Japanese Level 1

Course Description

This course presumes no prior background in the Japanese language. Students will develop a solid foundation in the language and will acquire elementary speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

Course Objectives

By the completion of the course, students will be able to:

  1. handle daily conversational situations, read and write simple passages using both kana symbols and the most commonly encountered kanji, and have attained a good command of basic Japanese language patterns and grammatical structures;
  2. function at a survival level in daily life (shopping by oneself, making requests, initiating and receiving phone calls) through classroom exercises and out-of-class experiences provided by the Friday Project and other JCMU program options;
  3. comprehend the hiragana and katakana symbols, and approximately 150 basic kanji characters; and
  4. understand and appreciate many aspects of Japanese socio-cultural practices.

Course Materials

  • Banno et. al. Genki I
  • Banno et. al. Genki Workbook I
  • Worksheets and handouts

Grading and Attendance

25% Classroom participation and dialogue presentation
10% Assignments
15% Quizzes
45% Weekly examination and final examination
5% Projects