Syllabus

ELEMENTARY JAPANESE 1A

Designed for beginners only, this course introduces hiragana and katakana and essential spoken communication skills in modern Japanese.

 

Instructor
Toshio Sakai
tsakai@redshift.com
                                         Foreword
Welcome to the homepage of the Japanese language.  Today the number of students studying Japanese has been increasing rapidly throughout the world as more people are interested in not only Japanese economics and technology, but also its history and culture. I hope this course will guide you on your first step toward the mastery of the language.

Required Textbooks

 

                       Recommended books

Japanese for Busy People, Vol. I, Japanese for Busy People Workbook I, Vol. I, Learning Hiragana and Katakana and Course Packet 

 

Oxford Japanese Minidictionary

Course Description

Designed for beginners only, this course introduces hiragana and katakana and essential spoken communication skills in modern Japanese.  Emphasizing grammar, business related vocabulary and pronunciation, the instructor covers a variety of conversational situations, from self-introductions to shopping and making phone calls in Japanese.  The course also provides basic information about greetings, exchanging business cards and gifts and other business etiquette essential to successful professional interaction with the Japanese at home or abroad.  Students can learn basic phrases and dialogue plus culture and customs.  Requires no previous knowledge of Japanese.
Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

  1. Speak and understand Japanese on an elementary level.
  2. Understand and be able to apply grammar and patterns covered in the course.
  3. Read and write Hiragana and recognize Katakana
  4. Have some understanding of the Japanese people and culture.
Methodology
          

     1.  Frequent conversation drills.

     2.  Vocabulary expansion and pattern drills.

     3.  Study of grammatical materials in the textbook

     4.  Use of audio-visual materials.

     5.  Student’s centered approach                     

               Assignments
  1. Two hours (minimum) of preparation for each lessons.
  2. Memorize basic patterns and vocabulary in the scheduled lessons.
  3. Review lessons for reinforcement.
  4. One term paper (2 page and single spaced) on the topic of  your choice on Japanese language or culture.
  5. Take a weekly quiz.
  6. Come prepared to ask questions.
                 Attendance
You will be dropped after two unexcused absences since catching up is very difficult.  For emergencies, notify instructor in advance, if possible, or upon return to class with a cogent reason.  Please be on time.
                Grading
The grade will be based upon the quizzes (25%), your term paper(25%), the final(25%) and class participation(25%).

The following information is provided for your convenience.

  1. Students reuiring special services or arrangements because of hearing, visual, or other disability should contact the instructor, counselor or the Disabled Students Services Office.
  2. Occupation/Vocational students - Limited English language skills will not be a barrier to admittance to and participation in Vocational Education.
  3. Students are expected to exercise academic honesty and integrity.  Violations such as cheating and plagiarism will result in disciplinary action which may include recommendation for dismissal.