Type of course

The course can be taught in-person or online. At 'timetable & registration' you find an overview of our courses.

In a classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom. To be able to participate online, you are advised to use a headset with microphone.To check that everything is working properly, please use: Quick Tech Check.

It is not possible to switch between courses once the course has started.

Course description

The Japanese 4 course is intended for those who have completed the Japanese 3 course or have a comparable level (A2.1) of Japanese.

In this course, the topics covered include: giving a simple explanation about a gift you give. Talking about your belongings, for example, where you bought it or who gave it to you. Discussing what to give when selecting a gift for someone. Thanking someone and offering comments when someone gives you a gift. Giving a somewhat detailed self-introduction when you introduce yourself at work and other places. Talking in simple terms about a famous person you like. Making a restaurant reservation by phone. Giving a simple explanation about a dish from your country, and discussing travel plans with a friend.

The necessary grammar is explained and ample attention is paid to vocabulary. All skills are covered: speaking, writing, reading and listening. Besides the language, this course also focuses on culture and society.

After completing this course, you will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance. You can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. You can describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

The course makes use of the digital learning environment BrightSpace. Within this learning environment you will find the homework and additional learning materials. Course participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home (approximately three hours per lesson).

The course is concluded with a test. Participants who have attended 80% of the lessons and who have successfully completed the final test are awarded a certificate.

Course material

• Irodori Elementary 1 lesson 17-18

• Irodori Elementary 2 lesson 1-8

Target group and admission requirements

The course is intended for adults with a higher education diploma, including both students and staff members of Leiden University, as well as interested parties who have no connection to Leiden University. The course is open to any person aged 17 or older with a completed secondary school education. 

You can register for this course if you have successfully completed the Japanese 3 course of the Academic Language Centre, or if you can demonstrate in some other way that you possess the required entry level. A basic knowledge of English is required.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 16 and for a classroom course is 18.
• The course load is 56 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.