Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Tokyo offers a unique opportunity for learners to immerse themselves in the Japanese language through its Global Unit Courses (GUC). Specifically, the GUC25S112JL | Level 5 Further Steps (Advanced) course is designed for advanced level students seeking to enhance their understanding of the society and culture behind the Japanese language.

Course Details

• Subject: Level 5 Further Steps (Advanced)
• Field: Japanese Language
• Key words: Advanced, Communication, Strategy, Requesting, Human Relationship, Territory, High Context Culture
• Unit: 0.5
• Lecturer: Center for Japanese Language Education
• Period: June 16 - 20, 2025
• Time: 8:30-10:00 (Japan Standard Time)
• Lecture style: Online (live virtual class)
• Evaluation Criteria:
  • Excellent (S) 90-100%
  • Very good (A) 80-89%
  • Good (B) 70-79%
  • Pass (C) 60-69%
  • Fail (D) 0-59%
• Evaluation methods: Attendance and Participation 60%, Assignments 40%
• Prerequisites:
  • Only students registered for one of the non-language GUC courses are allowed to apply.
  • This course is suitable for advanced level learners who have been judged to be "Level 5 Advanced" or above in the level check test, equivalent to JLPT N1.

Course Contents

The course aims to provide advanced level students with a deeper understanding of Japanese society and culture through the examination of oral expressions preferred in daily life and their usage. Upon completion, students will be able to:

1. Make requests in Japanese more naturally.
2. Understand what the speaker considers important in oral communication in Japanese.
3. Become more aware of similarities and differences with their mother tongue and with communication in other languages.

Course Schedule

• Session 1: Opening the conversation - How do the first few words of a conversation affect the rest of the communication?
• Session 2: Requesting (1) - What kind of politeness is hidden in various request expressions?
• Session 3: Requesting (2) - What does it mean to make a request without using a request expression?
• Session 4: Requesting (3) - What reasons and what expressions can you use to make a conversation successful?
• Session 5: Comprehensive Practice - What to Say, What Not to Say, and in What Order?

Assignments and Readings

• Assignments: Students are required to complete a worksheet provided every day (1-2 pages) and spend about one hour reviewing the day's lesson.
• Required readings: Center's original materials.
• Reference readings: Will be provided in class.

Notes on Taking the Course

The pre-assessment of the applicant's Japanese language learning background may lead to a suggestion that the applicant enroll in a course at a different level than initially desired. The course is a combination of a lecture and an interactive class that simulates face-to-face sessions, with active discussion with classmates strongly encouraged. In principle, students are requested to have their camera on during the class. Schedules and content may be subject to change.