Japanese (JAPN)

JAPN 1020  LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY IN US MEDIA (3 credits)

The course analyzes the intersection between languages and reality, i.e., how the coexistence of languages informs our daily experience, self-perception, and perception of others. We will explore the many assumptions and beliefs about the value of different languages and variants within them, and that of their speakers. We will look at examples of how linguistic groups in the US represent themselves and show the complexity and richness of their culture through visual and audio representations of language, through a variety of media-social media, film, music, and written narratives-while investigating when and how linguistic communities have formed and disappeared in the United States and their cultures of origin, thus placing U.S. linguistic diversity in a global context. (Cross-listed with WLL 1000, FREN 1010, GERM 1010, SPAN 1010).

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course and MavEd Cultural Knowledge and Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course

JAPN 1110  ELEMENTARY JAPANESE I (5 credits)

Grammar review and oral practice, and introduction of hiragana, katakana and some kanji.

Distribution: Humanities and Fine Arts General Education course and MavEd Cultural Knowledge and MavEd Humanities and Global Diversity General Education course

JAPN 1120  ELEMENTARY JAPANESE II (5 credits)

Grammar review and oral practice, and introduction of kanji.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 1110 with at least a C-

JAPN 2110  INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE (3 credits)

Grammar review and continued oral practice, and introduction of more kanji.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 1120 with at least a C-

JAPN 2120  INTERMEDIATE JAPANESE II (3 credits)

Grammar review and continued oral practice, and introduction of more kanji.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 2110 with at least a C-

JAPN 3020  UNDERSTANDING JAPANESE CULTURE: PRESENT DAY (3 credits)

This course offers an exploration of Japanese culture from multiple angles, including societal, artistic, and linguistic perspectives. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will explore current trends, cultural phenomena, and the evolving dynamics shaping modern-day Japan.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 2120 or permission by the World Languages and Literature department

JAPN 3030  JAPANESE CONVERSATION (3 credits)

This course focuses on practical communication skills in Japanese, aiming to enhance students' ability to converse effectively in everyday contexts. The course is communicative in nature, and features interactive activities that build fluency in spontaneous conversation.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 2120 or placement/permission by the Department of World Languages and Literature.

JAPN 3070  SPECIAL TOPICS IN JAPANESE (3 credits)

This seminar-style course offers an in-depth exploration of selected themes in Japanese language, culture, and literature. The course content will vary each semester, focusing on a specific area of study, e.g., business culture and protocol; music and politics; tourism and hospitality. Students will engage with primary texts, critical discussions, and multimedia resources to develop analytical skills and a deeper appreciation of the cultural and linguistic richness of the Japanese-speaking world. The course is taught in Japanese.

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 2120 or departmental permission