JAPANESE LANGUAGE 3 MOD.2

This course represents a core component of the third-year Japanese language track within the Bachelor's Degree Programme in "Language, Culture and Society of Asia and Mediterranean Africa." Building upon the linguistic foundations established in Japanese Language 1, 2, and 3.1, this course aims to consolidate students' mastery of advanced grammar and the kanji writing system. Through targeted JLPT N3 preparation, the acquisition of an expanded vocabulary, and the integrated development of reading, writing, listening, and oral presentation skills, students will develop the proficiency necessary to navigate authentic communicative contexts, both orally and in writing. By the conclusion of the course, students are expected to achieve a proficiency level equivalent to B1+ of the CEFR (approximately the N3 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test).

Knowledge and understanding:
Upon successful completion of the course, students will have acquired intermediate linguistic skills (equivalent to JLPT N3 / CEFR B1+). They will demonstrate the ability to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics and current affairs.

Applying knowledge and understanding:
Students will be able to produce coherent written texts (essays and summaries) and structure effective oral presentations. They will be capable of utilizing the grammatical structures and vocabulary acquired to manage communicative tasks of increasing complexity.

Making judgments:
Students will develop the ability to select and process information from various Japanese-language sources, fostering critical awareness of their own learning process and study strategies.

Communication skills:
Students will develop the ability to clearly present topics related to their personal interests through oral presentations. They will demonstrate the proficiency to critically understand both peer presentations and lectures conducted entirely in Japanese, while interacting with fluency during interactive conversation practice.

Learning skills:
Students will develop the ability to further explore their personal interests through the language, fostering the motivation and self-awareness necessary for continuous, autonomous, and independent learning.

Lower Intermediate Japanese (Level N4 JLPT). Having achieved the learning results of the "Japanese language 2" class and having passed the second-year exam of Japanese language.

Intermediate Language Skills (30 hours - Hirofumi Utsumi):
Strengthening grammar and vocabulary through various exercises, including those for JLPT N3, alongside the integrated development of reading, listening, writing, and presentation skills.

Textbook Exercises (120 hours total - Momoko Yoshida & Shoko Nishida):
Intensive drills (60 hours each) focusing on textbook-based grammar, kanji, and reading comprehension.

Interactive Conversation Practice (Momoko Yoshida, Shoko Nishida, Yumiko Kobayashi, Aya Mariko):
Group-based sessions dedicated to developing spontaneous speaking skills and conversational fluency.

Attendance:
Strongly recommended. No additional readings for non-attending students.

Mandatory Textbooks and Drill Books:
1. Oka, M., Tsutsui, M., Kondo, J., Emori, S., Hanai, Y., & Ishikawa, S. (2009). TOBIRA: Gateway to Advanced Japanese. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers.
2. Oka, M., Ishikawa, S., Kondo, J., Tsutsui, M., Emori, S., & Hanai, Y. (2010). TOBIRA: Power Up Your KANJI. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers.
3. Tsutsui, M., Emori, S., Hanai, Y., Ishikawa, S., Oka, M., & Kondo, J. (2012). TOBIRA: Grammar Power - Exercises for Mastery. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers.

Suggested Online Tools:
Jalea (jalea.unive.it): An online resource for Japanese grammar.
A4edu (a4edu.unive.it): A specialized Japanese-Italian online dictionary.

Suggested Further Readings:
Kubota, Y. (1989). Grammatica di Giapponese Moderno. Venezia: Cafoscarina.
Makino, S., & Tsutsui, M. (1989). A Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar. Tokyo: The Japan Times.
Mastrangelo, M., Ozawa, N., & Saito, M. (2016). Grammatica Giapponese (2nd ed.). Milano: Hoepli.

Important Notes
Note: The instructors will provide additional teaching materials and handouts during the lessons. All such resources will be regularly uploaded to the respective Moodle pages.

The final examination for "Japanese Language 3.2" (12 CFU) is designed to assess the student's proficiency at a B1+/N3 level through a comprehensive evaluation of four distinct components.

I. WRITTEN EXAMINATION
The written grade is calculated as the average of the following three tests (each marked out of 30, minimum 18 to pass):
1. Language Competence Test: Focused on N3-level kanji, grammar, and reading comprehension.
2. Summary and Short Composition: Assessing the ability to synthesize information and produce structured Japanese text.
3. Japanese Essay: A formal writing task to evaluate advanced syntax and logical expression.

II. ORAL EXAMINATION
Students who pass the written stage are eligible for the oral exam, which consists of:
1. Oral Presentation: A defense and presentation of the essay written during the exam.

Final Grading: The overall course grade is the average of all the tests mentioned above. A minimum score of 18/30 in each part is required.
Prerequisites: Please note that passing "Japanese Language 3.1" is a mandatory prerequisite for recording the grade of "Japanese Language 3.2."

written and oral

The final grade is the average of the written tests (kanji/grammar/reading, summary/composition, and essay) and the oral presentation.
18-22 (Sufficient): Basic mastery of N3 grammar and kanji; ability to produce a coherent summary and essay with some linguistic support; sufficient oral presentation skills despite minor inaccuracies.
23-26 (Fair): Solid proficiency in written production (summary and essay) with a growing vocabulary; clear and structured oral presentation of the written work.
27-30 (Good to Excellent): High accuracy in grammar and kanji tests; ability to write sophisticated Japanese essays with logical flow; fluent and confident oral presentation showing deep understanding.
30 cum laude (Outstanding): Exceptional command of all four components, demonstrating nuanced expression in writing and a professional-level oral defense of the essay.

The course is delivered through face-to-face lectures and practical exercises, primarily conducted in the Japanese language to ensure full immersion. The teaching approach is characterized by intensive interaction; therefore, active participation is essential. Students are expected to engage deeply with classroom activities and exercises to develop independent linguistic awareness and critical thinking. To support self-study and continuous learning, supplementary materials and online exercises are provided on the Moodle platform for each teacher’s module.

For detailed information regarding the specific contents, study materials, and exercise schedules of each module, students must refer to the respective MOODLE pages of the instructors.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development