Japanese

This is a beginning elementary Japanese course. The purpose of this course is to develop basic knowledge of spoken Japanese to effectively communicate in everyday situations. Students acquire essential grammar, basic vocabulary, Hiragana, Katakana, and a total of 55 kanji. Although emphasis is placed on pronunciation, speaking, and listening, attention is also given to reading and writing. In addition, the course introduces general knowledge of the Japanese people and their culture.

Target Students: Those who have partially completed elementary level studies.

Course Goals: To master the grammatical expressions learnt at the elementary level, as well as to develop understanding and command of upper elementary and intermediate level grammar and to improve the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. To master the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.

Contents: Mastering the elementary level grammar and developing understanding and command of grammar using an upper elementary level textbook, followed by introduction of basic sentence patterns of the intermediate level using an intermediate level textbook. Improving the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through various class activities designed for developing each skill. Mastering the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.

From the Meiji period onward, literature may be read as double translation of Western modernity and pre-Meiji cultural forms. Literary translation plays a central role in the construction of modern Japanese language and modern national literature. This course considers relations among language, culture, gender, race and ethnicity, power, nation and empire. The class is designed to give a greater understanding of Japanese history, Japanese literature, and postcolonial and gender theory, and to rethink institutions and systems of knowledge created within modernity. 

This course is for international students who have passed the Japanese Placement Test I-II level. It reviews elementary Japanese necessary for business and teaches honorifics and manners as a member of society in Japan. The course provides conversation practice, role-play, and email writing; students can expect to work together in pairs.

Target Students: Those who have partially completed elementary level studies.

Course Goals: To master the grammatical expressions learnt at the elementary level, as well as to develop understanding and command of upper elementary and intermediate level grammar and to improve the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. To master the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.

Contents: Mastering the elementary level grammar and developing understanding and command of grammar using an upper elementary level textbook, followed by introduction of basic sentence patterns of the intermediate level using an intermediate level textbook. Improving the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through various class activities designed for developing each skill. Mastering the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.

<Level IV>
Target Students: Those who have completed and mastered elementary level studies.
Course Goals: To develop understanding and command of the 100 important intermediate sentence patterns for further improvement of the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. To master the 4,000 basic words and 800 basic Chinese characters.
<General 1-5>
Goal: To develop balanced, intermediate-level proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing.
Contents: Learning the 100 most important intermediate sentence patterns and vocabulary and improving reading comprehension with an intermediate level textbook. Developing command of intermediate Japanese through short sentence composition exercises. Increasing vocabulary by learning both the words introduced in the textbook as well as additional related words. Improving the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing by understanding the textbook and exchanging opinions on it.

This basic Japanese course is designed to improve speaking skills. A different theme concerning Japanese culture and society is chosen for each course and students are split into groups to engage in activities, discussion, and group work concerning the selected topic. The overall goal of the class is for students to widen their perspectives and deepen their knowledge regarding various issues related to Japan and Japanese society. Meeting three times a week, the program offers various theme courses and students may take multiple sections. Assessment: attendance, participation, quizzes, and a final exam.

This course is the gateway to becoming an individual who can function in a global society as stated in the diploma policy by acquiring fundamental knowledge and skills of the Japanese language. In this course, students will learn vocabulary, simple grammar, expressions, and writing system necessary for daily life, thereby establishing a solid foundation for further study. In addition, students will familiarize themselves with the sound patterns of the Japanese language.

<Level IV>
Target Students: Those who have completed and mastered elementary level studies.
Course Goals: To develop understanding and command of the 100 important intermediate sentence patterns for further improvement of the four skills of reading, listening, speaking, and writing. To master the 4,000 basic words and 800 basic Chinese characters.
<Reading Comprehension B>
Goal: To understand slightly complex passages and sentence structures.
Contents: Reading of simple stories, essays and poetry.

Target Students: Those who have partially completed elementary level studies.

Course Goals: To master the grammatical expressions learnt at the elementary level, as well as to develop understanding and command of upper elementary and intermediate level grammar and to improve the four skills of reading, listening, speaking and writing. To master the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.

Contents: Mastering the elementary level grammar and developing understanding and command of grammar using an upper elementary level textbook, followed by introduction of basic sentence patterns of the intermediate level using an intermediate level textbook. Improving the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing through various class activities designed for developing each skill. Mastering the 2,000 basic words and 500 basic Chinese characters.