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Undergraduate Course Descriptions 2010-2011
Last updated 10/8/2010


02436/Japanese

 

General Education

0811. Asian Behavior & Thought: Four Asian Models Shaping Your Action (3 s.h.) RCI: GB.

We incessantly engage ourselves in doing things. We are beings-at-doing. We define ourselves by the kind of actions we perform. How we act or conduct ourselves is shaped by the kind of self we construct for ourselves. And that self is shaped by the society into which we happen to be born. Self-identity, which is socially and culturally constructed by our experiences and interactions with others, carries a personal as well as an interpersonal meaning. Learn the four Asian paradigmatic cases of self-identity and examine your self in light of them.

Note: This course fulfills the Human Behavior (GB) requirement for students under GenEd and Individual & Society (IN) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: ASIA ST 0811, Chinese 0811, CR LANG 0811, PHILOS 0811, or REL 0811/0911.

0868. World Society in Literature & Film (3 s.h.) RCI: GG.

(Formerly: GE-WRLD 0060.)

Learn about a particular national culture—Russian, Indian, French, Japanese, Italian, for example, each focused upon in separate sections of this course—by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don’t need to speak Russian, Hindu, French or Japanese to take one of these exciting courses, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film: Family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity.

Note: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, ASIA ST 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German 0868/0968, Hebrew 0868, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0968, Jewish Studies 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0868/0968.

General Education Honors

0968. Honors World Society in Literature & Film (3 s.h.) RCI: GG.

Learn about a particular national culture—Russian, Indian, French, Japanese, Italian, for example, each focused upon in separate sections of this course—by taking a guided tour of its literature and film. You don’t need to speak Russian, Hindu, French or Japanese to take one of these exciting courses, and you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from integrating across different forms of human expression. Some of the issues that will be illuminated by looking at culture through the lens of literature and film: Family structures and how they are changing, national self-perceptions, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social change and diversity. (This is an Honors course.)

Note: This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, ASIA ST 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German 0868/0968, Hebrew 0868, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0868, Jewish Studies 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0868/0968.

Lower Division Courses

1001. Japanese Elements I (4 s.h.) F. RCI: LC.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0070.)

First semester level of Japanese. Assumes no prior knowledge.

1002. Japanese Elements II (4 s.h.) S. RCI: LC.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0071.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 1001 (Critical Languages 0070) or permission of instructor.

Second semester level of Japanese.

1003. Oral Intensive Japanese I (2 to 6 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0140.)

A bridge between beginning and intermediate Japanese levels, this course emphasizes vocabulary building and the use of spoken Japanese through situational conversational practice. Tests will be in the forms of listening and reading comprehension and structured interviews. An ability to read and write hiragana and katakana is required, as is a mastery of most basic grammatical rules.

Note: Arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor.

1301. Kanji I (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 1001.

Kanji or Chinese characters are an integral part of Japanese orthography system, which is considered as a key factor to learners’ reading comprehension and vocabulary building. However, Kanji is considered to be difficult and rather time-consuming to acquire, especially for learners from alphabetic orthography systems such as English speakers. This course is thus designed to promote students’ understanding and mastery of 300 basic Kanji and to help them establish a solid foundation to learn novel and complex Kanji in the course of their learning Japanese. By mastering 300 basic Kanji, students will acquire the Kanji proficiency equivalent to JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) N4, and also improve their reading and writing skills in addition to vocabulary building. More important, students will learn how to “learn” novel Kanji.

Upper Division Courses

2000. Special Topics I (3 s.h.)

Arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor and/or check the course schedule for specific topic.

2001. Intermediate Japanese I (3 s.h.) F. RCI: LC.

(Formerly: CR LANG C170.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 1002 (Critical Languages 0071) or permission of instructor.

Third semester level of Japanese.

2002. Intermediate Japanese II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0171.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2001 (Critical Languages C170) or permission of instructor.

Fourth semester level of Japanese.

2003. Oral Intensive Japanese II (2 to 4 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0200.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2002 (Critical Languages 0171) or permission of instructor.

A bridge between intermediate and advanced Japanese levels, this course focuses on vocabulary acquisition in a variety of conversational situations. Throughout the semester, several vocabulary quizzes and structure tests will be given, while the final exam will be in the form of interviews. Students are required to complete one project involving various communication activities outside the classroom.

Note: The course uses different materials and works on different topics every semester and thus is repeatable. Students need prior written permission from the instructor to repeat. Arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor.

2010. Special Topics II (3 s.h.)

Arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor and/or check the course schedule for specific topic.

