54
Languages and Literature of Japan and Korea
UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDI DI NAPOLI "L'ORIENTALE"
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
The course enhances communicative functions by introducing syntactic and grammatical structures that are more advanced than those studied in the undergraduate (first-cycle) degree program.
The linguistic-literary area focuses on the study of the Japanese language with in-depth exploration of textual and philological analysis methodologies applied to literary heritage across various communicative genres. It enables students to acquire an advanced understanding of linguistic theories and methodologies.
The expected outcomes will be concretely achieved through the completion of intermediate and advanced-level grammar study, mastery of approximately 1,200 kanji, and acquisition of a vocabulary of around 6,000 words.
The final objective is for students to be able to engage in everyday conversations and to read and produce texts of medium to high complexity, attaining language competence corresponding to Level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), approximately equivalent to CEFR level B2.
ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
By the end of the course, in terms of applying knowledge and understanding, students are expected to:
- demonstrate the ability to comprehend the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions within their field of specialization;
- interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that allows for natural and unstrained communication with native speakers;
- produce clear, well-structured texts on a broad range of subjects and express opinions on current issues, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
These outcomes will be assessed through the successful completion of exams and positive evaluations by the instructors.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Independent judgement:
Students should be able to effectively navigate and apply the syntactic and grammatical structures acquired during the course. By the end of the course, they are expected to demonstrate the ability to interpret and summarize complex and original texts in Japanese in a personal and effective manner.
Communication skills:
Graduates will have acquired solid written and oral communication skills in Japanese, enabling them to articulate complex ideas and problems clearly, both in academic and scientific contexts as well as in professional settings requiring advanced linguistic competence related to the Japanese-speaking world. Students should therefore be able to communicate their opinions effectively and with appropriate register in Japanese.
Learning skills:
Graduates will possess the maturity to independently organize their study path, and the skills acquired will enable them to carry out highly specialized consultancy work in their area of expertise. They will also be prepared to undertake advanced academic studies in modern Japanese language and literature.
Students are expected to reach the target level of this course—CEFR B2 (intermediate-advanced level)—in both written and spoken Japanese, as a foundation for pursuing further studies in the Japanese language.
Course Prerequisites
An intermediate-level proficiency in Japanese is required (JLPT Level N3 or CEFR Level B1), encompassing all four language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading comprehension, and writing.
Teaching Methods
Lectures held by the course instructor, language practice sessions with native-speaking lecturers, and tutoring activities.
The course includes two hours per week of lectures and six hours per week of language practice conducted by native-speaking instructors. During the lectures, the instructor introduces syntactic and grammatical structures, combining each explanation with simple exercises based on example sentences, aimed at facilitating student comprehension.
Classes will be characterized by a high level of interaction. Students will have the opportunity to develop independent linguistic awareness through the practice activities proposed in class by the instructor.
The language practice sessions led by CELs (Collaborators and Language Experts) offer opportunities for further engagement with textbook content, text comprehension, listening activities, oral production, and interactive exercises.
Each year, additional educational activities are also offered—such as film screenings, lecture series, and translation workshops—which allow students to apply the language skills acquired and to deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture.
Assessment Methods
Examination method: written and oral components.
The written exam, consisting of both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, is designed to assess the student’s attainment of an intermediate-advanced proficiency level (CEFR B2) in written and spoken Japanese comprehension and production.
The oral exam consists of questions covering the main topics addressed in the course and aims to verify the student’s acquisition of the skills and knowledge explored and developed throughout the learning process.
Language of examination: Japanese
Assessment criteria:
The final grade, expressed on a scale of thirty, will be based not only on the student’s knowledge of the contents outlined in the learning objectives, but also on the following criteria:
- ability to organize content in a coherent and structured manner;
- argumentative precision and originality;
- critical thinking applied to the course material;
- depth of analysis;
- clarity of exposition and command of specialized vocabulary.
Texts
Mayumi Oka, Michio Tsutsui, Junko Kondo et al. (a cura di), Jōkyū e no tobira, TOBIRA: Gateway to Advanced Japanese Learning through Content and Multimedia (Tokyo: Kuroshio, 2009),9784874244470
Michio Tsutsui, Shōko Emori et al. (a cura di), Kore de mi ni tsuku bunpō, TOBIRA: Grammar Power, Exercises for Mastery (Tokyo: Kuroshio, 2012). 9784874245705
Mayumi Oka, Satoru Ishikawa et al. (a cura di), Kitaeyō; kanjiryoku, TOBIRA: Power Up your Kanji(Tokyo: Kuroshio, 2010). 9784874244876
Opere di consultazione:
- Manieri Antonio, Oue Junichi, Grammatica d'uso della lingua giapponese, Milano Hoepli, 2019.
- Mastrangelo Matilde, Oue Junichi, Impariamo il giapponese vol.1, Corso di lingua e cultura giapponese, Milano Hoepli, 2018.
- Mastrangelo, Ozawa, Saito, Grammatica giapponese seconda edizione, Milano Hoepli, 2016.
- Hirose Masayoshi et al., Effective Japanese Usage Guide, Tōkyō, Kōdansha, 1994.
- Kubota Yoko, Grammatica di giapponese moderno, Venezia, Cafoscarina, 1989.
- Makino Seiichi et al., A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar, Tōkyō, The Japan Times, 1995.
- Shimamoto Moto, Fukushi yōrei jiten, Tōkyō, Bonjinsha, 1989.
- Sunakawa Yuriko et al., Nihongo bunkei jiten, Tōkyō, Kuroshio shuppan, 1998.
Contents
LIST OF TOPICS:
- Finding and conveying fact-based information (relative clauses, temporal expressions)
- Identifying and understanding key information in practical everyday contexts, such as letters, brochures, etc. (conjecture, reported speech)
- Recognizing key points in newspaper articles related to daily life (conjecture, expressions of subjective impression)
- Understanding an interview, expressing personal opinions on it, and responding to further detailed questions (reported speech, passive constructions, partial negation)
- Writing or communicating a personal letter to share news and express opinions on an abstract or cultural topic (causal expressions, sentence topic markers, use of “thanks to”)
Course Language
Italian and Japanese