Courses

110-120F,S Elementary Japanese.

Introduction to basic structures and vocabulary. Emphasis on oral communication, with practice in reading and writing, using the two syllabaries (hiragana and katakana) and about 100 Chinese characters. Credit given for completion of one term

130-140F,S Intermediate Japanese.

Completion of presentation of the basic structures of the language. Continued emphasis on oral communication, with practice in reading simple texts. An additional 500 characters will be introduced by the end of the term. Prerequisite, 120 or consent of instructor.

150 Introduction to Japanese Culture and Language.

Surveys Japanese cultural norms and values via an examination of Japanese language and communication styles. Designed to provide substantial knowledge on Japan and to facilitate an appreciation of the Japanese culture and related issues. Taught in English.

200-220F,S Advanced Japanese.

Increasing emphasis on written Japanese, with acquisition of an additional 500 Chinese characters. In the second term of the sequence, guided practice given in reading unedited modern texts. Prerequisite, 140 or consent of instructor.

205 Issues in Japanese Language.

Language is an interface of various contexts and is interpreted in various ways. Investigates how gender and class affect communication among Japanese people by analyzing the similarities and differences between English and Japanese in grammatical perspectives. Topics include onomatopoeia, word classes (verbal nouns or adjectival nouns) and word orders. Explores the universality of language. Prerequisite, Japanese 110, Anthropology 201 or consent of instructor. (Same as Anthropology 205 and Comparative Literature 205.)

239S Japanese Culture and Society from A(-Bombs) to (Dragon-)Z.

To a global audience, Japan may be associated with images of both a brutal assailant during WWII and a symbol of peace as the only victim of A-bombings to date. In the postwar period, Japan has also come to be known as a technology giant. In either case, rapid modernization and technologization during the 20th-century have shaped the contours of Japanese society and culture. Explores the perspectives of people in 20th-century Japan through readings (and some films) ranging from mystery, science fiction and war (both pro- and anti-). Taught in English. No knowledge of Japanese language or history required. (Same as Comparative Literature 239.)

401F Readings in Japanese.

Reading in literary and non-literary modern texts and mastery of the remaining Chinese characters on the joyo kanji list of 1,945 characters. Prerequisite, consent of instructor.

402S Textual Analysis & Translation.

Designed for students who want to achieve near-native proficiency in all four skills in Japanese language. Particular attention given to translation of literary and other texts. Course conducted in Japanese. Prerequisites, consent of instructor.

 

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