21G.504 | Spring 2020 | Undergraduate

Japanese IV

Pages

The page numbers referenced in the table below are from the following textbooks:

[G] Banno, Eri. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II. 2nd ed. Japan Times/Tsai Fong Books, 2011. ISBN: 9784789014434.

[GW] Banno, Eri, Yoko Ikeda, et al. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, Workbook 2. 2nd ed. Japan Times, 2011. ISBN: 9784789014441.

Details of assignments and quizzes are also provided in the following table.

SES # PreCLASS ASSIGNMENTS TOPICS/CLASS ACTIVITIES
Week 1
1

No assignment

コースの紹介、冬休みについて、Japan@MIT

  • コースの紹介(Introduction of Course Syllabus)
  • 冬休みは、どうでしたか。(Be ready to talk about your winter break.)
  • Introduction of Japan@MIT
2

  1. Review [G] lesson 13–18.
  2. Study for the quiz: transitive / intransitive drills.

Review, クイズ: Transitivity Pairs

  • Review [G] lesson 13–18.
  • Quiz: transivity pairs in [G] lesson 18

        (1) 何回うけてもいいです。(You can take the quiz as many times as you want.)

(2) 一番高いスコアを記録(きろく )します。(The highest score will be recorded.)

3

  1. Read [G] lesson 19 Grammar, pp. 168–173.
  2. Prepare for lesson 19 vocabulary quiz 1 ([G] pp. 166–167 Adjectives and Verbs) and review [G] lesson 13 vocabulary.
  3. Practice kanji.

Lesson 19 文ぽう, たん語クイズ1

  • Lesson 19 vocabulary quiz 1
  • Lesson 19 Grammar lecture
4

  1. Study for lesson 19 vocabulary quiz 2 ([G] pp. 166–167 “Nouns, Adverbs and Other Expressions”) and review [G] lesson 14 vocabulary.
  2. Do homework 1, [GW] pp. 59 and 60-I (try to use all the kanji you have learned in your answers).
  3. Do the assigned drills. Use Chrome (Firefox, Safari and others won’t work).
  4. Read [G] “Honorific Forms of Nouns and Adjectives” on p. 173.
  5. Practice lesson 19 kanji.

Lesson 19 ドリル (1), たん語クイズ2, 宿題1

  • Turn in homework 1
  • Lesson 19 vocabulary quiz 2
  • Honorific verbs
  • Honorific forms of nouns and adjectives
Week 2
5

  1. Do homework 2, [GW] pp. 61–62.
  2. Practice drills II and III (p176–177) using Audio as a preparation.
  3. Practice lesson 19 kanji.

Lesson 19 ドリル (2), 宿題2

6

  1. Do homework 3, [GW] pp. 63–64: For p. 63-II, try to elaborate your sentences by using various patterns and vocabulary you have learned in addition to the new ones. You do not have to do that for the other parts (the translations and other questions).
  2. Study for the quiz on honorific verbs.
  3. Do the online drills.
  4. Practice [G] IV and V (p. 178–179).
  5. Practice lesson 19 kanji.

Lesson 19 ドリル (3), クイズ: Honorific verbs, 宿題3

  • Turn in homework 3
  • Quiz on honorific verbs
  • 〜はずです
  • 〜てよかったです
7

  1. Read two letters in [G] pp. 318–321 and answer the questions on p. 318-C and p. 320-B as a preparation.
  2. Study for lesson 19 kanji quiz 1: Review [G] lesson 19 and readings in lessons 13 & 14 (You do not need to write Kanji.).

Lesson 19 ドリル (4), 漢字クイズ1

  • Kanji quiz 1
  • Reading in [G] lesson 19
  • 手紙の書き方 (How to write a letter)
8

  1. Read the dialogues in [G] pp. 164–165 at least 5 times. Be ready to answer questions about the dialogues in class.
  2. Start studying for lesson 19 quiz with online review materials.

