Japanese Courses
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
Elementary Japanese I and II (5+0) h
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. Materials fee: $10.00.
JPN 201 (4 Credits) Fall
Intermediate Japanese I and II (4+0) h
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. Materials fee: $5.00. (Prerequisite:
JPN 102 or equivalent.)
JPN 301 (3 Credits) Fall
Advanced Japanese (3+0) h
JPN 302 (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. Materials fee: $5.00. (Prerequisite: JPN 202 or
equivalent.)
JPN 331W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Women's Voices in Japanese Literature (3+0) h
(Same as WMS 331)
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: 1997-98.)
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. Materials
fee: $15.00. (Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Next
offered: 1997-98.)
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. Materials fee: $5.00. (Prerequisite: JPN 302. Next
offered: 1996-97.)
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. Materials fee: $5.00. (Prerequisites: JPN 302 or equivalent;
at least junior standing or permission of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)
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 preapproved program.)