Japanese: Lower Intermediate – Part 1

Course starts 29 September 2027

This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Tuesdays, 7.00-9.00pm.

The weekly schedule below is intended to give an indication of the main topic(s) likely to be covered in each session. Please note that these may sometimes change according to the tutor’s discretion to reflect the interests of course participants.

Week 1: Talking about your schedule in some detail

Week 2: A sequence of actions: narrating

Week 3: Giving and asking for directions

Week 4: Explaining your itinerary, transportation, route and time etc.

Week 5: Asking for permission to do something

Week 6: Discussing a physical condition and explain a symptom

Week 7: Giving a reason for not doing something

Week 8: Explaining actions in progress

Week 9: Work, interests, skills and hobbies

Week 10: Casual style talk

Key grammar points

* Verb te-form

* Verb nai-form

* Verb dictionary-form

* Positions and directions

* Interrogatives

Key functions

* Narrating events

* Explaining schedules

* Initiating everyday conversations

* Giving reasons

* Asking for permission

Course aims

To develop interactive skills in the target language in a range of simple and routine everyday situations requiring straightforward descriptions and direct exchange of information on family and other people, living conditions, leisure activities and work. 

Course objectives

• Develop the language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing at level A2 of the CEFR.
• Consolidate listening and speaking skills to enable students to communicate in a range of simple everyday work and leisure settings and matters in areas of most immediate relevance.
• Familiarise learners with the vocabulary items and grammatical structures required to read and write short, simple texts on familiar topics.
• Develop an insight into cultural practices in simple everyday situations, including work, study and leisure settings.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to:

• communicate in a range of simple everyday situations requiring direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters;
• understand and respond appropriately to a range of simple spoken language in everyday situations provided speech is slowly and clearly articulated;
• read and demonstrate comprehension of a range of short simple texts on familiar matters of concrete type and consisting of everyday language;
• write short, simple notes, messages, descriptions and/or personal letters;
• demonstrate intercultural awareness in everyday social situations and language use generally.

Level and demands

Pitched at level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), completion of this course helps you meet some of the level requirements.

Find out more about our language levels.

Teaching methods

You will learn through practical activities that encourage the use of the target language. Sessions typically integrate meaningful scenarios, pair and small‑group work, and collaborative problem‑solving in a supportive and friendly environment. The activities bring together speaking, listening, reading, and writing, enabling you to apply the language purposefully in real‑world situations.

The course is designed to build your spoken and listening abilities while deepening your understanding of cultural nuances, etiquette, and everyday usage. We will work with new grammatical structures through meaningful, communicative tasks, and you will continue developing your reading and writing skills both in class and independently through self‑study.

Assessment methods

You will be set short, optional assignments to consolidate your learning and to allow you to progress at your own pace.

The tutor is yet to be confirmed. This information will be provided when it is known.

Digital badge

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.

After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Funding

If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses

Textbooks

To participate in the course fully, you will need access to the following textbook:

• Japanese for Busy People 1 Revised 4th Edition / AJALT

Recommended reading

Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.

Library facilities

All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.

• More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website. 
• This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.

Course reading

• Japanese for Busy People 1 Revised 4th Edition / AJALT

Recommended Reading List

Module code: O26P583XJW

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