2011. Survey of Japanese Literature: Pre-Modern (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0220.)

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2011 (0220).

A study of memoirs, poetry, novels, and other genres is included in this survey of classical Japanese literature. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

2012. Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature in Translation (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0221.)

Prerequisite: English 0802, 0812, 0902, 1002 (C050) or equivalent.

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2012 (0221).

A survey of modern Japanese literature focusing on novels and short stories. Authors include Tanizaki, Kawabata, and Mishima. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

Note: Prior to fall 2009, the course title was “Survey of Japanese Literature: Modern.”

2015. Tokyo in Literature and Film (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: English 0802 or equivalent.

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2015.

Like all great cities, Tokyo simultaneously fascinates and frightens us. The course explores this fascination and fear through the work of leading writers and directors who have responded to and shaped the city in their work. Readings will include essays, short stories, and novels by authors such as Yasunari Kawabata, Fumiko Hayashi, Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami. Films by directors such as Yasujiro Ozu, Satoshi Kon, and Shosuke Murakami will be reviewed and discussed.

2021. Japanese Literature in Film (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0121.)

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2021 (0222).

A look at cinematic adaptations of Japanese novels and short stories. Discussions and assignments develop analytical and critical skills in reading literary and cinematic texts selected from the works of the principal figures of Japanese literature and film, such as Tanizaki, Mishima, and Kurosawa. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

2096. Japanese Popular Culture and Literature (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

(Formerly: CR LANG W120.)

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2098 (W224).

A look at the culture and literature of Japan. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

2301. Kanji II (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 1301.

This course is a continuation of Kanji I and designed to promote students’ understanding and mastery of an additional 300 (or more) Kanji at the intermediate level. By mastering the additional 300 Kanji, students will acquire the Kanji proficiency equivalent to JLPT N3, and also improve their reading and writing skills in addition to vocabulary building.

2522. Basic Writing in Japanese (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2001.

Japanese 2522 is designed to introduce students whose native language is not Japanese to basic-level writing skills that go beyond mere sentence manipulation drills. With a focus on paragraph development, students will learn, step by step, the organizational principles that will help them express themselves effectively in Japanese on familiar topics, such as family, daily activities, personal possessions and experiences. Students will also learn to incorporate newly learned vocabulary and structures effectively into their writing to further enhance their overall Japanese language skills.

2631. Structure of Japanese Language I (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2002.

This course is designed to accomplish three major objectives to further develop students’ Japanese language proficiency. First, it will help students have a strong command of the basic and more complicated rules of Japanese grammar already introduced in Japanese 1001, 1002, 2001, & 2002. Second, it will also help students further improve their fluency in both comprehension and production. Lastly, it will also help students pass N4 of JLPT.

2701. TUJ - Japanese Intermediate I (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 1002.

This is a TUJ unique 2nd year, Intermediate Japanese course, and the first half of the intermediate Japanese language courses. It adopts an integrated approach to develop students’ communicative competence for everyday communication. Upon successful completion of the intermediate courses, students will be able to demonstrate the proficiency level equivalent to N4 of JLPT. In addition to the course work and assignment, students are strongly recommended to spend at least one hour per week at the language lab.

2702. TUJ - Japanese Intermediate II (4 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2701.

This is a TUJ unique 2nd year Intermediate Japanese course. This is the second half of the intermediate Japanese language courses. It adopts an integrated approach to develop students’ communicative competence for everyday communication. Upon successful completion of the intermediate courses, students will be able to demonstrate the proficiency level equivalent to N4 of JLPT. In addition to the course work and assignments, students are strongly recommended to spend at least one hour per week at the language lab.

2782. Independent Study in Japanese (1 to 6 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required.

Independent study in Japanese.

2921. Honors Japanese Literature in Film (3 s.h.) RCI: HO.

Cross Listed with Asian Studies 2921.

A look at cinematic adaptations of Japanese novels and short stories. Discussions and assignments develop analytical and critical skills in reading literary and cinematic texts selected from the works of the principal figures of Japanese literature and film, such as Tanizaki, Mishima, and Kurosawa. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required.

2996. Honors Japanese Popular Culture and Literature (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

(Formerly: CR LANG H190.)

A look at the culture and literature of Japan. Note that knowledge of Japanese language is not required. This is an Honors course.

3000. Special Topics in Japanese I (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0222.)

Topics will focus on aspects of the language, literature, or culture of Japan.

3001. Advanced Japanese I (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0270.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 2002 (Critical Languages 0171) or permission of instructor.

Fifth semester level of Japanese.