Lesson 19 ドリル (5)

  • All dialogues in lesson 19
  • Review lesson 19.
Week 3
9

  1. Study for lesson 19 quiz with online review materials.

L19 ドリル (6), レッスンクイズ

  • Lesson 19 overall review
  • Lesson 19 quiz
10

No assignment

話す練習の日

  • 尊敬(そんけい)している人について、敬語(けいご)を使って話しましょう。
11

  1. Do writing assignment 1.
  2. Read [G] lesson 20 Grammar, pp. 188–194.
  3. Prepare for lesson 20 vocabulary quiz, [G] pp. 186–187 adjectives and verbs and lesson 15 vocabulary.
  4. Practice lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 20 文ぽう, たん語クイズ1, Writing Assignment 1 due

  • Vocabulary quiz 1
  • Submit writing assignment 1(おれいのメール)
Week 4
12

  1. Do homework 4, [GW] pp. 68–69 and 70-I.
  2. Practice the assigned patterns with the online drills.
  3. Prepare for lesson 20 vocabulary quiz 2, [G] pp. 186–187 Nouns and Adverbs and Other Expressions) + lesson 16 vocabulary.
  4. Practice lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 20 ドリル (1), たん語クイズ2, 宿題4

13

  1. Do homework 5, [GW] pp. 71–72.
  2. Do the online drills.
  3. Practice lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 20 ドリル (2), 宿題5

  • 〜ないで
  • Questions within larger sentences
  • Turn in homework 5
14

  1. Do Homework 6, [GW] pp. 73–74.
  2. Study for the quiz on humble Expressions, including the irregular (extra-modest)ones and additional ぞんじています& ぞんじません.
  3. Practice assigned patterns.
  4. Practice lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 20 ドリル (3), クイズ: Humble Expressions, 宿題6

  • Kanji quiz
  • name という item
  • 〜やすい、〜にくい
  • Turn in homework 6
15

  1. Read dialogues in [G] pp. 184–185.
  2. Review with the online drills.
  3. Prepare for kanji quiz: lessons 20, 15, and 16 (Reading only. You do not need to write kanji).

Lesson 20 ドリル (4), 漢字クイズ

  • Kanji quiz
  • Dialogues
  • Review: giving directions (地図のれん習)
Week 5
16

  1. Read [G] pp. 325–328 and answer the questions as a preparation.
  2. Start preparing for the lesson quiz with the online review materials.
  3. Revise your letter.

Lesson 20 ドリル (5), Writing Assignment 1 (2nd draft) due

17

  1. Prepare for lesson 20 lesson quiz. Study “Listening Comprehension,” “Situational Usage”, and “Grammar” with the online drills.
  2. Practice lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 20 ドリル (6), レッスンクイズ

  • Overall review
  • Lesson 20 quiz
18

No assignment

話す練習の日

  • おすすめのドラマ・映画・漫画(まんが)・アニメetc.について話しましょう。

        (1) ハンドアウト
        (2) 例(れい)

19

  1. Read [G] lesson 21 Grammar, pp. 212–218.
  2. Prepare for lesson 21 vocabulary quiz 1.
  3. Practice lesson 21 kanji.

Lesson 21 文ぽう, たん語クイズ 1

  • Vocabulary quiz 1
Week 6
20

  1. Do homework 7, [GW] p. 77, p. 78-II.
  2. Prepare for lesson 21 vocabulary quiz 2: [G] pp. 210–211 “Nouns, Adjectives, Adverbs and Other Expressions” + lesson 18 vocabulary.
  3. Practice lesson 21 kanji.

Lesson 21 ドリル (1), たん語クイズ 2, 宿題7

  • Vocabulary quiz 2
  • Passive sentences
  • Turn in homework 7
21

  1. Do homework 8, [GW] pp. 79m 80-II, and 83.
  2. Do the assigned online drills.
  3. Study lesson 20 kanji.

Lesson 21 ドリル (2), 宿題8

  • 〜てほしい
  • 〜てある
  • Passive Sentences
  • Turn in homework 8
22

  1. Practice grammar in lesson 21.
  2. Do homework 9, [GW] pp. 81–82: For p. 82-II, try to elaborate your sentences by using various patterns and vocabulary you have learned in addition to the new ones.
  3. Practice lesson 21 kanji.

Lesson 21 ドリル (3), 宿題9

  • 〜のあいだに
  • Adjective+ する
  • Turn in homework 9
Week 7
23

Please review lesson 21 grammar and vocabulary.

