Japanese (JAPN)

This course introduces the fundamentals of Japanese through listening, speaking, reading and writing. This course provides practice in pronunciation and development of comprehension.

This course builds on the foundations established in JAPN 101 through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. This course provides practice in pronunciation and development of comprehension.

The fundamentals of Japanese through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course is the equivalent of JAPN 101-JAPN 102.

The fundamentals of Japanese through listening, speaking, reading and writing. The course is the equivalent of JAPN 231-JAPN 232.

A thorough review of grammar, vocabulary building, conversation, composition, and reading.

A thorough review of grammar, vocabulary building, conversation, composition, and reading.

This course focuses on enhancing students' practical communication skills in Japanese, preparing them for everyday interactions in personal, academic and professional contexts. Building on the foundations established in JAPN 232, this course emphasizes real-life language use through topics related to daily life, social events and work. Students will engage in listening, speaking, reading and writing activities designed to improve fluency and cultural understanding. The course prepares students to navigate various real-world situations while deepening their knowledge of Japanese social customs and language norms. Instruction is in Japanese.

This course explores Japanese language and culture through various forms of popular media, including manga, anime, video games, movies, TV series and J-Pop music. Students will engage with authentic materials to enhance their understanding of contemporary Japanese language while gaining insights into modern Japanese society and cultural trends. By analyzing these media, students will expand their vocabulary, improve listening comprehension and develop their ability to critically evaluate cultural products. The course is designed for upper-beginner to lower-intermediate students looking to apply their language skills in real-world, culturally relevant contexts. Through discussions, presentations and creative projects, students will strengthen both their linguistic abilities and their cultural literacy. Instruction is in Japanese.

This Japanese course focuses on building proficiency in the language with an emphasis on oral and written expression to facilitate further study of the culture. Students will learn how to use the appropriate language in culturally specific contexts and develop intercultural competence. The course's essential question is "How do Japanese-speaking peoples communicate on subjects that are at the heart of their societies?" Instruction is in Japanese.

This Japanese course introduces students to the regions or countries where the language is spoken, the features of the area, and the ways of life there. The course examines the identities, customs and events that influence the people living in this culturally and linguistically defined area and explores the diverse cultural landscapes that shape their lives. Instruction is in Japanese.

This course will focus on improving students' verbal communication skills in Japanese. Students will learn and practice basic skills necessary in dealing with various practical situations by expressing their thoughts while engaging in dialogues in Japanese with others. Students will use the vocabulary, expressions and grammatical points covered in previous Japanese language courses. New vocabulary, expressions and grammatical points as well as some basic communication strategies in conversations (asking for clarification of the meaning of what someone said, showing the listener that one is thinking, etc.) will also be introduced as needed. In the process, students will learn to speak in a proper manner in Japanese society. They will also be directed to pay more attention to speaking Japanese with proper speed and pronunciation compared to lower-level classes.

This course studies a particular topic in Japanese literature. It may cover all or a specific Japanese literature genre. This course may be repeated if content varies.

Students will study a particular topic in the culture of Japan. Course may be repeated if content varies.

Students will study a particular topic in Japanese linguistics. Topics could include an introduction to Japanese sociolinguistics or psycholinguistics. Course may be repeated if content varies.

This course allows students to pursue independent study in Japanese under the supervision of the instructor.