JPNS 101 (Fall/Spring semester)
Elementary Japanese I
An introduction to Japanese language and culture. Focus on basic grammatical patterns to handle specific conversational situations and to read and write simple passages using Hiragana, Katakana and some kanji. After successfully complete this course, students are able to understand short, simple utterances in specific context, exchange greetings, name a number of familiar objects within their immediate environment, for example, daily life, family, etc.
JPNS 102 (Spring semester/Summer session)
Elementary Japanese II
Continuation of JPNS101. Emphasis on 4 basic skills; listening, speaking, reading and writing within the context of students’ immediate surroundings, for example, comparing two or more items, expressing opinions, reasoning, informal speech and etc. Continue introducing new kanji. After successfully completing this course, students are able to understand short, simple utterances in specific contexts, respond to simple, direct questions, or requests for information.
JPNS 201 (Fall semester)
Intermediate Japanese I
Building on the grammar patterns and vocabulary covered through JPNS 102, this course focuses on language use in a wide range of situations, including polite expression in formal situations. Students will explore different use of language depending on the situation by speaking, listening, reading and writing as well as incorporating cultural concepts.
JPNS 202 (Spring semester)
Intermediate Japanese II
This is the second sequence in the Intermediate Japanese. Continued emphasis on complex sentence structures to prepare the students for expressing their opinions in Japanese. Students’ critical thinking is encouraged to understand Japanese culture and society deeply by introducing authentic materials on specific topics.
JPNS 301 (Fall semester)
Advanced Japanese I
This is the first of a two-course sequence for Advanced Japanese. This course focuses on further developing four language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) with emphasis on expressing their views on a range of topics, including socio-cultural issues and current events. The course includes such activities as formal presentations, discussions, intensive readings, and report writings in Japanese as well as kanji practice.
JPNS 302 (Spring semester)
Advanced Japanese II
This is the second of a two-course sequence for Advanced Japanese. This course focuses on continuing development of four language skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) with emphasis on expressing their views on a range of topics, including socio-cultural issues and current events. In addition to regular oral practice, this course has an increasing emphasis on cultural aspect of the language use. The course includes such activities as formal presentations, discussions, intensive readings, and report writings in Japanese as well as kanji practice.
JPNS 309 (Fall semester)
Business Japanese
Students acquire advanced oral and writing skills along with specific terminology used in a diverse range of business fields in Japan. In addition to language use, students learn proper business etiquette and culture in specific situations by role-playing, mock interviews, formal presentations , intensive reading and descriptive writing. They are also required to think critically about the relationship between practice and perspective in Japanese business culture.
JPNS 319 (Spring semester)
Japanese Translation
This course prepares students for translating materials from Japanese into English. After learning translating techniques and terminology, students practice translating short documents covering many fields and disciplines. For their Final Project, they will choose a document in the discipline of their choice to translate.
MLL 316 (Fall semester, odd year)
Japanese Language in Society
This course examines how Japanese language is used and how it relates to the society, including writing system, polite language, gender specific language, dialects, influence from/to other languages, and etc. Also including how language and culture are intertwined to create the society. Taught in English. No Knowledge of Japanese required. Some different assignments level for those who have the language background. Recommended preparation: MLL190, 191, 230 or 301.
MLL 317 (Fall semester, even year)
Images of Society in Contemporary Japanese Films
This course examines various contemporary Japanese films by focusing on the relationship between the films and Japanese culture and society. It includes diverse genres and styles to enhance students critical thinking skills. Taught in English. No Knowledge of Japanese required. Recommended preparation: MLL190, 191, 230 or 301.
MLL 327 (Spring semester, odd year)
Modern Japanese Culture
This course examines modern Japanese culture, including family structure, daily life, regional variations, interpersonal and intercultural communication, education from nursery school to college, the traditional arts still practiced in modern Japan and the development of popular youth culture. Students will deepen their understanding through cross-cultural role playing, hands-on experience with the arts and field trips. The course is taught in English. Recommended preparation: ASIA100 or any 100, 200 level of culture course.
MLL 333 (Spring semester, even year)
Japanese Food Culture
This course examines many aspects of Japanese food culture, including history, cultural rules, special/religious events, environment, globalization, etc. The students will investigate how Japanese food illustrates the society and culture by critically analyzing various forms of food related texts. Throughout the semester the students will explore their own food cultures then compare and contrast them to Japanese food culture to hypothesize reasons for the similarities/differences among them. Recommended preparation: ASIA100 or any 100, 200 level of culture course.
Check the undergraduate catalog for further details. See the Class Search for courses currently offered.