What is Japanese Language Learning Centre

Japanese Language Learning Centre
New College, University of Toronto

Introduction

What is Japanese Language Learning Centre (JLLC)?
Materials Developed at JLLC
Special Programme
Upcoming Conference
Courses
M.A. in East Asian Studies, Specialization in Japanese Language Pedadgogy

What is Japanese Language Learning Center?
The Japanese Language Learning Centre (JLLC) is a home of the Computer Writing Network Project in East Asian Languages. It is located in Rm. 51C, Wetmore Hall, New College, University of Toronto.

The vehicle of this project has been two courses offered by the Department of East Asian Studies, EAS 321/322H Computer-Assisted Composition in Japanese and EAS 320Y Modern Standard Japanese III. From September 1996, the JLLC will be a site for a new graduate programme, M.A. in Japanese Language Pedagogy, which will be offered by the Department of East Asian Studies.

Since 1986, with generous support of the Canadian Donner Foundation and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, we have developed a multimedia Kanji learning software KanjiCard (Version 1.0), 60 Roleplays for Intermediate Students (Version 1.0) and a computer-VCR-camcorder coordinated system for oral communication practice called CoViCa Language Learning System.

The JLLC home page is specially designed to facilitate both learning and teaching of the Japanese language. It provides useful information on Learning Tools, selected Links to Pages on Japan and Japanese Culture and Newsgroups and Forums that both students and instructors can join. It also gives you opportunities to have direct contact with native speakers of Japanese and/or fellow learners of Japanese through E-mail exchange and Video conferencing. It also facilitates both students and instructors in conducting Internet-based Research Project by providing a guide and useful search engines. The highlight of the JLLC web site is an Introduction to the University of Toronto and the City of Toronto which are written in Japanese by the students of EAS 321/322 and EAS 320. They are meant to help university students in Japan who are interested in coming to the University of Toronto for study.

Materials Developed at JLLC
KanjiCard
KanjiCard (Version 1.0) is a multimedia tool in CD-ROM for Macintosh users (System 6.2 and HyperCard 2.0) which contains 300 basic Chinese characters or Kanji. It allows users to have access to the essential information about an individual Kanji, which are organized in four categories; Sound, Meaning, Form and Use. The user is able to see the Kanji in large size drawn in authentic brush writing, hear the Kanji pronounced by a native speaker (both alone and in phrases and sentences), see an animated description of the idea represented by the character (a mnemonic approach to Kanji learning), see how to draw the character stroke by stroke, and view a scene showing a real life use of the character. The user is expected to have acquired knowledge of Hiragana scripts prior to using KanjiCard. The 300 Kanji characters include the basic radicals (approximately 100), the 221 Kanji scripts taught in the first and second grades in Japan, and 115 of the most frequently used Kanji in common Japanese language textbooks for English-speaking students. An upgraded KanjiCard (Version 2.0) which contains both Macintosh and Window versions are now being developed by the CALL Japanese Institute in Toronto. Contact Prof. K. Nakajima at nakajima@epas.utoronto.ca for more details.

60 Roleplays for Intermediate Students
60 Roleplays for Intermediate Students (Version 1.0) is instructional software for Macintosh users developed in 1994-95 at the JLLC of New College, University of Toronto. It requires Macintosh Computer (LC 4xx up, System 7) and HyperCard Version 2.2. These roleplays are designed for intermediate students to practice communicating in Japanese as a pair with classmates, friends and native speakers of Japanese. Each role-play consists of a graphic representation of the situation with brief verbal description, roles that each student should assume, and the tasks that they are expected to accomplish. While doing so, if the users need help, they can look up Expressions for help by clicking the Expression button. They can also click the Listen button to listen to a Sample Kaiwa or conversation spoken by native speakers. If they wish to study a Sample Kaiwa in detail, they can do so by clicking Script. The entire script, together with its grammatical notes, will be displayed on the screen. 60 Roleplays are divided into three categories: Intermediate-Low (17 role plays, No. 1-No. 17), Intermediate-Mid (23 role plays, No. 18-No. 40) and Intermediate-High (20 role plays, No. 41-No. 60). The Intermedidate-High roleplays are further divided in terms of Politeness (honorific or plain), Speech Style (formal or informal) and Speech Mode (dialogue or speech). There are four indexes from which users can choose a role play: General Title Index, Difficulty Index, Topic Areas Index and Key Expression Index. If you are interested in trying out or knowing more about them, contact Prof. K. Nakajima at nakajima@epas.utoronto.ca.

