Center for Japanese Language Education,the University of Tokyo

Center for Japanese Language Education, the University of Tokyo TOP > Course Information > Special Themed Seminar

Special Themed Seminar

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Outline

 

This Special Themed Seminar will cover a specific topic for one to several days. Some sample topics include "You Can Do It! Tips on Reading Japanese Kanji for Kanji background students,” “Speak and Listen Well in Japanese for Intermediate Learners,” etc..

The topics offered are subject to change with each semester.

 

 

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Eligibility

 

For international students (graduate and research students) and foreign researchers at UTokyo.


     
  *If your ID card has not been issued, please bring an official document stamped by the dean of your school/institute/hospital, which shows that you have been officially accepted by the University of Tokyo. If you do not have such a document, please prepare a certificate of acceptance stamped by the dean of your school/institute/hospital.    -> sample form download  
     

No selection criteria are applied, but if your level and aims do not match the course, you may not be permitted to enroll.  See the application documents for details.

 

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Courses Period    

 

Classes will be conducted online (2023 S1S2).

 

[2023/05/18]
This page is currently not being updated.
Enrollment for Special Themed Seminar 23S1S2 is available according to the schedule.
Please check the Topics and Calendar on the top page for more information.

     
     
    Course
    		 Level Outline

    KANJI

    First Step

     

     

    		 Beginners

    This course is for students from societies who do not use kanji and so are new to studying Japanese kanji. You will study about 30 basic kanji characters at the beginner level. By learning kanji composition through pictures, combinations made using various parts, and how to read simple words, we will prepare you to be able to use kanji from now on. Note that this course is meant for those who can already read hiragana. Upon the completion of this course, you can proceed to the Center's General Course "Kanji I."

    Optional in-person calligraphy lesson is offered after three days online sessions in this semester only.
    Prerequisites
    1. Must be able to read hiragana
    2. Availability to attend all lessons of the course
    3. Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    * All of these are strict prerequisites for the course as learning activities will be done in pairs or groups rather than the traditional lecture format.

    Note

    This course is for non-kanji background students with no prior knowledge about kanji. As such, even if your Japanese knowledge is at the Beginner level, you are not eligible for the course if you are from a country that uses kanji.

    Depending o the situation, in-person lesson might be cancelled.
    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

    January 23(Mon), 26(Thu),

    30(Mon), February 2(Thu)

    13:00 - 14:45
    4

    Step1:

    January18(Wed)

    Step2:

    January19(Thu)

    Course Level Outine

    Bridge to Level 2

    Bridge to Level pre3

     

     

    Lower

    Elementary

    -

    Upper

    Elementary

    We are offering these two levels:

     

    -Bridge to Level 2

    Aimed at: Those who finished the first half of the beginner’s class; those who are taking Level 1 this semester

    Content: Review of the first half of the beginner’s class (verb sentences, questions words, te-form, etc.) by talking about past and present experiences, hobbies, etc.

     

    -Bridge to Level pre3

    Aimed at: Those who finished up to the last half of the beginner’s class; those take Level 2 this semester

    Content: Review of the expressions during the latter half of the beginner’s class (comparison, reason, condition, etc.), with the 3-day goal of being able to give appropriate advice about choosing stores, restaurants, and travel destinations.
    Prerequisites

    1. Japanese language proficiency must have reached the required level for each class. (Bridge to Level2, pre3)

    2. Availability to attend all lessons of the course.

    3. Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group

    *As this course is not administered in the traditional lecture style and there will be group learning activities, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course, they may be refused.（Bridge to Level2, pre3)

    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

    January 30(Mon),

    February 1(Wed), 3(Fri)

    8:30 - 10:15
    3

    Step1:

    January25(Wed)

    Step2:

    January26(Thu)
    Course
    		 Level Outline

    Speak and Listen

    Well in Japanese

    for Intermediate

    Learners

     

     
    Intermediate
    		 This course focuses on <speaking> and <listening> for intermediate learners who have studied Japanese but have little opportunity to use it or are not confident in listening to the actual Japanese used.
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following:
    ・General Course, Level pre3-3
    ・JLPT N4-N3
    Prerequisites
    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above.
    2.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

     January 24(Tue),

    25(Wed), 26(Thu)

    13:00 - 14:45
    3
    		        Step1:

    January19(Thu)

    Step2:

    January20(Fri)
    		   
    Course Level Outline

    NIHONGO

    DE

    HANASOO!

     

    Intermediate

    This course is designed for intermediate or higher level students to learn to speak their own opinions smoothly in Japanese. In addition to learning the Japanese expressions commonly used when expressing opinions, students will practice using a debate format, as well as practicing in familiar situations such as in the laboratory to exchange opinions, etc.
    The class (2 days) will be conducted online, but as an option on the third day, in person (Hongo campus), we plan to make a short movie.

