Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - JAPN 351 D100

Japanese Language and Culture through Film (3)

Class Number: 5990

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, Fri, 2:30–4:20 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 assists 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 skill to convey these ideas and opinions in a written form as well.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course, successful students will be able to:

  • understand various aspects of Japanese society and people
  • speak in an appropriate manner according to the situation
  • present opinions and ideas in Japanese
  • conduct a discussion in Japanese
  • write a film review in Japanese

Grading

  • Quiz 10%
  • Oral Exam 1 (5%) & 2 (10%0 15%
  • Written Test 1 & 2 (10% each) 20%
  • Group Project (including skit) 25%
  • Movie Review 20%
  • Discussion & Participation 10%

NOTES:

 GRADING SCALE

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

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

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

REQUIREMENTS:

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

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

 Note: There is no required textbook for this course.


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 term 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.