3002. Advanced Japanese II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0271.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 3001 (Critical Languages 0270) or permission of instructor.

Sixth semester level of Japanese.

3003. Advanced Japanese Writing (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0290.)

A course for students who feel secure in the fundamentals of writing in the Japanese language but who want additional instruction beyond the introductory composition courses to improve their writing. This course focuses on one of two writing styles depending on the semester: formal and academic essays (ronbun) and personal and impressionistic essays (zuihitsu). Ask the instructor which style will be focused on during the semester for which you are going to register. There will be a lot of speed writing in class for students to prepare for a company essay test. Note that this course may be taken by native speakers of Japanese.

3010. Special Topics in Japanese II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0223.)

A continuation of Japanese 3000 (Critical Languages 0222). Topics will focus on aspects of the language, literature, or culture of Japan.

3096. Intermediate Writing in Japanese (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

Prerequisite: English 0802.

Students will learn intermediate-level writing skills in Japanese built on their basic writing skills. They will learn to write multiple-paragraph essays appropriate for various Japanese writing styles. For many Japanese learners, not being able to write effectively in Japanese is a major concern, especially for college students. To this end, the course deals with elements that help improve the quality of a written product, including grammar, structure, logic, and most importantly, organization. In the intermediate writing course, students are required to write insightful essays incorporating their experiences and reading/researched materials using appropriate cohesive devices.

3631. Structure of Japanese Language II (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 3002.

This course is designed to accomplish four major objectives. First, it will help students have a strong command of the advanced rules of Japanese grammar already learned in Japanese 3001 and 3002 to practice with complete control. Second, it will help students further improve their fluency both in comprehension and production in academic discourse. Third, it will also help students further develop their communicative competence, focusing on sociolinguistic and pragmatic aspects of Japanese language. Students will learn how to appropriately deal with social dominance, the social distance, and a variety of situations in advanced discourse. Lastly, it will help students pass N3 of JPLT.

3900. Honors Special Topics: Japanese (3 s.h.) RCI: HO.

(Formerly: CR LANG H290.)

Topics vary from semester to semester. This is an Honors course.

4001. Advanced Japanese III (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 3002.

This course has 5 major goals. First, it will help students develop a higher level of reading and writing skills, and familiarize with socio-cultural topics. Second, it will help students improve their levels of formality in speaking in different situations of their everyday conversation and academic discourse. Third, it will also help students develop critical thinking and manners for discussion in Japanese. Fourth, it will help students learn idiomatic expressions and more involved syntactical forms. Lastly, it will help students pass N2 of the JLPT.

4002. Japanese Advanced IV (3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 4001.

This is the last one of four courses in a series of Advanced Japanese courses which focuses on the levels of formality or politeness in conversation as well as on fifteen socio-cultural topics in the Japanese speaking community. This course covers chapters 13, 14, and 15 of the textbook. The course is designed to accomplish four major objectives. First, it will help students develop a higher level of reading and writing skills, and familiarize with haiku as well as socio-cultural topics. Second, it will also help students develop critical thinking, interview and debate skills in Japanese. Third, it will help students learn more involved idiomatic expressions and syntactical forms. Lastly, it will help students pass N2 of Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). To achieve these goals, this course will provide students with three reading topics: Japanese people and Nature, Politics in Japan, and the Future of World and Japan, in a variety of forms (i.e., reading and speaking based discussion). Each topic has its own focus in the speaking section such as interviewing, debating academic and social issues, and agreeing and disagreeing with others’ opinions, to appropriately deal with the issues of politeness. Students are expected to use integrated skills to deal with each task presented in each chapter and also to build up their vocabulary and learn Chinese characters (Kanji) while completing reading, speaking, and grammar tasks. Moreover, students are required to conduct interviews with three people about a socio-cultural issue selected and to make a report on the results in two forms: an oral report in class and a written short paper.

4003. Advanced Oral Japanese (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0340.)

Prerequisite: Japanese 3002 or permission of instructor.

This course provides both oral and aural practice in Japanese by introducing theoretical and practical aspects of oral/aural skills. It is designed and intended for students who have successfully completed three years of Japanese language learning (Japanese Advanced II), and requires students’ advanced reading/writing skills in order to prepare their speech scripts.

4031. Introduction to Japanese Linguistics I (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0330.)

An introduction to some important findings and theories in linguistics and to the description of the sound stratum of Japanese contrastive analysis with English sounds. This is the first of three courses in a series under the course title “Introduction to Japanese Linguistics”. The course does not provide any actual teaching training, but it does include essential information that Japanese-language teachers ought to have. Classes and examinations will be conducted in Japanese. Students are required to write a term paper in Japanese. Note that this course may be taken by native speakers of Japanese.

