JAPN-3011: Media Japanese

Course Description: This course is designed to improve pre-advanced or advanced students’ written and spoken communication skills through discussion of current events reported in recent periodicals and broadcast news. Through various reading, writing, and speaking activities, students will (a) learn vocabulary and expressions that are frequently used in discussions surrounding social, economic, and political issues, (b) improve accuracy and fluency in both reading and listening comprehension, (c) deepen their understanding of domestic and international current events, and (d) expand their thoughts and opinions on the topics discussed in class and articulate them in a coherent, persuasive manner. The course provides ample opportunity for students to gather and share new information, use other resources to enhance their understanding of course materials, connect new information to the existing knowledge, reflect upon different cultures and societies by comparing and/or connecting to their own, and express their own thoughts and opinions. Rigorous participation in class activities, various oral and written assignments/projects, frequent quizzes and tests, and a midterm and final exam will be required. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Third Level Japanese, or equivalent. This course satisfies one semester of the College’s social science general education requirements and/or the upper elective requirement for Japanese majors. SFS/MSFS/MASIA/MSB students who plan to take the language proficiency exam in Japanese are strongly encouraged to take this course.