Japanese Courses

An introduction to modern spoken and written Japanese, the course aims to instill proficiency in Japanese by developing four necessary skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing to successfully interact with native speakers. The relationship between language and culture and the sociolinguistically appropriate use of language will be stressed throughout. Audio, video and computer--assisted learning materials will be used extensively. Classes consist of a combination of "act" classes, conducted exclusively in Japanese, where students use the language in various types of drills and communicative activities, and "fact" classes, conducted in Japanese and English, where students learn about the language and culture. JAPN 101 and 102 constitute an integral, indivisible year-long course. Students who register for a year-long course are required to complete both semesters of that course within the same academic year. Students who fail to take and pass the second half of a year-long course will incur a course deficiency. [ more ]

An introduction to modern spoken and written Japanese, the course aims to instill proficiency in Japanese by developing four necessary skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing to successfully interact with native speakers. The relationship between language and culture and the sociolinguistically appropriate use of language will be stressed throughout. Audio, video and computer--assisted learning materials will be used to facilitate learning. Classes consist of a combination of "act" classes, conducted exclusively in Japanese, where students use the language in various types of drills and communicative activities, and "fact" classes, conducted in Japanese and English, where students learn about the language and culture. JAPN 101 and 102 constitute an integral, indivisible year-long course. Students who register for a year-long course are required to complete both semesters of that course within the same academic year. Students who fail to take and pass the second half of a year-long course will incur a course deficiency. [ more ]

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the theoretical study of the Japanese language. We will delve into various aspects of linguistic theory, exploring speech sounds (phonetics and phonology), word formation (morphology), sentence structures (syntax), and meaning (semantics). Throughout, we will primarily juxtapose Japanese with English to deepen our understanding. By the end, we will not only grasp the fundamentals but also gain practical skills to delve into applied linguistics with confidence. This includes areas such as language acquisition, pragmatics, psycholinguistics, neurolinguistics, sociolinguistics, historical linguistics, language change, and cross-linguistic variation. While there is no prerequisite, having some proficiency in Japanese would enhance your experience. [ more ]

This course is a continuation of First-Year Japanese 101-102, further developing the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The same general methodology will be used. Upon completing the course, students will have been introduced to most of the major structural patterns of contemporary Japanese and will be able to read simple expository prose. [ more ]

This course is a continuation of Japanese 201, further developing the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The same general methodology will be used. Upon completing the course, students will have been introduced to most of the major structural patterns of contemporary Japanese and will be able to read simple expository prose. [ more ]

Language is a fundamental tool for human interaction, embodying cultural values and shaping social realities. This course examines the intricate relationship between the Japanese language and the cultural beliefs, social structures, and daily life of Japanese society. Through in-depth analysis, we will explore how language not only reflects but also influences the ways in which Japanese people perceive and navigate their world. The course covers a range of topics, beginning with an exploration of polite language and the variety of personal pronouns, which illuminate the underlying hierarchies in Japanese society. We will also examine gendered language, youth slang, and queer Japanese, considering how these linguistic forms contribute to the construction of social identities. Additionally, we will analyze the role of language stereotypes in media--such as manga, anime, and television dramas--to understand their impact on cultural perceptions. The study of language policy and ideology will be incorporated as we discuss efforts to preserve and revitalize the Ainu and Ryukyuan languages, reflecting Japan's approach to linguistic diversity. Our inquiry will also address the challenges of translation, particularly the cultural and semantic nuances that can be lost when converting Japanese prose into English. Throughout the course, students will engage with essential questions that shape the study of language and culture: How does language influence cultural practices, and how does culture influence language? How do social changes manifest in linguistic evolution? What are the dynamic interactions between language, society, and individual identity in Japan This course invites students to embark on a linguistic journey that connects language with cultural insight, offering an academic yet engaging exploration of Japan's evolving society. [ more ]

The bourgeoning popularity of Japanese food on a global scale has resulted in a surge of new research, literature, and films. Conversely, the effects of globalization have transformed the dining experience within Japan to be ever more multiethnic. This interdisciplinary course explores the complex relationship between food and culture in Japan, and the emergence of Japanese cuisine as a global phenomenon, referring to a variety of materials and practices. Topics to be addressed include modernization, nation-building, militarization, globalization, the environment, and popular culture. [ more ]

This course is a continuation of Japanese 201 and 202. Students will further develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while consolidating the foundations built in Elementary and Intermediate Japanese. The same general methodology will be used. In this course, students begin to emphasize vocabulary building through the study of situationally oriented materials stressing communicative competence. The reading of expository prose in both semi-authentic and authentic materials of intermediate difficulty will also receive some extensive attention. [ more ]

This course is a continuation of Japanese 301. Students will further develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while consolidating the foundations built in Elementary and Intermediate Japanese. In this course, students work on the reading skills for comprehending primary source materials and expository prose of intermediate difficulty; the communication skills for conducting practical conversations and presentations; and the listening skills for interpreting various types of information. [ more ]

This course is a continuation of Japanese 301 and 302. Students will develop the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing in the discussion of social issues in contemporary Japan. Topics may vary according to the level of the students. [ more ]

A continuation of Japanese 401, developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the discussion of social issues in contemporary Japan. Topics may vary according to the level of the students. [ more ]

Japanese senior thesis; this is part of a full-year thesis (493-494). [ more ]

Japanese senior thesis; this is part of a full-year thesis (493-494). [ more ]

Japanese independent study. For students who have completed Japanese 402 or the equivalent. [ more ]

Japanese independent study. For students who have completed Japanese 402 or the equivalent. [ more ]