| Course | Title | Instructor | Description |
|---|
| JAPANSE 1B | FUNDAMENTALS | STAFF | This course is the continuation of JPN 1A, using a communicative approach, will help students learn fundamental grammar, as well as introduce them to basic structural patterns of the Japanese language, basic vocabulary, and 87 more kanji. Students will also learn to ask and answer basic questions and write about simple actions in the present/future and past tenses. They will be introduced to important elements of Japanese culture and customs of the Japanese people. Students practice basic speaking and listening skills in common situations, such as greetings and invitations, while interacting with classmates, and instructors. This course is taught in Japanese .unless in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the instructor. |
| JAPANSE 2B | INTERMEDIATE | STAFF | This course is the continuation of JPN 2A and fosters students’ understanding and awareness of the difference between everyday writing (e.g. a letter or email) and essay writing. Students will be trained not only to acquire the essay style but also to develop the ability of explaining observed facts in a logical manner to his/her readers. The pedagogical underpinning is Form-focused instruction; communicative approach; and proficiency-oriented. Focus on meaning – this may be when language is the tool for communication in social interactions. Focus on forms as it relates to meaning. In addition to these linguistic skills students will explore some aspects of Japanese culture through selected topics. |
| JAPANSE 3B | ADVANCED JAPANESE | STAFF | This course is the continuation of J 3A and will build on the content knowledge as well as the linguistic knowledge and skills that students acquired in first and second year Japanese. Content based instruction and Communicative approach are employed. Students practice and master the whole range of Japanese grammar comprehensively. Students also practice oral presentation skills accompanied with audio-visual aids such as PowerPoint. The content of the subject is explained exclusively in Japanese. The goal of this course is to help students become competent and culturally literate speakers of Japanese.
In terms of development of linguistic skills, the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing will be fostered, with increased emphasis on reading skills. Students will learn more advanced formulaic expressions and expand their vocabulary. The ultimate goals of this series are to acquaint students with reading and research skills and help them convey abstract thoughts in sensible ways. |
| JAPANSE 100B | CLASSICAL JAPANESE | KLEIN, S. | This is the first course in a two-quarter series designed to introduce the student to classical Japanese grammar through the reading of selected literary genres, including Sei Shonagon’s Pillow Book (Makura no Soshi), Kamo no Chōmei’s Hōjōki, medieval tale literature and early modern fiction. Emphasis throughout will be on reading comprehension, with special emphasis on a thorough understanding of traditional grammar and syntax. Some attention will also be given to figurative language, literary conventions, and thematic reading. Students will be quizzed regularly and will take at least two midterms and a comprehensive final examination. |
| JAPANSE 101A | 4TH YEAR JAPANESE | FUJII, J. | Japanese 101 is the first quarter of a three-quarter-long fourth year of Japanese language instruction at UCI. The primary objective of fourth-year Japanese is to help students gain a measure of independence from “textbook Japanese” and to become increasingly comfortable with the rich variety of written forms that constitute the fabric of everyday, including works of a more studied literate Japanese life. In contrast to earlier (1-3 ABC series) instruction with its balanced approach to speech, listening comprehension, writing, and reading, this quarter continues the emphasis on reading comprehension, even as we engage a number of supplemental materials that require aural exercise. In week ten we will focus on the practice of translation as a skill (rather than as a pedagogical practice).
At times close reading of texts will be required, asking you to attend to more complex nuances of Japanese writing. For other materials, the objective will be not to attain 100% comprehension of each and every passage covered; while fluency requires solid comprehension, at times quick coverage and even skimming are essential literate practices. You will be exposed to many different kinds of texts appearing in different genres and contexts. Students will work to build reading speed in order to grasp the rhythm (and ultimately, the logic) of phrases, sentences, and paragraphs, relying at times on imagination and informed guesswork when necessary, to make sense of the language.
REQUIREMENTS: You are expected to attend class each day, well prepared, and ready to participate, whether it is through recitation, discussion, translation, or presentation. The material that appears below constitute the ‘core readings,’ but there will be additional materials assigned each week. |