- Online
- $435
If you are able to conduct a simple conversation about familiar topics with only some hesitation, then this is the right level for you. In this immersion course, focus on using Japanese in authentic real-life situations. Continue to expand your vocabulary, and start to elevate your level of language by learning more complex structures with a communication goal in mind.
Increase your understanding of sentence structure and the usage of additional verb forms. Native-speaking instructors provide you with insight into the culture, traditions and etiquette of Japan.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- Express what you think
- Connect sentences
- Talk about what you can do
- Ask someone not to do something: Please don’t do such and such
- Use casual speech
- Give and ask for directions
- Use onomatopoeia to enrich expression
- Talk about your decisions
- Talk about what you want to be / be able to do
Course outline
This is not a prescriptive list. Exact course outlines are determined by the instructor to best meet the needs of the class. This is meant to serve as a guideline and suggest what may be covered at this level. It is often necessary to repeat levels in order to become completely comfortable with the skills at each stage with a different teacher and style.
Course objectives
- Increase usage of various idiomatic structures and endings to communicate more fluently
- Solidify foundations to deepen understanding end enjoyment of studying Japanese
- Read and write both Hiragana and Katakana without hesitation.
Course content
- Combining multiple sentences into a single sentence
- Formal forms and informal forms
- Verb dictionary forms and conjugations
- Talking about what you like to do and what you dislike doing
- Using colors and additional adjectives to expand sentences
- Casual Speech & Modality
- Giving directions
- Asking someone not to do something
- Onomatopoeia
- Using both Hiragana and Katakana for reading and writing
Expected Effort
You can expect to spend about three hours per week attending live, virtual classes and completing course work on your own time. Expect double this amount during the intensive summer term.
Textbook
This course does not require the purchase of a textbook. Course materials are provided by the instructor.
Course Format
This course is offered online and/or in-person. See Available Sessions for details on the course format.
Our online conversational courses offer a virtual classroom experience where you can see and interact with your teacher and classmates over Zoom. Log in at a set time to participate in individual, pair and group work, ask questions and receive feedback from your instructor.
Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.
In-person classes are offered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.
Learn more about online learning at Extended Learning.
How am I assessed?
This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive verbal feedback on your conversation and grammar skills from your instructor during class. Written homework is typically corrected in class. Some lesson modules may include quizzes.
Record of completion
A record of completion will be emailed to students who participate and satisfy the course requirements within two weeks of the course end date. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments.
Technology requirements
For all languages classes, you’ll need access to the internet, a personal email account and an up-to-date web browser.
For online classes, you will also need a video camera and a microphone on your device.
The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.