Admission requirements
You must pass the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N3 mock exam that we will conduct in January in person. The passing score is 60%.
Description
The goal of this course is to develop comprehensive Japanese language skills, aiming for a proficiency level equivalent to the JLPT N2.
For reference, the N2 level roughly corresponds to the B2 level in the CEFR, and it also serves as the expected proficiency level upon graduation from the BA in Japan Studies program.
For more detailed information about the JLPT, please refer to the external link below.
https://www.jlpt.jp/e/index.cgi
This course is primarily intended for students interested in pursuing the MA in Asian Studies with Advanced Japanese at Leiden University. Therefore, if the number of applicants exceeds the limit, priority will be given to those who plan to continue in the MA program.
Course objectives
In this course, students will study pre-advanced-level Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and expressions in preparation for the JLPT. While doing so, students will be able to comprehend Japanese used in a broader range of contexts.
Upon completing the course, students are expected to have acquired the following abilities.
Reading
Students will be able to read and understand clearly structured texts on a variety of topics, such as newspaper and magazine articles, explanations, and straightforward critiques. (Analysing, Written Communication)
Students will be able to read general-interest texts and understand the flow of ideas and the writer’s intentions. (Analysing, Written Communication)
Listening
- Students will be able to understand the flow, content, and relationships among speakers, as well as grasp the main points of coherent conversations and news reports spoken at a natural speed in a variety of situations beyond everyday contexts. (Oral Communication)
Independent Learning and Reflection
- Students will develop as independent learners who can analyze their own weaknesses, make efforts to overcome them, and demonstrate resilience throuhout their learning process. (Independent Learning, Reflect, Resilience)
Production (Speaking and Writing)
- Productive skills will be addressed to some extent in class through grammar, vocabulary, and expression practice.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
- Seminar
Assessment method
- Written examination with closed questions (eg multiple choice)
Assessment
Weighing
Quizzes&Assignments: 30%
Final Written Exam: 70%
The final mark for the course is established by determining the weighted average.
To pass the course, you must meet the following two requirements.
1. The weighted average of all partial grades must be 5.5 or higher
2. The final written exam must be passed with 5.5 or higher.
Resit
- Written Resit Exam: 100%
Reading list
Class materials will be provided by the instructors.
Recommended Books
Comprehensive Workbook
M., Kanazawa, M., Sugiyama, M., & Uemura, A. (2021). The Best Complete Workbook for the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test N2. Tokyo: The Japan Times. ISBN 978‑4789017824.
Grammar
Sasaki, H., & Matsumoto, N. (2022). Japanese Language Complete Summary N2: Grammar (Expanded Revised Edition). Tokyo: Ask Publishing. ISBN 978‑4866394886.
Reading Comprehension Sasaki, H., & Matsumoto, N. (2022). Japanese Language Complete Summary N2: Reading Comprehension (Expanded Revised Edition). Tokyo: Ask Publishing. ISBN 978‑4866394893.
Vocabulary Sasaki, H., & Matsumoto, N. (2022). Japanese Language Complete Summary N2: Vocabulary (Expanded Revised Edition). Tokyo: Ask Publishing. ISBN 978‑4866394909.
Kanji Sasaki, H., & Matsumoto, N. (2022). Japanese Language Complete Summary N2: Kanji (Expanded Revised Edition). Tokyo: Ask Publishing. ISBN 978‑4866394916.
Listening Comprehension Sasaki, H., & Matsumoto, N. (2022). Japanese Language Complete Summary N2: Listening Comprehension (Expanded Revised Edition). Tokyo: Ask Publishing. ISBN 978‑4866394923.
Registration
Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.
Registration À la carte education, Contract teaching and Exchange
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of À la carte education (without taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
Information for those interested in taking this course in context of Contract teaching (with taking examinations), eg. about costs, registration and conditions.
For the registration of exchange students contact Humanities International Office.
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar.
For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Herta Mohr
Remarks
This course uses an integrated communicative language learning method. Therefore, active participation in the classroom activities is essential for successful learning outcomes.
Students who wish to take the actual JLPT after completing this course must apply and pay the examination fee independently. Please note that this course does not offer any priority in test registration or discounts on the examination fee.