Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2023 - JAPN 351 D100

Japanese Language and Culture through Film (3)

Class Number: 7664

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Wed, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Fri, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    JAPN 300 or a placement interview. Students who have completed JAPN 210 or 301 can also enroll in the course. Course participants are expected to be able to read at least 300 kanji (Chinese characters), and to follow instructions in Japanese.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to different styles of Japanese communication in various contexts through Japanese films, while reflecting on Japanese society and culture. Provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese language and culture by learning how to tie appropriate language use to specific circumstances.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course is designed to acquaint students with the pragmatic usage of Japanese. Through viewing Japanese films, students are introduced to different styles of Japanese communication and various aspects of Japanese society and its people. It also provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Japanese culture in order to use the language appropriately in specific circumstances. This course work is designed to assist students to develop their autonomy in learning as they are expected to create discussion topics and questions regarding the movies they view. These assignments help students to critically engage with the learning material and provide opportunities to use Japanese for meaningful communication. In the course, students are encouraged to express their ideas and opinions in Japanese and at the same time they learn skills to convey these ideas and opinions in a written form as well.

NOTE: Tutorials start in week one and all students are required to attend the first tutorial.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of the semester, students in this course will be able to:

  • Develop the ability to comprehend diverse facets of Japanese society and its people.
  • Acquire the skills to engage with authentic materials including each film and related supplementary readings through comprehending the principal concepts, supporting details, as well as the author's or director's perspective.
  • Demonstrate the capability to provide oral and written summaries and reactions in Japanese.
  • Foster the capacity to actively participate in classroom discussions by expressing personal opinions.
  • Cultivate an individualized study approach for comprehensive learning, effectively utilizing a range of Japanese language resources, including academic papers, electronic dictionaries, and online materials.

Grading

  • Quizzes 12%
  • Written exam 1 12%
  • Written exam 2 13%
  • Oral exam 4%
  • Oral exam 5%
  • Short speech 4%
  • Assignments 20%
  • Project 18%
  • Attendance and in-class performance 12%

NOTES:

Grading Scale: 

A+ = 96-100%   B+ = 83-86%   C+ = 70-74%    D = 50-58%

A = 91-95%       B = 79-82%      C = 65-69%      F = 0-49%

A- = 87-90%      B- = 75-78%    C- = 59-64%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

A Dictionary of Beginning Japanese Grammar by Makino, S. & M. Tsutsui. Japan Times.


A Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar by Makino, S. & M. Tsutsui. Japan Times.


A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar by Makino, S. & M. Tsutsui. Japan Times.


Supplementary readings will be provided in class.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.