JAPN-2101: Introduction to Japanese Linguistics

Course Description: This course introduces the basics of a range of topics in Japanese linguistics, including Japanese phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, language variation, and language acquisition. The course objectives are (a) to familiarize the students with basic notions and terminology used in Japanese linguistics; (b) to familiarize the students with major issues in different areas of Japanese linguistics; and (c) to provide the students with hands-on experience in linguistic analysis using Japanese data. Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to better understand the underlying structures of Japanese and how linguistic analysis is carried out. Rigorous participation in class discussion, completion of reading assignments prior to class, various data analysis/written assignments, mid-term and final exams, library research, and a term project will be required. The course is conducted in English. This course satisfies one semester of the College’s social science general education requirements and/or the culture requirement for Japanese majors. Prerequisite: Introductory course in linguistics, and/or knowledge of Japanese.