Summer Japanese Curriculum
Japanese Language Summer Course Description
Overview
The Japanese language program at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities
(JCMU) located in Hikone, Japan, offers four levels of instruction:
Elementary, lower intermediate, intermediate, and advanced. Each level
at the Center is designed to advance the language students’ proficiency
through the combination of in-class instruction and outside activities.
The language program as a whole aims to produce students who can communicate
effectively in a variety of sociocultural contexts both in spoken and
written Japanese.
Objectives
The objectives for all Japanese language courses taught at the JCMU
are to:
1. emphasize creative student-centered and situational activities,
coupled with basic pattern practices and drills;
2. increase students’ proficiency and accuracy in the use of the
Japanese language;
3. increase students’ awareness and accuracy in a variety of language
tasks/functions, text types and content/context variables;
4. seek to couple the language learning with an appreciation of contemporary
Japanese customs, culture, and social phenomena;
5. meet the individual affective needs of students;
6. extend language use with “real life” experiences outside
of class (language-based discussion groups, “conversation partners”
with Japanese ESL students, interview activities with Japanese individuals,
home stay and other activities involving Japanese families and individuals)
; and
7. use authentic materials and experiences (including videos, audio tapes) and language lab practice sessions whenever possible
Courses
· Elementary Japanese (Level 1)
· Lower Intermediate Japanese (Level 2)
· Intermediate Japanese (Level 3)
· Advanced Japanese (Level 4)
Placement Test
The Center gives a placement test to students at the beginning of each
term so that they may be placed in the proper level according to their
language proficiency, to maximize their learning experience at JCMU.
Language Enrichment Activities
Language courses for the summer (approximately 18 sessions a week in
each level ) are supplemented by cultural activities, homestay visits,
excursions to important cultural and historic sites in Shiga and in
its vicinities, and participation in a wide variety of community-based
activities and events.
Course Description For Each Level
Though there might be some minor changes (in pace, teaching materials,
grading policy, etc. ) in each level due to the more intensive nature
of the summer program, each level will be conducted following the basic
objectives and policy of the academic year.
Japanese Program Academic Policies
Attendance
1. Class attendance is mandatory. Because of the intensive nature of
the program, more than fifteen absences (fifteen class hours, not days)
in a term will not be accepted under any circumstances, and the student
will automatically be dismissed from the program. Students also have
to keep in mind that, by being absent, they will miss other opportunities
to take quizzes or tests, to turn in homework and so forth, in addition
to learning new materials in class.
2. Students are expected to be punctual. Being late five minutes or
more is unacceptable, and will be counted against one’s attendance
grade. Three tardies will count as one absence.
3. Excusing any absence or lateness due to weather, public transportation
problems or other reasons will be decided by the JCMU Director in consultation
with the Japanese Language Program Coordinator.
Assignments
1. Late assignments will not be accepted. If you know in advance that
you will be absent, you may hand in your homework before the due date.
2. Incomplete or poorly-done assignments (as judged by the instructor)
will not be accepted.
Tests/Quizzes/Examination
1. Quiz days will be announced in the weekly schedule.
2. Test and examination days will be outlined at the beginning of each
term.
3. There will be no make-up quizzes, tests or examinations. (“making
up” here means taking a quiz both before or after the scheduled
time.)
Miscellaneous
1. The use of English in the classroom is strictly prohibited without
prior permission requested (in Japanese) and given by the instructor.
Ex. Sumimasen, Eigo de ii desu ka? Speaking English is discouraged anywhere
in the academic building during the morning sessions.
2. The following are forbidden in the classroom: food, drink, gum-chewing,
and wearing hats of any kind.
3. The course strives for a high level of accuracy in the student’s
Japanese. To that effect, students should expect to be corrected in
class. This should not be taken personally and should not inhibit one’s
participation in class. This measure is to ensure students practice
and learn only correct and productive Japanese.
4. Students are expected to come to class prepared. Preparation for
class makes a significant difference in the ability of the class as
a whole to progress. Please familiarize yourself with each new lesson,
vocabulary, and grammar prior to the class. Any questions raised during
your study will be answered in class.
5. Students are expected to study the minimum of 3-4 hours outside of class daily.