4032. Introduction to Japanese Linguistics II (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0331.)

An introduction to the problems of orthographical rules and to the contrastive studies of Japanese and English grammar (syntax and morphology). This is the second of three courses in a series under the course title “Introduction to Japanese Linguistics”. The course does not provide any actual teaching training, but does include essential information that Japanese-language teachers ought to have. Classes and examinations will be conducted in Japanese. Students are required to make some oral presentations and to write a term paper in Japanese. Note that this course may be taken by native speakers of Japanese.

4033. Introduction to Japanese Linguistics III (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: CR LANG 0332.)

An introduction to the application of linguistic principles to the learning and teaching of the Japanese language. This is the third of three courses in a series under the course title “Introduction to Japanese Linguistics”. Students are expected to actively participate in class discussions and to complete various projects of their own development whose results they then present orally and in writing as term papers. Classes and examinations will be conducted in Japanese. Note that this course may be taken by native speakers of Japanese.

4182. Japanese Independent Study I (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0370.)

Prerequisite: Written permission of instructor.

An independent-study course arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor.

4196. Seminar in Japanese and Japan: Japanese Society and Culture through Newspaper (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

Prerequisite: Japanese 4001 or permission of the instructor.

Seminar in Japanese and Japan is a capstone course that builds on the solid foundation of advanced linguistics skills, socio-cultural knowledge, and critical thinking that students have acquired. It also marks their final stage of Japanese language learning. Three topics (Topic I: Socio-cultural, Topic II: Business, Topic III: Literature) are offered alternately and designed to allow students to select and pursue a topic of their interest. In the courses, students will learn to read critically and properly appreciate the original texts of a selected topic. While reading about socio-cultural aspects, topics/issues in business, or literature, students will further their understanding of Japanese language. This course focuses on reading on socio-cultural aspects of Japan by reading newspapers. Newspapers are one of the main sources of information to learn about the society’s present status, social and political problems, and perspectives for future. In this course, students will learn the most up-to-date information of Japanese society and develop their reading skills and comprehension by reading newspapers.

4282. Japanese Independent Study II (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: CR LANG 0371.)

Prerequisite: Written permission of instructor.

An independent-study course arranged each semester. Please consult with the instructor.

4296. Seminar in Japanese and Japan: Business (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

Prerequisite: Japanese 4001 or permission of the instructor.

Seminar in Japanese and Japan is a capstone course that builds on the solid foundation of advanced linguistics skills, socio-cultural knowledge, and critical thinking that students have acquired. It also marks their final stage of Japanese language learning. Three topics (Topic I: Socio-cultural, Topic II: Business, Topic III: Literature) are offered alternately and designed to allow students to select and pursue a topic of their interest. In the courses, students will learn to read critically and properly appreciate the original texts of a selected topic. While reading about socio-cultural aspects, topics/issues in business, or literature, students will further their understanding of Japanese language. Topic II has a special focus on business, and is designed to introduce students to basic concepts and current issues of business both in the domestic and international markets. Students will explore basic concepts of business, building up new vocabulary items, examining major and important terms used in discussing business and reading short articles on current topics. Moreover, students will explore a variety of short articles concerning current topics in economics, politics, and business law as well, for business is tightly connected with these three topics. Lastly, students will also learn how to conduct, write, and present a simple version of secondary research paper on one of the topics in business.

4396. Seminar in Japanese and Japan: Literature (3 s.h.) RCI: WI.

Prerequisite: Japanese 4001 or permission of instructor.

Seminar in Japanese and Japan is a capstone course that builds on the solid foundation of advanced linguistics skills, socio-cultural knowledge, and critical thinking that students have acquired. It also marks their final stage of Japanese language learning. Three topics (Topic I: Socio-cultural, Topic II: Business, Topic III: Literature) are offered alternately and designed to allow students to select and pursue a topic of their interest. In the courses, students will learn to read critically and properly appreciate the original texts of a selected topic. While reading about socio-cultural aspects, topics/issues in business, or literature, students will further their understanding of Japanese language. This course has a special focus on the Japanese literature, and is designed to introduce students to representative short stories by contemporary writers in the original Japanese texts. Reading literature requires one’s critical thinking and in-depth understanding of historical, social, cultural and linguistic background in addition to rhetoric and stylistics. In this course, short stories are selected for their readability and manageable length so that students will be able to sample different styles and genres by different writers.


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Last updated 10/8/2010