| 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 some compound sentence structures of the Japanese, basic vocabulary, basic formulaic expressions, and 87 more kanji characters. 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 describing one’s experience, 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 JPN 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. Proficiency oriented 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 second course in a two-quarter series designed to introduce the student to classical Japanese grammar through the reading of selected literary genres, including poetry from the Kokinshu imperial anthology, a medieval noh play, and Edo period 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. Two midterms and a comprehensive final exam; students are also graded on attendance and active participation. Required Text: Haruo Shirane, Classical Japanese: A Grammar and a reading packet available for purchase in class. |
| JAPANSE 101A | 4TH YEAR JAPANESE | LONG, M. | Fourth-year Japanese at UCI is primarily a reading course where students jump into famous short works of literature in the original. We begin with contemporary writers who are currently popular in Japan: Kawakami Hiromi, Otsuichi, Ishii Shinji, Yu Mi Ri and Yoshimoto Banana. In the second half of the course we move back in time and enjoy some of Japan’s most famous writers from the 20th century: Miyazawa Kenji, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Mishima Yukio, and Tsushima Yuko. The class is conducted in Japanese with some clarifications in English. Objectives include learning basic vocabularies of literature, understanding literary nuance, developing communication skills in responding to literature, learning to give presentations in Japanese, writing letters and emails in Japanese, and using the internet to do basic research in Japanese. Assignments include a mid-term, a final, three short presentations, class blog entries, self-assessments, and active participation. Heritage speakers and other students whose Japanese level is beyond 4th year may petition to take the course with additional assignments. |