    Intermediate

    General Course, Level 3-4
    Prerequisites

    1.Students must have reached the required Japanese language proficiency for the class.
    2.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    *As this course is not administered in the traditional lecture style and there will be group learning activities, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    ・ The class includes specific instructions on the content and form of activities. This is not a course where students may just talk about anything they want.

    ・ Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course, they may be refused.
    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

    January 31(Tue),

    February1(Wed), 2(Thu)

    10:25 - 12:10
    ３
    Course
    		 Level Outline

    Intermediate

    Level:

    Let's Read and

    Speak

     
    Intermediate
    		 In this course you will be asked to read and understand relatively simple texts, using N3 level grammar and vocabulary. However, you will also be asked to take your understanding one step further, and communicate the details of those texts to others independently, or engage in discussions about the material in Japanese.
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):
    ・General Course, Level 3
    ・Intensive Course, Class 3
    ・JLPT N3
    Prerequisites
    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above.
    2.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

     January 24(Tue),

    25(Wed), 26(Thu)

    10:25 - 12:10
    3

      Step1:

    January19(Thu)

    Step2:

    January20(Fri)
    Course Level Outline

    You Can Do It!

    Tips on Reading

    Japanese Kanji

    for Kanji

    background

    students

     

     

    Upper

    Intermediate

    to

    Advanced

    		 This is a Japanese Kanji course for Chinese Native Speakers. As the course will focus on the method of reading two-character Chinese phrases in particular, students will learn the principles of Japanese Kanji pronunciations (‘Onyomi’ pronunciations) and train to be able to read Kanji vocabulary, even those met for the first time in the future.
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):
    ・General Course, Level 4-5
    ・JLPT N2
    Prerequisites
    1.Chinese native speakers (Non-native speakers who have similar Kanji knowledge background as native-speakers (for example: Singaporeans or Malaysians) can also participate in the course)
    2.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above
    3.Availability to attend all lessons of the course
    4.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note
    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if they do not match the course aims they may be refused.
    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

     January 20(Fri),

    23(Mon),25(Wed),

    27(Fri),30(Mon)

    10:25 - 12:10
    5

      Step1:

    January17(Tue)

    Step2:

    January18(Wed)

    Course Level Outline

    Explore

    interacting

    in Japanese

    with greeting

    expressions

     
    Upper

    Intermediate

    to

    Advanced

    		 This course is designed for intermediate and advanced level students who are already able to communicate in Japanese. This course aims to improve communication for these students by using the basic greeting expression "Arigatoo" as a starting point. In addition to "Arigatoo," the course also covers related greetings such as "Sumimasen" and "Yoroshiku.” The course will also focus on "communication that is typical of the Japanese language" by observing how it is used in various situations and how native speakers of Japanese view interpersonal relationships. Students will also practice using these expressions in a variety of real-life communication situations. Students will be required to watch assigned video materials (about 5 minutes) before each class as preparation. Details will be announced to the students.
    Proficiency Level

    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):

    ・General Course, Level 4~5

    ・JLPT N2
    Prerequisites

    1. Equivalent to Proficiency Level above

    2. Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group

    *As this course is not administered in the traditional lecture style and there will be group learning activities, the above prerequisites are essential

    Note
    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if they do not match the course aims they may be refused.
    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

    January 23(Mon)

    24(Tue), 25(Wed)

    13:00 - 14:45
    3

    Step1:

    January18(Wed)

    Step2:

    January19(Thu)
    Course Level Outline

    Comprehending

    New

    Japanese Words

     

     

    Advanced

    "New words" such as "おつかれっす," which has come to be used regardless of gender, and "エモい," which has come to be used among young people when they are moved, are created one after another. This course focuses on the background of Japanese society that produces these "new words" and the consciousness of Japanese speakers when using them. Through reading materials and watching videos, as well as through discussion, we will look into the Japanese society surrounding these "new words." Furthermore, by touching on some of the principles of word formation, the course is expected to be useful for future daily life in the Japanese language.

    Proficiency Level

    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):

    ・General Course, Level 5

    ・JLPT N1
    Prerequisites

    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above

    2.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group

    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Class Dates

    Number

    of

    Classes

    Application

    Deadline

    January 30(Mon),

    February 1(Wed)

    14:55 - 16:40
    2

    Step1:

    January 25(Wed)

    Step2:

    January 26(Thu)

     
    Course
    		 Level Outline
     

    Learning Japanese

    Culture and Society

    with Video Contents

     

    		 Advanced This course aims to further improve listening comprehension while watching video content related to Japanese culture and society. It is recommended for those who have learned Japanese but are not confident in their listening skills with regard to Japanese used in real life situations, or those who want to learn more about spoken communication. You will improve your "listening" ability not only by watching and understanding, but also by catching and summarizing the main points.
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):
    ・General Course, Level 5
    ・JLPT N1
    Prerequisites

    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above

    2.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    ・The videos to watch will be assigned in the class. This is not a course where you can watch your favorite videos freely.