CoViCa Language Learning System
CoViCa Language Learning System consists of a Co(mputer), V(CR) and Ca(mcorder), connected by a Control L cable. Using video-editing software TimelineTM, a Macintosh computer controls a video camera, VCR and its monitor. It allows you to see for yourselves on the screen how you are performing in a foreign language and listen to what you are really saying. You have fun witnessing improvement in your performance including your gestures, facial expressions, body movements, etc. There are two basic ways of using the CoViCa: (1) free conversational practice and (2) practice using 60 Japanese Roleplays for Intermediate Students. (1) If you want to practice speaking Japanese freely on your own as a pair or a group, all you have to do is click the Record button and put the camcorder "ON" before you start. After you speak Japanese freely to your hearts' content, you click the Review button to see how you did. If you wish, you can save your practice sessions on video tapes or cassettes. (2) If you need a challenge or interesting topics to talk about, you can try built in roleplays. Choose an appropriate roleplay and take turns and practice a couple of times. When you feel ready, you put the camera on and click Record. In order to improve your performance, you may want to click the Listen button to listen to a Sample Kaiwa or Conversation. Or you may click the Clip button to see a video clip (if it is available). Though the level of difficulty of each role play is labelled as such, you should not feel limited or confined. They are just an aid to assist you to choose a role play. How they are played is entirely up to the users. If you are interested in using it or knowing more about it, contact Prof. K. Nakajima at nakajima@epas.utoronto.ca.

Special Programs (not available in summer 1996)
Summer Mini-intensive Course in Japanese at New College U of T-Japan (ALC) Japanese Language Teacher Training Workshop

Upcoming Conference
Global Learning Networks for Language Curriculum, Friday, May 3, 1996

Courses
EAS 320Y: Modern Standard Japanese III

Course Objectives
1. To strengthen basic Japanese language proficiency acquired through EAS 120 and 220 or their equivalents;
2. To develop oral communication skills, as well as reading and writing skills, at an intermediate level;
3. To promote a cultural understanding of present-day Japan;
4. To become able to use various resources effectively, such as dictionaries, magazines, newspapers, videos, computer programmes and the Internet.

Evaluation Scheme

4 Tests (10% each)                                     40%
Mid-term Examination*                              10%
Final Examination*                                     15%
Dictation & Oral Tests                                20%
Assignments & Instructor's Evaluation       15%

(Attendance, group work, class participation, effort, etc.)
*Students with poor attendance will not be allowed to write a midterm exam.

Class Hours
Tu & Th 1:10-3:00 p.m. WI Rm. 523 (New College)
Fri 3:10-4:00 p.m. WE Rm. 52 (New College )
Instructor: Kazuko Nakajima, Department of East Asian Studies
Office Hours: Tu 9:10-10:00 a.m. Th 9:10-10:00 Rm. 2036, New College (Wetmore Hall)
Tel: 978-1858 / 978-2059
Required Text: Intermediate Japanese (中級の日本語）$45.00 (Akira Miura & Naomi Hanaoka McGloin, The Japan Times, 1994) The textbook is available through the instructor.
Course Fee (photocopies, computer lab use, & one cassette tape.): $10.00 /term

EAS 321/322H: Computer-Assisted Composition in Japanese
This course is designed to upgrade your general Japanese language proficiency through computer-assisted instruction in composition. It is open to the students of the 3rd and 4th year level of the Japanese language program in the Department of East Asian Studies, as well as to the students of special background (e.g. Faculty of Engineering/Law). The enrolment is always kept small, 6 to 10 students, per class. You are required to write three compositions and approximately six e-mail letters. Your e-mail will be sent to the students of English at Utsunomiya University and their letters will be sent back to us through INTERNET using Eudora-J 1.3.8.

Writing is organized into five steps:
Pre-writing: Choose a topic and an appropriate writing style. Write an outline.
Drafting: Write a draft.
Conferencing: Consult with your instructor. Data entry: Enter your composition into a computer.
Revising & Editing: Consult with your instructor and revise it over and over again as required.
Printing: Print three final good copies (one for Utsunomiya U for comments, one for posting on the board in the Lab and one for the instructor).

Marking Scheme:

Three compositions 		      60% (20% each)
Letters				              20%
Instructor's Evaluation 	      20%

Each composition will be marked according to the following criteria:
25% originality
25% correctness
25% organization
25% syntactic sophistication

Classroom: Rm. 51A (Computer Lab), Wetmore Hall, New College
Instructor: Kazuko Nakajima, Department of East Asian Studies
Office: Rm. 2036, Wilson Hall, New College
Tel: 978-1858 / 978-2059
Office Hours: Tu, Th 3:10-4:00 a.m.
Lab Fee: $10.00

MASTER OF ARTS in East Asian Studies
Specialization in Japanese Language Pedagogy

The Department of East Asian Studies offers a programme of study leading to a Master of Arts (M.A.) in East Asian Studies: Japanese Language Pedagogy.