Lesson 21 Review

  • Passive Sentences
  • 〜てほしい
  • 〜てある
  • 〜のあいだに
  • Adjective+する
24

  1. Review [G] lesson 21 Dialogues 1, 2, and 3, pp. 208–209 very carefully.
  2. Review lesson 21.
  3. Review lesson 21 kanji and prepare for the kanji quiz.

Lesson 21ドリル (4), 漢字クイズ

  • Kanji quiz
  • Lesson 21 Dialogues 1, 2, and 3
  • Review lesson 21.
25

  1. Read [GW]「厄年」, pp. 332–334 and answer the questions #1–9 on p. 335.
  2. Start preparing for lesson 21 lesson quiz:

Lesson 21 ドリル (5)

  • [GW]「厄年」, pp. 332–334
  • Review lesson 21 with the online drills.
26

Prepare for lesson 21 lesson quiz:

  1. Listening comprehension
  2. Situational usage
  3. Grammar
  4. [GW] workbook
  5. Kanji 漢字のれん習

Lesson 21 lesson quiz: grammar and vocabulary

27

Prepare for the Lesson 21 lesson quiz:

  1. Listening comprehension
  2. Situational usage
  3. Grammar
  4. [GW] workbook
  5. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習

Lesson 21 lesson quiz: Listening

Week 8
28

  1. Read [G] lesson 22 Grammar, pp. 234–239.
  2. Prepare for lesson 22 vocabulary quiz 1, [G] p. 233 “Verbs, Adverbs, and Other Expression.”
  3. Practice kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 22 文ぽう, たん語クイズ 1

  • Vocabulary quiz 1

        (1) Use new vocabulary introduced in this lesson.

        (2) Answer the questions using short forms.

        (3) Conjugate the word if necessary.

29

  1. Do homework 10, [GW] pp. 86 and 89. For p. 89-II, try to elaborate your sentences by using various patterns and vocabulary you have learned in addition to the new ones.
  2. Practice assigned drills above using Audio as a preparation.
  3. Practice kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 22 ドリル (1), たん語クイズ 2, 宿題10

  • Vocabulary quiz 2

   (1) Use new vocabulary introduced in this lesson.

   (2) Answer the questions using short forms.

   (3) Conjugate the word if necessary.

  • Make-Causative
  • Vstem+ なさい
  • Imperative form
  • Turn in homework 10
30

  1. Do homework 11, [GW] pp. 87–88
  2. Practice the assigned online drills.
  3. Practice lesson 22 kanji.

Lesson 22 ドリル (2), 宿題11

  • Let-Causative
  • 〜ば
  • 〜のに
  • Turn in homework 11
31

  1. Do homework 12, [GW] pp. 90-I & 90-III, 91, and 92-III (write long sentences for 90-III).
  2. Practice lesson 22 kanji.

Lesson 22 ドリル (3), 宿題12

  • 〜のような、〜のように
  • Turn in homework 12
Week 9
32

  1. Read [GW], pp. 338–341 and answer the questions as a preparation.
  2. Prepare for the kanji quiz for lessons 22, 19, and 20.

Lesson 22 ドリル (4), 漢字クイズ

  • Kanji quiz
  • Lesson 22 Reading (pp. 338–341): Be ready to answer questions on p. 341.
  • Lesson 22 review
33

  1. Read [G] lesson 22 dialogues, pp. 230–231 very carefully.
  2. Review lesson 22 grammar and vocabulary.

Lesson 22 ドリル (5)

  • [G] lesson 22 Dialogue
  • Lesson 22 Review
34

Prepare for the lesson quiz.

Lesson 22 レッスンクイズ

  • Lesson quiz: listening, grammar and vocabulary
  • Turn
  • ~たい
  • 〜たり
35  No assignment

Review for インタビューテスト 1

  • Lesson 19–22 overall review for Interview Test 1
Week 10
37

No assignment

インタビューテスト 1
38

  1. Study lesson 23 Grammar, [GW] pp. 256–261.
  2. Prepare for lesson 23 vocabulary quiz 1, [GW] “Verbs and Adjectives,” pp. 254–255.
  3. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 文ぽう, たん語クイズ1

  • Lesson 23 vocabulary quiz 1

        (1) Use new vocabulary introduced in this lesson.

