひつじ書房) (Hitsuji Shobo), ISBN:ISBN4-89476-252-8. Others will be presented as needed during class.
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