Explanation for Self-Assessment of Japanese Language Skills
In Academic Year 2015, the JEP Kyoto Program (designed specifically for exchangestudents) was introduced at Ryukoku University.
The aim of this program is to make full use of the students' time in Japan to have many
experiences inside and outside the classroom. Japanese language skills are improved throughinteraction with students from many countries, and a greater awareness of several societies
and cultures other than one's own.
For this purpose, students will be asked to conduct interviews and surveys, and theobservation of long-observed cultural events, such as the rich tradition of Kyoto festivals, isincorporated into the program.
Class Sample（JEP Kyoto3 Class）
Topic

Objectives
When presenting about one's
Travel andcountry and hometown, if there isTransportation
adequate preparation ahead of time,
can provide a somewhat detailed
introduction about famous places,famous items, etc.
In the case of an accident orEmergency
disaster, is able to understand anSituations
explanation or instructons if thespeaker's accent is sharp.

Student Life

Understand how school
circumstances differ according tocountry and region, and be able toexpress, to some extent, one's own
detailed opinions.

Different
Cultures・ If enough prior preparation ismade, can provide a somewhat
detailed speech about differences
between Japan and one's homecountry, and things that have beensurprising in Japan.

Activities
・Learn vocabulary and expressions
to explain one's town, and to explain
one's town and places one has been・Make a poster to introduce one's
hometown
・Read an evacuation drill notice forinformation. Know important details
at the time of evacuation.
・ Visit the Kyoto City Disaster
Prevention Center and listen to theexplanation and instructions.
・ Throughtexts,
gain
anunderstanding of education in Japan.
・ Read a pamphlet of Ryukoku
University-affiliated Heian Junior/Senior High Schools and understandthe contents.
・Visit Ryukoku University-affiliated
Heian Junior/Senior High School toobserve a class and have a discussion
with the instructors.
・ Give a presentation on one's
findings from the visit.
・Attend the Gion Festival and watch
the procession of Yamahoko floats.
・ Conduct an interview in theFushimi
Momoyama
shoppingarcade.
・Provide a five-minute speech on thetheme of cultural differences.

Furthermore, with the aim of broadening students' practical Japanese language skills,
objectives are set and class activities carried out by using the Common European Frameworkof Reference (CEFR) "Can Do" system as a reference. Using this standardized system,
students' Japanese language teachers at the home universities, as well as all other related
individuals can share information about the students' Japanese language progress more easily.
In addition, our curriculum is composed of specific classes which adhere to CEFR levels.
Students in higher-level classes are eligible to enroll in regular faculty classes.
【Class Organization】
The JEP Kyoto Program (JEP-J Study course) is composed of classes which adhere to theCEFR framework in order for students to master their language skills. JEP-J is composed offive classes (JEP 2~ JEP 6). "Can Do" objectives are set in separate subjects focusing on
Listening, Reading, Conversation, Expression, Writing, etc. Below is a chart which roughly
indicates some of those objectives.
Can-Do Objective Examples (by Class)
ClassTargetLevel

JEP6

B2.2

JEP5

B2.1

JEP4

B1.2JEP3

B1.1

Can-Do Objectives
Is able to fluently, accurately, and effectively use the language on a wide
range of subjects. Communication is natural, using correct grammar and alevel of politeness appropriate for the situation.
An interview is smooth and effective, with questions adjusted to fit theother party, and an ability to draw out topics of great interest to theinterviewee. The student is then able to write an article by summarizing
the contents, selecting important points and including supplemental facts.
Absorbs numerous points of view in order to gain a broader
understanding of Japanese culture, one's own culture, and the homeculture of other students.
Can converse fluently and naturally. Can emphasize points important tooneself, and can explain in detail related points,
Can assert oneself by firmly explain the basis of one's own perspective.
Regarding one's field of interest, can integrate many pieces ofinformation from their source and present them as grounds for anargument. In an interview, asks questions relevant to the other party andcan draw out various topics of interest. Can gather the main points andcompose an article with the reader in mind. Absorbs numerous points ofview in order to gain a broader understanding of Japanese culture, one'sown culture, and the home culture of other students.
When conducting a questionaire, puts together the results and is able toprovide a simple presentation using graphs and data.
Can put together a short article and speech, and state one's opinion. Is
also able to answer detailed questions.
Is able to find the information one needs from a variety of informationalsites, etc. Is able to conduct an easy interview while confirming
information and asking related questions, and can then put together theresults and compose an article.
With preparation, is able to give a someone detailed presentation.

JEP2

A2.2

-A2.1

Is able to converse concretely about topics of interest.
Is able to read and understand short and easy sentences. Can write short
sentences about familiar content and topics of interest. Is able tounderstand and respect similarities and differences between one's own
culture, that of Japan, and that of other countries.
Is able to understand regularly used sentences and expressions regarding
topics directly related to oneself such as one's personal information,family information, shopping, one's neighborhood and work, etc. Can
exchange information about short and regular, everyday matters. Can
explain, with easy words, necessary information about one's backgroundand daily circumstances.
On short and familiar topics, is able to attain limited information byreading and listening. Is able to make a simple presentation and write areport with short sentences. Can converse and answer questions on
simple, everyday topics.

Class assignment is based on a placement test and interview. In the case that a student’s levelvaries between practical skills, students may take a class in each according to their specificlevel (For example, level JEP 3 in Reading and level JEP 4 in Speaking). Furthermore,
students who place in JEP 4 or above may opt to register for regular faculty classes (withJapanese students).