        (2) Answer using short forms.

        (3) Conjugate the word if necessary.

39

  1. Do homework 13, [GW] pp. 95–96.
  2. Practice assigned online drills.
  3. Prepare for lesson 23 vocabulary quiz 2.
  4. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 ドリル (1), たん語クイズ 2, 宿題13

  • Lesson 23 vocabulary quiz 2

   (1) Use new vocabulary introduced in this lesson.

   (2) Answer using short forms.

   (3) Conjugate the word if necessary.

  • Causative-passive
  • Turn in homework 13
Week 11
40

  1. Do homework 14, [GW] pp. 97–98.
  2. Practice assigned online drills.
  3. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 ドリル (2), 宿題14

  • Causative-passive (review)
  • 〜方
  • Turn in homework 14
41

  1. Do homework 15, [GW] pp. 99-I, 100-I, and 103-II (write long sentences).
  2. Practice assigned online drills.
  3. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 ドリル (3), 宿題15

  • Causative-passive (review)
  • 〜 ても
  • 〜ことにする
  • Turn in homework 15
42

  1. Do homework 16, [GW] pp. 101 and 102 (write long sentences for pp. 101-II and 102-II).
  2. Practice assigned online drills.
  3. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 ドリル (4), 宿題16

  • Causative-passive (review)
  • 〜ことにする (review)
  • 〜ことにしている
  • 〜まで
  • Turn in homework 16
43

  1. Read [G] lesson 23 “Dialogues,” pp. 252–253 very carefully.
  2. Practice Kanji 漢字のれん習.

Lesson 23 ドリル (5), 漢字クイズ

  • Kanji quiz on lesson 23, 21, and 22
  • [G] lesson 23 Dialogue
  • Lesson 23 review
Week 12
44 Read [G] pp. 344–346 and answer the questions (C and D) as a preparation.

Lesson 23 ドリル (6)

  • Lesson 23 reading (pp. 344–346): Be ready to answer questions on p. 347.
45 Review [G] lessons 19–23.

Review for the one-hour final exam

  • Overall review for lessons 19–23
46

Prepare for the one-hour final exam:

One-Hour Final Exam:

  1. Listening comprehension
  2. Grammar and vocabulary
  3. Reading comprehension
47

Work on 期末プロジェクト:ビデオ

発表(ビデオ)の準備(じゅんび)

  • 発表(ビデオ)のじゅんびをしてください。
Week 13
48

Work on 期末プロジェクト:ビデオ

期末プロジェクト:ビデオ

  • 期末プロジェクトのビデオをディスカッションにアップロードしてください。
49

Work on 期末プロジェクト:ビデオ

発表(ビデオ&コメント)

  • 少し授業をしてから、ビデオを見たり、コメントをしたりします。
50

No assignment

最後の授業

Instructor Insights

Below, Wakana Maekawa describes various aspects of how she teaches 21G.504 Japanese IV.

OCW: What are the biggest challenges students tend to face in this fourth course in the sequence of Japanese courses at MIT? How do you address these challenges? What tips do you have for other educators teaching this level of Japanese?

Wakana Maekawa: Japanese IV is a transition period from the beginning level to the intermediate level. At this level, it’s important for students to start thinking about the audience when they speak/write. They need to organize their ideas and messages and be able to choose the most suitable grammatical structures and vocabulary so that they can better present their ideas or convey their messages to the conversation partner or the audience in Japanese, rather than simply saying everything that comes up in their mind. I explain this to students at the beginning of the semester and encourage them to take risks, not to be afraid of making mistakes, and to expand their possibilities. In order for them to develop such skills, I try to incorporate as many opportunities as possible for them to speak/write a few paragraphs about their memorable experiences and things they are passionate about. Students prepare their short speech/post following a guideline, share it with the class, and then they give comments and feedback to each other.

