Japanese
For information on studying in Japan, see Study Abroad; on compulsory placement tests, see Course Placement; on "bonus credit," see Alternative Ways to Earn Credit.
JPN 100A (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Introduction to Conversational Japanese I (3+0) h
Introduction to basic conversational Japanese, nonverbal forms of communication, and various aspects of Japanese society and culture. Note: JPN 100A and JPN 100B are not equivalent to JPN 101 and do not satisfy core curriculum requirements. This course may be taken for a letter grade or Pass/Fail.
JPN 100B (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Introduction to Conversational Japanese II (3+0) h
Introduction to basic conversational Japanese, nonverbal forms of communication, and various aspects of Japanese society and culture. Note: JPN 100A and JPN 100B are not equivalent to JPN 101 and do not satisfy core curriculum requirements. This course may be taken for a letter grade or Pass/Fail. (Prerequisite: JPN 100A or instructor permission.)
JPN 101 (5 Credits) Fall
JPN 102 (5 Credits) Spring
Elementary Japanese I and II (5+0) h
Introduction to spoken and written Japanese. The student will acquire a vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words and will learn to read and write the two syllabaries, hiragana and katakana, as well as 150 kanji. Cultural dimension is explored implicitly through language and explicitly through audiovisual materials. Courses are taught in Japanese.
JPN 201 (4 Credits) Fall
JPN 202 (4 Credits) Spring
Intermediate Japanese I and II (4+0) h
The student will learn to read and write an additional 250 kanji. Conversational ability and listening comprehension enhanced by using videotape materials. Courses are taught in Japanese. (Prerequisite: JPN 102 or equivalent.)
JPN 301 (3 Credits) Fall
JPN 302O (3 Credits) Spring
Advanced Japanese (3+0) h
Development of advanced conversational and reading skills. Topics may include: modern Japanese prose fiction; newspaper Japanese; advanced conversation through the study of common contractions and idiomatic usage in the standard Tokyo dialect; and a study of television drama series. May be repeated with different topics. (Prerequisite: JPN 202 or equivalent.)
JPN 331W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Women's Voices in Japanese Literature (3+0) h
(Cross-listed with WMS 331W)
A close reading of selected novels, short stories, poems, and diaries by Japanese women from the tenth century to the present which reveal the personal, social, aesthetic and intellectual concerns of women in different periods of Japanese history. Focus on the changing role of women in Japanese society, the role of women writers as social critics, and cross-cultural differences and similarities in women's issues. (Prerequisites: ENGL 211X or 213X, ENGL/FL 200X; HIST 121, 122 or 331 recommended. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)
JPN 332 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Japanese Cultural Traditions (3+0) h
A study of Japanese cultural traditions as revealed in the literary, visual, and performing arts. Discussion of literature in English translation is integrated with slide-lectures on Buddhist painting and sculpture, picture scrolls, castle decoration, woodblock prints, the tea ceremony, gardens, and the No, Kabuki, and puppet theatres. Course is taught in English. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)
JPN 333 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Twentieth Century Japanese Prose Fiction (3+0) h
A study of selected novels, short stories and film scripts in translation representative of styles and themes which characterize twentieth century Japanese literature. Analysis of each work in terms of characterization, themes, structure, style and as an expression of social problems or intellectual issues in modern Japanese society. Course is taught in English. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor.)
JPN 431 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Studies in Japanese Culture (3+0) h
Further study of advanced written and spoken Japanese through essays, newspaper and journal articles, and television documentaries dealing with topics in Japanese culture. (Prerequisite: JPN 302. Next offered: 2002-03.)
JPN 432 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Studies of Literature in Japanese (3+0) h
Intensive study of authors, literary texts, movements, genres, themes or critical approaches. Conducted in Japanese. Student may repeat course for credit when topics vary. (Prerequisites: JPN 302 or equivalent; at least junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 2001 - 02.)
JPN 475 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Seminar on Contemporary Japan (3+0) h
Ties together various threads of the Japanese Studies program and gives students an opportunity to apply their knowledge to contemporary issues in Japan. Provides a forum for student presentations of research papers begun in Japan. (Prerequisite: Upper division semester in Japan at pre-approved program.)