Program Requirements
A student is admitted to a two-session M.A. Programme if the Department and SGS are satisfied that all entrance requirements have been met (see SGS Calendar, Degree Regulations). The requirements for a two-session M.A. are normally four full graduate courses. A student with exceptional background may be required to do three full graduate courses and a thesis, instead of four full graduate courses, which can be completed during one academic year plus summer.

Requirements/Criteria for Admission
For all candidates:
- One introductory course in linguistics or its equivalent. - Two Japan-related courses. (Courses on Japanese history, anthropology, literature, political science, etc. Japanese language courses do not count.)
Exceptional candidates who have not had these background courses may be admitted conditionally. They are required to take these courses before they begin their graduate work.

For non-native speakers of English:
- TOEFL score of 580 or its equivalents

For non-native speakers of Japanese:
- Proficiency in Japanese
Speaking: minimum ACTFL scale of Intermediate High or its equivalent.
Candidates may submit formal testing results through ACTFL, or EAS faculty can give oral interviews.
Listening, Reading, and Writing: Candidates may supply proof that they have passed the Second Level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test by the Japan Foundation.

Course of Study
Total of 4 courses or 3 courses plus thesis are required.

1. 2 courses in Japanese language pedagogy and linguistics
(a) The following courses are mandatory.
EAS 13---Y: Japanese for Instructional Purposes K. Nakajima
EAS 13---Y: Pedagogical Grammar of Japanese Visiting Professor

(b) The following course is elective.
EAS 1150Y: Reading and Major Research Paper Staff
EAS 1300H,Y: Special Topics of Japanese Studies Staff
EAS 13---H,Y: Topics of Japanese Sociolinguistics K. Nakajima

2. 1 course or 2 courses may be selected from the Department of Curriculum, Graduate Department of Education (formerly Ontario Institute for Studies in Education).
(See Appendix A for course titles.)

3. 1 course may be selected from the Japanese Studies courses in Department of East Asian Studies.
(See Appendix B for course titles.)

The deadline of application: June 1, 1996. Tuition fee: $______(?) for Canadian students and $7,500 for foreign students.
Number of Enrolment in the Programme: Approximately 6.
Availability of Teaching Assistant (TA) Positions in the Department: Limited number of TA positions are available in the Department for the lower levels of Japanese language courses. For those who wish to be considered, write to the following by mid-August:

Professor V. Falkenheim
Chair
Department of East Asian Studies
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A5

Those who wish to apply, write to the following for the application form:
Professor R. Guisso
Graduate Coordinator
Department of East Asian Studies
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A5

Appendix A:

EDT 1317H: Theory of Second Language Teaching
EDT 1318Y: Methodology and Organization of Second Language Teaching
EDT 1336H: Second Language Learning
EDT 1337H: Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
EDT 1339H: Language Assessment
EDT 1384H: Action Research in Language and Learning
EDT 3302H: Second Language classroom Research
EDT 3313H: Advanced Seminar in Language and Learning: Theory and Practice
EDT 3336H: Aspects of Second Language Acquisition
EDT 3387H: Research Seminar in Second-Language Literacy Education
EDT 4292H: Assessment for Instruction
EDT 5284H: Assessment and Intervention in Multicultural/Bilingual Contexts
EDT 1501H: Instructional Technology: Computer-Based Instruction
EDT 1503H: Introduction to Computer Applications in Education
EDT 1514H: Internet Resources and Education
EDT 1515H: Computers in the Curriculum
EDT 1519H: Educational Applications of Computer-Mediated Communication

Appendix B:

EAS 1156Y: Topics in the Art and Archaeology of East Asia
EAS 1336Y: The Japanese Print
EAS 1337Y: Topics in the History of Japanese Painting
EAS 1347Y: Research in Asian Music
EAS 1348Y: Research in the History of Buddhist Art
EAS 1342Y: Readings in Historical Works of Ancient and Medieval Japan
EAS 1346Y: Topics in the Social History of Tokugawa Japan
EAS 1340Y: Modern Japanese History 1868-1945
EAS 1341Y: Historiography in Japan
EAS 1311Y: Japanese Drama
EAS 1318H: Landscapes and Mindscapes: The Fudo of Japanese
EAS 1319Y: Modern Japanese Novelists and the West
EAS 1200Y: Japanese-Western Literary Relations
EAS 1320Y: Styles and Techniques in the 20th Century Japanese Novel
EAS 1322Y: The Kambun Tradition
EAS 1325Y:
EAS 1326Y: The Tale of Genji
EAS 1344Y: Classical Japanese Poetry
EAS 1345Y: Readings in Japanese Literacy Criticism
EAS 3423F: Religion in the Japanese Tradition
EAS 3424S: Religion and Society in Classical Japan

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Send any comments or suggestions to:
Professor Kazuko Nakajima, Director, nakajima@epas.utoronto.ca
Mr. Kimio Tanihara, Research Fellow, tanihara@epas.utoronto.ca