OCW: The focus in 21G.504 is on using socially appropriate language in speaking and writing, with emphasis on the relationship between (and relative social status of) the people involved in a given interaction. Do students unaccustomed to using honorifics find it difficult to understand which forms to use in which circumstances? How do you teach this skill?

Wakana Maekawa: Since many students in Japanese IV are interested in doing an internship in Japan through the MISTI-Japan program after completing the course, it’s important for them to understand the socially appropriate language and be able to use it. For many students it seems difficult to understand which forms to use in which circumstances at first, but we teach one form at a time by explaining the concept with many example sentences and provide them with ample opportunities to deepen their understanding and fully acquire the skills through exercises and role plays.

OCW: You use a detailed rubric in calculating the grades for the two interview tests. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this approach? Do you share this rubric with your students? If so, how is it useful to them?

"Each student has strengths and weaknesses, but grading their performance using just a letter grade doesn’t inform them what their strengths and weaknesses are."
— Wakana Maekawa

Wakana Maekawa: The rubric for interview tests consists of seven criteria: task completion; interactional skills; accuracy of grammar and vocabulary; variety of grammar and vocabulary; fluency; pronunciation and intonation; and listening comprehension. Each criterion has detailed descriptions for each score. I share all rubrics, including the one for the interview test, with my students beforehand so that they have a better understanding of the expectations and how they can better prepare for each test and assignment.

Each student has strengths and weaknesses, but grading their performance using just a letter grade doesn’t inform them what their strengths and weaknesses are. For example, an A- could mean that they’re fluent but the variety of grammar and vocabulary is limited. Or it could also mean that their accuracy is good but they need to work more on listening comprehension. A rubric can provide them with clearer and more detailed feedback on their performance and with an opportunity for them to reflect on their Japanese abilities. Understanding their own strengths and weaknesses will also enable them to take more initiative in their Japanese study.

Assessment

Grade Breakdown

The students’ grades were based on the following assessment elements:

  • 20% Daily grade; three lowest scores dropped
  • 30% Quizzes: lesson quizzes 20% (lowest score dropped); vocabulary, grammar, and kanji quizzes 10% (two lowest scores dropped)
  • 25% Tests: two interview tests 15%; one-hour exam 10%
  • 10% Homework
  • 15% Presentation

Rubric

Instructor Insights on Assessment

Curriculum Information

Prerequisites

21G.501 Japanese I or equivalent

Requirements Satisfied

Offered

Every spring semester

Student Information

Enrollment

52 students

Breakdown by Year

Mostly sophomores and juniors, with an increasing number of first-year students in recent years, as well as some graduate students.

Breakdown by Major

Mostly Computer Science majors; others were majoring in Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Material Science, Astronautics, or Nuclear Science

How Student Time Was Spent

During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:

In Class

Met 4 times per week for 1 hour per session; 49 sessions total; mandatory attendance

Out of Class

Outside class time, students completed homework assignments and prepared for tests and quizzes.

Interview Test Grading Rubrics

Criteria Ratings Points

This criterion is linked to a learning outcome; task completion

16.0 pts すばらしい

Completed the tasks successfully by giving fully developed responses. Expanded the conversation whenever applicable.

15.0 pts よくできた

Completed the tasks successfully. Responses were developed fully most of the time. Responded appropriately when asked questions.

14.0 pts できた

Completed the tasks but with some difficulty. Responded appropriately when asked questions.

13.0 pts がんばろう

Unable to complete some of the tasks because of limited responses. Responded with minimum speech to questions.

12.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Did not complete the tasks. Responses were poorly developed.

12.0–16.0

Interactional skills

16.0 pts すばらしい

Demonstrated excellent interactional skills as a conversation partner, such as taking turns to take initiative to speak and using back channeling (aizuchi) smoothly and effectively.

15.0 pts よくできた

Demonstrated very good interactional skills, such as taking turns to take initiative to speak and using back channeling (aizuchi), but used them less effectively.

14.0 pts できた

Demonstrated good interactional skills but sometimes a little more engagement in the conversation was needed. Task completed with the student’s initiative most of the time but sometimes with the partner’s cues.

13.0 pts がんばろう

Often lacked eagerness and engagement in the conversation. Task completed with the partner’s initiative most of the time.

