Special Topics

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Demonstrate the reading skills required to read texts analytically and critically
• Describe orally and in writing some of the important characteristics of Japanese culture from different time periods
• Describe orally and in writing Japanese society in relation to women’s lives and gender related issues by using various examples drawn from the writings and films
• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills through class discussions and formal and informal speech
• Demonstrate an understanding and sensitivity to cultural differences
• Demonstrate ability to communicate orally and in writing, using learned vocabulary, grammar, and expressions

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Participation and Preparation	10%
Homework discussion posts	15%
Book Reaction Papers	25%
Group project	25%
Final Paper/Speech	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 may have up to 2 unexcused absences; additional absences reduce the final grade.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• Tanizaki, Junichiro. Naomi. Translated by Anthony H. Chambers, Vintage International, 2001. ISBN: 9780375724749
• Murakami, Haruki. Sputnik Sweetheart. Translated by Philip Gabriel, Vintage International, 2002. ISBN: 9780375726057