150050 UE Introduction to the Japanese Language (2019W)

Please direct questions concerning registration for BJ1 to the SSS/SPL, not the lecturers.

This course will provide an overview of the features and structure of the Japanese language and writing system. Reading and writing of the hiragana and katakana syllabaries will also be covered. It is designed to prepare students for Japanische Grammatik I [Japanese Grammar I] and Kommunikation auf Japanisch [Japanese Communication] later in the semester. As such, it’s a prerequisite for both these courses.

PREREQUISITES:
* proficiency in English (should obviously be comfortable with the idea of studying a foreigen language in English, C1 strongly recommended)
* about 30 h/week for self-study
* advance registration
* textbook (see below)

* being able to write hiragana and katakana is not required, but strongly recommended, as it does provide a head start

At the end of this course students should
* know some basic info about the Japanese language and writing system;
* be able to read and write hiragana and katakana with some fluency;
* have some familiarity with studying kanji (and have some 30-50 under their belt already);
* know a few basic Japanese words, phrases and short dialogues.

The bulk of face time will be taken up by a series of introductory lectures and the tests (see below). Time permitting, there may also be exercises in class, but in general revision & practical application will necessarily be left to self-study (and the main courses).