Course Listings

Japanese and Chinese Studies: Japanese Studies

JAPN 131 Elementary Japanese I (1)

Introduction to the fundamental structure of Japanese. Classroom instruction will consist of intensive aural-oral drills as well as reading and writing based on assigned texts. Approximately 100 kanji in addition to hiragana and katakana will be introduced. There will be periodic quizzes, a midterm and the final exam.

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Koishi, Loftus

JAPN 132 Elementary Japanese II (1)

Introduction to the fundamental structure of Japanese. Classroom instruction will consist of intensive aural-oral drills as well as reading and writing based on assigned texts. Approximately 100 kanji in addition to hiragana and katakana will be introduced. There will be periodic quizzes, a midterm and the final exam.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Koishi, Loftus

JAPN 201 (W) Modern Japanese Society and Culture (1)

An introduction to modern Japan through its social institutions, beliefs and cultural practices. Representative topics include: marriage and family life, child-rearing, education, religion, the role of women, attitude toward work and leisure, organization of the workplace, and social issues such as crime and delinquency. Writing-centered. Conducted in English.

• Offering: Alternate years in spring
• Instructor: Staff

JAPN 231 Intermediate Japanese I (1)

Improvement of the basic skills acquired in Elementary Japanese. Three hundred new kanji will be introduced. The emphasis is primarily on speaking, but reading and writing will also be included. A systematic review of the fundamental structure of the Japanese language will be made. Periodic quizzes, tests and the final exam will be expected.

Prerequisite: JAPN 131 and JAPN 132 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Koishi, Loftus

JAPN 232 Intermediate Japanese II (1)

Improvement of the basic skills acquired in Elementary Japanese. Three hundred new kanji will be introduced. The emphasis is primarily on speaking, but reading and writing will also be included. A systematic review of the fundamental structure of the Japanese language will be made. Periodic quizzes, tests and the final exam will be expected.

Prerequisite: JAPN 131 and JAPN 132 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Koishi, Loftus

JAPN 240 Japanese Language and Culture (Intercultural Communication) (1)

This course explores how Japanese language and communication styles offer insights which enhance our understanding of Japanese culture, society, and the Japanese way of thinking. What are the key aspects of the structure of Japanese language and the accompanying communication style which affect intercultural communication? What does it mean to say that Japanese is a high-context language or features a socially oriented mode of communication? Why do some attempts to communicate between cultures turn out successfully while others do not? In exploring Japanese language, this course will draw on examples of cross-cultural misunderstandings between Japanese and non-Japanese in social, political, and economic contexts. Taught in English.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Fujiwara

JAPN 242 (4th Sem Lang) From Basho to Banana -- Japanese Popular Literature Past and Present (1)

Edo Period readings: Haiku poetry (including the popular versions of senryu), kabuki and puppet plays, and illustrated fiction. The class will investigate patterns of creation and participation in these forms, and their connections to public and private performances and to ukiyo-e or woodblock prints. Part 2: Modern era readings: fiction and poetry. Curriculum also includes the development of film, magna, and anime, and investigates their relationships with indigenous and foreign antecedents, as well. Assignments include at least one creative writing assignment, i.e. an original illustrated essay or diary etc. as well as several topical essays, and participation in and leading of discussion.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Loftus, Kominz

JAPN 314 (IT; W; 4th Sem Lang Req) Japanese Literature in Translation (1)

The course examines selected works in novels, essays, drama and poetry from the classical and modern periods. Emphasis will be on 19th- and 20th-century novels, novellas and short stories. The works are viewed in their historical context so that the unique aspects of Japanese literature can be appreciated.

Mode of Inquiry: Interpreting Texts; Asia Cluster

General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing centered; Fourth Semester Language Requirement

• Offering: Alternate years in fall
• Instructor: Loftus

JAPN 331 Third Year Japanese I (1)

Third Year Japanese I begins with a comprehensive pattern review with an emphasis on speaking. Chinese characters are learned, approximately 20 per week, and students are tested regularly. In Third Year Japanese II, more attention will be given to reading. Students will be expected to read materials in Japanese and discuss them in class in Japanese. Students should be able to read and recognize approximately 900 Chinese characters by the end of the year.

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 332 Third Year Japanese II (1)

Third Year Japanese I begins with a comprehensive pattern review with an emphasis on speaking. Chinese characters are learned, approximately 20 per week, and students are tested regularly. In Third Year Japanese II, more attention will be given to reading. Students will be expected to read materials in Japanese and discuss them in class in Japanese. Students should be able to read and recognize approximately 900 Chinese characters by the end of the year.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 340 The Japanese Cinema (1)

A survey of major Japanese films and film directors from the "golden age" of Japanese cinema in the 1950s - 1960s to the present. Emphasis will be on the style and feel of Japanese films, and how stylistic elements embody and reflect traditional aesthetics, the social and political contexts of the films and aspects of their production and consumption will be examined as well. Conducted in English.

Prerequisite: Introductory Literature or Film course, or a course on Japanese History, Society, or Literature

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Instructor: Loftus

JAPN 380 Practicum in Japanese Language Facilitation (.25-.50)

Open to native speakers or advanced students of Japanese. Native/advanced speakers will attend some class sessions and work under the supervision of a faculty member, assisting students enrolled in Japanese language classes. Native/advanced speakers will keep a journal of their observations and their application of pedagogical principles as they assist students in developing their language skills. A weekly session with the instructor will be an integral part of this course. Credit/NC only.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

• Offering: Every semester
• Instructor: Loftus

JAPN 430 Japanese Reading and Composition I (1)

Emphasis on vocabulary, reading, writing and kanji expansion. Grammar will be reviewed through various short formal and informal writing assignments and readings will be selected from a variety of materials including authentic texts.

Prerequisite: JAPN 332 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 431 Japanese Reading and Composition II (1)

Emphasis on vocabulary, reading, writing and kanji expansion. Grammar will be reviewed through various short formal and informal writing assignments and readings will be selected from a variety of materials including authentic texts.

Prerequisite: JAPN 430 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 432 Conversational Japanese I (1)

Emphasis on development of practical conversational proficiency in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way in both formal and informal styles. Intensive training in oral expression and listening comprehension exercises, including authentic listening materials and vocabulary enlargement.

Prerequisite: JAPN 332 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 434 Conversational Japanese II (1)

Emphasis on development of practical conversational proficiency in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way in both formal and informal styles. Intensive training in oral expression and listening comprehension exercises, including authentic listening materials and vocabulary enlargement.

Prerequisite: JAPN 432 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 490 and 491 Reading and Conference (.5 or 1 each)

Designed to enable students who have a sound grasp of Japanese grammar to develop reading skills and to extend their knowledge of Chinese characters. Students must have completed two years of college Japanese and/or studied Japanese in Japan.

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor

• Offering: On demand
• Instructor: Loftus, Fujiwara

JAPN 499 (W) Senior Seminar (1)

[Crosslisted with CHNSE 499]

Provides a framework for students to develop a research project or other equivalent activity in consultation with faculty. The objective of the Senior Year Experience will be to consolidate and integrate the student's knowledge of Japan and/or China and the fields of Japanese Studies and/or Chinese Studies. Conducted in English.

General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing centered

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Staff