12.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Inappropriate and ineffective attitude as a conversation partner. Unable to use conversational strategies.

12.0–16.0

Accuracy of grammar and vocabulary

16.0 pts すばらしい

Easily understood, with almost no errors. Used けい語 accurately and appropriately.

15.0 pts よくできた

Very good accuracy. Made a few minor mistakes that did not interfere with communication. Used けい語 appropriately and accurately most of the time.

14.0 pts できた

Made several minor errors in grammar, vocabulary and けい語 but mostly understandable.

13.0 pts がんばろう

Often hard to understand because of structural problems and inaccurate use of vocabulary and けい語.

12.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Hard to understand because of many major problems. Communication is misleading.

12.0–16.0

Variety of grammar and vocabulary

16.0 pts すばらしい

Used rich and extensive vocabulary and complex sentence structures.

15.0 pts よくできた

Good use of vocabulary and sentence structure.

14.0 pts できた

Some attempt to incorporate a variety of vocabulary words and sentence structures but lacked complexity.

13.0 pts がんばろう

Often lacked needed words and complex sentence structures.

12.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Used only limited vocabulary. Sentences were very short and repetitive.

12.0–16.0

Fluency

12.0 pts すばらしい

Exhibited natural and continuous speech.

11.0 pts よくできた

Natural and continuous speech with minor hesitations, repetitions and pauses.

10.0 pts できた

Some stumbling, but managed to rephrase or continue.

9.0 pts がんばろう

Speech was often interrupted with stumbling and pauses.

8.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Excessive hesitations and pauses; sentences were sometimes left uncompleted.

8.0–12.0

Pronunciation and intonation

12.0 pts すばらしい

Clear and accurate pronunciation.

11.0 pts よくできた

A few errors but overall clear speech.

10.0 pts できた

Understandable but with some errors.

9.0 pts がんばろう

Unable to complete some of the tasks because of limited responses. Responded with minimum speech to questions.

8.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Very hard to understand.

8.0–12.0

Listening comprehension

12.0 pts すばらしい

Fully understood the questions asked and answered correctly and instantly.

11.0 pts よくできた

Understood most of the questions correctly but sometimes got it wrong /  questions had to be repeated sometimes.

10.0 pts できた

Got the questions wrong several times / questions had to be repeated often.

9.0 pts がんばろう

Got the questions wrong many times /  most questions had to be repeated.

8.0 pts もっとがんばろう

Needs to practice listening more.

8.0–12.0

Total Points: 72.0–100.0

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 4 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Prerequisites

21G.503 Japanese III

コースの目標 (もくひょう) Course Objectives

The main objective of this course is to build up basic skills of communication in Japanese using appropriate speech levels in both writing and speaking for various social settings. This course covers lessons 19 through 23 in the textbook Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II (see textbook info below). At the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  1. demonstrate correct usage of intermediate grammar, including causative, passive, causative-passive forms of verbs, and some conditionals through various activities;
  2. talk to people who are socially superior to you;
  3. comprehend conversations on various topics spoken at near-natural speed as well as grasp the relationships among the people involved;
  4. read and write 98 new kanji;
  5. write in various forms; and
  6. give brief presentations with specific objectives.

There are two types of class: grammar session and drill session. Prior to the grammar introduction for each lesson, you should read the grammar explanation of the textbook and practice new vocabulary. Prior to drill sessions, it is particularly important to review the patterns being learned, practice new vocabulary orally and memorize them so that you can fully benefit from the oral practice conducted in class.

Throughout the course, we encourage you to do the following:

  • Be an active learner!
  • Be a good collaborator and help each other!
  • Enjoy the class!

教科書 (きょうかしょ) Textbooks

  1. Banno, Eri. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese II. 2nd ed. Japan Times/Tsai Fong Books, 2011. ISBN: 9784789014434.
  2. Banno, Eri, Yoko Ikeda, et al. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, Workbook 2. 2nd ed. Japan Times, 2011. ISBN: 9784789014441.

評価 (ひょうか) Evaluation

  1. Evaluation Criteria

ACTIVITIES PERCENTAGES

Daily Grade

(Three lowest daily scores will be dropped.)

