Course Description
Introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), as well as on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary. Prerequisite: None; Notes: Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
MAC Category and SLOs
- Describe dynamic elements of different cultures.
- Explain how similarities, differences, and connections among diverse groups of people or environmental systems affect one another over time and place.
Course Specific SLOs
- Communicate basic information in Japanese
- Understand simple spoken and written texts
- Demonstrate cultural awareness
- Compare cultural differences and similarities
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Participation | 5% |
| Homework | 10% |
| Quizzes | 10% |
| Task-based Assignments | 50% |
| Exams | 25% |
Grading Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 93–100 | A |
| 90–92 | A- |
| 88–89 | B+ |
| 83–87 | B |
| 80–82 | B- |
| 78–79 | C+ |
| 73–77 | C |
| 70–72 | C- |
| 68–69 | D+ |
| 63–67 | D |
| 60–62 | D- |
| 0–59 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Students are allowed up to 3 unexcused absences; additional absences reduce the final grade. Participation is required.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Genki I textbook (3rd edition)
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.