JAP4330 – Introduction to the Japanese Language and Linguistics
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
This course aims to introduce students to some essential features of the Japanese language. It covers fundamental issues in Japanese linguistics (language typology, sound system, writing system, lexicon, and grammar) as well as in cultural aspects of the language (language and culture, intercultural communication, gender, politeness, role language etc.). Basic concepts in Japanese linguistics will be introduced to help students understand the content of the lectures.
Learning outcome
- To gain a fundamental linguistic knowledge of the Japanese language
- To understand the functions of language in society and culture
- To develop a comparative framework to see the differences between Japanese and other languages
- To learn how to collect and analyze linguistic data
- Skills in presenting findings and engaging in academic dialogue
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Formal prerequisite knowledge
Please see the admission requirements defined by the programme option Japanese Studies.
No prior linguistic training is required. However the intermediate level of the Japanese language proficiency JAP2110 – Japansk 3+4 / JAP3010 – Japansk E or JLPT N3 is requisite.
Teaching
The course is taught through a combination of lectures and seminars organized as 10 classes of 3 hours each (including extra hours of reading Japanese texts) throughout the semester. The course presupposes active participation in class.
Compulsory activities:
- attendance to 8 out of 10 seminars
- small assignments related to the articles and primary sources discussed in class
- outline of an oral presentation, including a bibliography, subject to prior approval by the teacher
- oral presentation on the basis of the outline
An approved outline and oral presentation is only valid for one semester. Other approved compulsory activities are valid in the present semester as well as the next two semesters that the course is given.
All compulsory activities must be approved in order to qualify for the exam. It is the student’s responsibility to check whether or not the compulsory activities are approved.
This is how you apply for valid absence from compulsory activities/compulsory attendance.
Examination
The exam is a 10 page term paper (2300 characters per page, excluding spacing) on the basis of the oral presentation. The essay should have an analytical content and should make use of Japanese sources and Western-language theoretical sources.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.