20%

単 (たん) 語・漢 (かん) 字クイズ Vocabulary and Kanji Quizzes

(Two lowest scores will be dropped.)

10%

試験 Four Lesson Quizzes

(One lowest score will be dropped.)

20%
One-hour Exam 10%
Two Interview Tests 15%
宿題 Homework 10%
作文と発表 Two Essays and One Presentation 15%
  • Daily Grade

Students will receive a daily grade based on the performance of the in-class activities. The grading criteria are provided in section C.

  • 単 (たん) 語・漢 (かん) 字クイズ Vocabulary and Kanji Quizzes

A number of vocabulary quizzes and kanji quizzes will be given throughout the semester. No make-up quizzes or exams will be given in this course in principle.

  • 試験 Lesson Quizzes, One-hour Exam, and Interview Tests

There are four lesson quizzes (25 minutes long), two interview tests, and a one-hour exam. No make-up quizzes or exams will be given in this course in principle.

  • 宿題 Homework

(i) To receive full credit for the homework, each assignment must be submitted on time (at the beginning of a class). Late submission (more than 2 days) will automatically result in zero credit.

(ii) Any assignments you submit must be your own work. You are expected to complete all assignments independently, without using online translation applications such as Google Translate or receiving help from native speakers and/or friends. (Please visit the MIT Academic Integrity website and read through the information carefully to avoid unintentional plagiarism.)

  • 作文と発表 Essays & Presentation

You will write two essays and conduct a 5-minute presentation based on the second essay. Details will be announced in class.

  1. Grading Scale

      A = 94% and above A- = 93.99–90%
    B+ = 89.99–87% B = 86.99–84% B- = 83.99–80%
    C+ = 79.99–77% C = 76.99–74% C- = 73.99–70%
    D+ = 69.99–67% D = 66.99–64% D- = 63.99–60%
    F = 59.99% and below    
    1. Daily Grade

    Students will receive a daily grade based on their performance evaluated with the following criteria:

    Grade PERFORMANCE PREPARATION PARTICIPATION/CONTRIBUTION
    10 Excellent/near perfect Excellent Very active/excellent
    9 Strong/minor errors Good Consistent
    8 Fair but needs improvement Adequate Adequate but needs improvement
    7 Weak/with mistakes in major areas Some Sporadic
    6 Unsatisfactory Inadequate Infrequent
    5 Present but very poor None Seldom
    0 Absent
    1. Attendance Policy 1. Attend all sessions. Because of the cumulative nature of language learning, it is essential that you attend all sessions and keep up with the course work on a daily basis. Please follow the online daily schedule and come to class well-prepared. 2. Be punctual. Coming in late not only results in missed performances and quizzes that may not be made up for, but also distracts other students. Showing up late may affect your daily grade negatively.

    Course Policy

    1. 教室に入ってから出るまで、できるだけ日本語だけで話しましょう。From entering the classroom until leaving, speak only Japanese, as much as possible.
    2. クラスメートの話をよく聞いて、おたがいを尊重(そんちょう)して(respect each other)、助(たす)け合(あ)って(help and support each other)、楽しくて勉強しやすいクラスを作りましょう。 All participants share a responsibility for creating an atmosphere that encourages learning by demonstrating mutual respect and consideration. Behavior that disrupts the learning environment will not be tolerated.
    3. 授業中テキストしないで下さい。携帯電話はオフにして、かばんに入れて下さい。Use of cell phones and smart phones is strictly prohibited during class. If you use a cell phone/smart phone/laptop/iPad/tablet etc. to text and/or check social media during class, you will receive 0 for the daily grade.
    4. マナーに気をつけて下さい。(授業中にご飯やお菓子を食べたりガムをかんだりしないでください / 授業中にぼうしをかぶらないでください / 先生と話す時は敬語を使ってください etc.)Please be careful about manners. (During the class, please do not eat food or snacks, or chew gum. / Please do not wear a hat during class. / Please use honorifics when talking to your teacher.)
    5. You should try your best never to fall behind. Any student who feels he/she is behind is encouraged to see an instructor and discuss the situation before it is too late.

Course Info

Learning Resource Types
Exams
Instructor Insights
Written Assignments