Japanese Courses

JAPN 101 , JAPN 102, JAPN 103 Elementary Japanese

Development of basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Use of language laboratory.

JAPN 102

Development of basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Use of language laboratory.

JAPN 103

Development of basic language skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. Use of language laboratory.

JAPN 201 , JAPN 202, JAPN 203 Intermediate Japanese

Development of skills in spoken and written Japanese. Attention to Japanese culture.

JAPN 202 Intermediate Japanese II

Development of skills in spoken and written Japanese. Attention to Japanese culture. 201 carries

JAPN 220 Japanese Popular Culture

Examines issues in contemporary life in Japan by focusing on the following forms of Japanese popular culture: pop song, enka, karaoke, manga (comics), anime (animation), video games, television drama, films, and idols (popular teenage singers and actors). Explores the forces by which Japan shapes itself in comparison with the U.S. and other countries, through different forms of pop culture.

JAPN 248 Teaching Assistant 1/2 or 1

JAPN 263 Japanese Literature I

(In English translation) Japanese literature and poetry from antiquity to the early Meiji (mid-nineteenth century). A study of Japanese court poems, haiku, as well as novels and essays of the Heian period (794-1185), such as the tale of Genji, the historical novels of the succeeding era, the novels and plays of the Tokugawa era (1600-1868), and the literature of the early years of Meiji (1868-1911), when the influence of Western writers was beginning to be felt.

JAPN 270 Japanese Language and Culture

An examination of the relationship between the Japanese language and the cultural perceptions and dynamic interpersonal mechanism in Japan. After a brief overview of the historical background of the Japanese society and the predominant beliefs and key concepts about Japanese language and culture, this course will discuss such topics as family (uchi [in-group], soto [out-group]), gender (men's Japanese, women's Japanese, LGBT's Japanese), politeness (honorific, humble, neutral), gift-giving/receiving, and "loan words" from foreign languages, final-sentence particles, etc. by using various resources, such as films, documentaries, TV dramas, fashion magazines, anime, comic books, and on-line journals or blogs written by non-Japanese living or studying in Japan.

JAPN 273 Japanese Literature II

(In English translation) The course examines the novels and poetry from the Meiji era to the present, including the works of Mori Ogai, Natsume Soseki, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Tayama Katai, Tanizaki Jun'ichiro, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio, Nosaki Akiyki, Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami.

JAPN 295 Special Topics 1/2 or 1

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Japanese not covered in the usual curriculum.

JAPN 310 Advanced Japanese Conversation/Reading

This course offers a bridge from intermediate to advanced Japanese. It is suitable for students who have competed JAPN 203 or students returning from study abroad programs. Course assignments will help students develop advanced proficiency in Japanese language in four fundamental language learning skills (i.e. speaking, reading, writing, and listening) while reviewing grammar points from first-year and second-year levels as needed. Students will acquire proper communicative skills in various social/cultural contexts (e.g. job interview).

JAPN 348 Teaching Assistant 1/2 or 1

JAPN 363 Japanese Literature I

See description for JAPN 263. Additional research component and consent of instructor required for 363.

JAPN 370 Japanese Language and Culture

See description for JAPN 270. Students who enroll in JAPN 370 complete additional requirements.

JAPN 373 Japanese Literature II

See description for JAPN 273. Additional research component and consent of the instructor required for JAPN 373.

JAPN 395 Special Topics 1/2 or 1

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Japanese not covered in the usual curriculum.

JAPN 400 Advanced Studies 1/2 or 1

See College Honors Program.