JAPN-3001: Integrated Advanced Japanese I

Course Description: This course provides integrative, proficiency-oriented language instruction that aims at improving pre-advanced or advanced students’ interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational communication skills while deepening their understanding of the Japanese language and culture. Topics discussed in the course include language awareness, the characteristics of the Japanese language, language and culture, and issues in the Japanese writing system. Through various spoken and/or written communication activities, students will (a) learn advanced vocabulary, kanji, grammar, and expressions that are frequently used in authentic printed and audio-visual materials, (b) learn how the Japanese language reflects Japanese people’s worldviews and ways of thinking, (c) deepen their understanding of the Japanese language and culture by comparing and/or making connections to their own language and culture, and (d) expand their thoughts on the discussed topics and articulate their thoughts and opinions in a coherent, persuasive manner.

The course provides ample opportunity to gather and share new information, use outside resources to enhance students’ understanding of course materials, connect new information to the existing knowledge, reflect upon different cultures, express one’s own thoughts and opinions, and raise their community awareness. Course requirements include rigorous participation in class activities, timely completion of various oral and written assignments and projects, frequent quizzes and tests, a midterm and final exam, and a term project.