LASR Japanese Near Beginners (New Course 2017)

LASR Japanese Near Beginners (New course 2017)

LASR Japanese Near Beginners course is aimed at students who completed LASR Japanese Beginners course last year or students of the same ability (CEFR A1 level). This course is not formally assessed, but there are some tests in order to encourage and check students’steady achievement. Participants can request a Certificate of Attendance.

Kanji are not taughton this course. However, if students intend to continue learning Japanese at a higher level, it is highly recommendedthat they study kanjiby themselves or attend an OPAL kanji classappropriate to their kanji level. LASR Japanese students can attend OPAL kanji courses, as long as there are places available. Information on OPAL kanji classes can be found at:

If you cannot attend a class, please let the tutor know by email beforehand and check the updated weekly syllabus and homework for the week on LASR Japanese Near Beginners Weblearn after the class.

Upon regular attendance over three terms, students should have attained the first half level of A2 of the Common European Framework.

Time: Wednesdays 10:00 - 12:00

Tutor: Nahoko Mulvey, email:

Coursebook: Marugoto, Elementary 1 A2 Katsudoo, Coursebook for communicative language activities, The Japan Foundation, ISBN: 9784384057546(can be purchased on Monday of Week 3 at the JP BOOKS Sale at the Language Centre or from the JP BOOKS website at

Course content:

Michaelmas Term

• My family and myself:

• We live in Tokyo
• My hobby is listening to classical music

• Seasons and weather

• It's spring now in Japan
• It's a nice day, isn't it?

• My Town:

• This park is big and beautiful

• Please go straight

Hilary Term

• Going out:

• Is ten o'clock OK?
• Have you been to see the night view yet?

• Languages and cultures of other countries:

• Japanese is easy to pronounce
• I'd like to go to Japan some day

• Eating outdoors:

• What are you going to take to the picnic?
• It looks delicious

Trinity Term

• Business trip:

• I have met Mr. Tanaka before
• May I use this?

• Staying healthy:

• How about doing some exercise?
• I go running and swimming

• Celebrations:

• I got this for my birthday
• I think a party is a good idea

Learning outcomes:

At the end of Trinity Term,students are expected to be able to:

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to everyday topics
• Engage in simple communication requiring a direct exchange of information for the carrying out of familiar and routine tasks
• Describe in simple terms aspects of their background and environment, and to express immediate needs