Japanese Courses

JAPN 100 - Japanese I (3)

Introduction to Japanese for students with no background in that language. Introduces basic oral and written skills, and the three Japanese writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji). Students who took Japanese courses in secondary school and/or with previous knowledge of Japanese may need to be evaluated for placement into JAPN 110 or higher level of courses and are required to contact the instructor before enrollment. Students enrolled directly into JAPN 110 may not take this course for credit.

JAPN 110 - Japanese II (3)

Follows JAPN 100. Students will acquire elementary conversational skills and basic reading ability. Students successfully completing the course attain proficiency equivalent to the level N5 Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Prerequisite: JAPN 100 or equivalent. Students who took Japanese courses in secondary school and/or with previous knowledge of Japanese may need to be evaluated for placement into JAPN 110 or higher level of courses and are required to contact the instructor before enrollment. Students enrolled directly into JAPN 200 may not take this course for credit. Students with credit for JAPN 101 may not take this course for further credit.

JAPN 200 - Japanese III (3)

Follows JAPN 110. Everyday language usage is emphasized in providing students with communicative skills at the advanced introductory level of Japanese. Students learn to comprehend everyday language in various situations using the appropriate speech style, and to read adapted texts and write coherently. Prerequisite: JAPN 110 (or JAPN 101) or equivalent.

JAPN 210 - Japanese IV (3)

Follows JAPN 200. Provides a solid foundation in Japanese through oral and written communicative skills and prepares students for the intermediate level. Common grammatical structures and forms are introduced. At the completion of the course, students should be able to function in day-to-day conversations using Japanese and attain proficiency equivalent to the level N4 Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Prerequisite: JAPN 200 or equivalent. Students with credit for JAPN 201 may not take this course for further credit.

JAPN 300 - Intermediate Japanese I (3)

Comprehension of intellectually oriented materials, processing information needed for judgment and decision making, and expression of inner feelings and thoughts. Prerequisite: JAPN 201 or by permission of the department.

JAPN 301 - Intermediate Japanese II (3)

Comprehension of intellectually oriented materials, processing information needed for judgment and decision making, and expression of inner feelings and thoughts. Prerequisite: JAPN 300 or by permission of the department.

JAPN 351 - Japanese Language and Culture through Film (3)

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. Prerequisite: 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.

JAPN 360 - Japanese Literature as World Literature (4)

Maps out Japan’s contributions to the world’s literary heritage, whether in the form of one of the nation’s great authorial voices, a particular period or movement, or a defining theme. This exploration will tease out the ways in which these contributions are inscribed in a dynamic global matrix wherein cultures are negotiated and transformed through on-going dialogue and exchange. Students may repeat this course for further credit. Prerequisite: 45 units or permission of the department.