    ・Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

    TBD
    -

    -
    Course
    		 Level Outline
     

    NIHONGO DE

    INTERVIEW -

    Let's ask questions

    to Todai students

     

     

    		 Advanced This course is for students to brush up on their Japanese through real interviews with students and presentation activities. It is also an opportunity to learn expressions used in interviews and presentations in Japanese (1st day: preparation for interviews, 2nd day: interviews, 3rd day: presentation of interview results).
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):
    ・General Course, Level 5
    ・JLPT N1
    Prerequisites

    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above

    2.Availability to attend all lessons of the course

    3.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

    TBD
    -

    -
    Course
    		 Level Outline

     

    Conjugating

    Verbs

     

    Upper

    Elementary

    		 This course focuses on “Verb conjugation.” For people who have never studied Japanese systematically and those who have started learning Japanese but do not understand the use of verbs because they seem complicated, you can learn "different verb types and how to identify them," "rules for verb conjugation," and "various verb forms (masu-form, nai-form, ta-form, te-form)" systematically in this course. It is also recommended for those who want to review the course contents of the lower beginner's class (equivalent to Level 1) specifically with regard to verb sentences.
    Proficiency Level
    Those whose level check result at center’s website was Level 2 (upper beginner) or higher.
    Prerequisites
    Those who can participate actively in study activities (pair work / group work)* As this course is not administered in the traditional lecture style, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    Although some explanations will be given in English, we will basically conduct the class using simple Japanese. Therefore, the above-mentioned Japanese level is required.

    It is also possible for those in level pre-3 or higher to take the course, especially for those who have no experience of systematic learning (please note that support for each individual student will not be possible).

     
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

    TBD
    -
    -

    Course Level Outline

    First Japanese

    Presentation

     
    Intermediate
    		 In this course you will learn the fundamentals of preparing and giving presentations in Japanese. You will get the opportunity to practice a variety of skills (using PowerPoint, useful expressions, how to speak when giving a presentation, etc.) in a real-world scenario.
    Students, in groups of 2-3, will prepare a presentation in Japanese on a common theme. At the end of the course, groups will give their presentations to their classmates and teachers.
    The common theme this time is "The Appeal of Studying in Japan". As students with experience already, you can take on the role of "senpai", and have a go at expressing your thoughts and feelings about studying in Japan in the native language.
    * The final presentation session is planned to be held together with students of the short-term program.
    * This course is not intended to offer advice or corrections on presentations produced by students in their major studies.
    Proficiency Level
    This course is suitable for students who have previously completed at least one of the following (or higher level):
    ・General Course, Level 3
    ・Intensive Course, Class 3
    ・JLPT N3
    Prerequisites
    1.Equivalent to Proficiency Level above
    2.Availability to attend all lessons of the course
    3.Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group
    This course is not administered in a lecture style and active participation is required from all students. For this reason, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note
    ・This course is not intended to offer advice or corrections on presentations produced by students in their major studies.
    ・Even if a student has attained the prerequisite qualifications above, if their practical speaking and listening skills are deemed to be insufficient to effectively participate in this course they may be refused.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

    		  

    TBD
    -

    -

    		  
    Course Level Outline

    Hiragana,

    Katakana

    Master Course

    Beginner

    A) Hiragana Master Course: This is a course for learning how to read and write Hiragana, the basic Japanese characters. In addition to learning the letters and notations, you will also practice pronouncing Japanese smoothly.

    B) Katakana Master Course: This is a course for learning how to read and write Katakana words. You can also practice Japanese pronunciation of foreign words written in Katakana.

    Proficiency Level
    For Beginners
    Prerequisites

    1. Availability to attend each lesson in the 5-day course.

    2. Ability to work proactively and cooperatively in a group

    * As this course is not administered in the traditional lecture style and there will be group learning activities, the above prerequisites are essential.

    Note

    ・You can choose just A, just B, or both A and B.

    ・"Survival Japanese," which will be offered in mid-July, can be taken without knowledge of Hiragana and Katakana, but for those who want to continue learning Japanese, it is recommended to take the "Hiragana" and "Katakana" courses as well.
    Period
    Sessions

    Application

    Deadline

    A: TBD

    -

    -

    B: TBD
    -

    -

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How to apply     

 

     
 

[ Application Process and Deadline]

   
    Please click the link below and complete the two steps by the deadline.
         
     

Step1: System registration

3 days before the course starts

(excluding weekends and holidays)

      Step2: Application for each seminar

2 days before the course starts

(excluding weekends and holidays)

 

    
 
 
   

 

 

 

 

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Links

 

 

* Notes on Attendance Certification and Completion Certification

 

Please be aware that the Special Themed Seminar does not provide a certificate.

 

 

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