Japanese Studies Courses
This course will introduce basic Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and writing systems (katakana and hiragana), together with some relevant aspects of Japanese culture. Emphasis on developing communicative conversational skills. The course includes a mandatory one-hour weekly group conversation class with a tutor for nine weeks of the semester outside of the class meeting time. Offered every Fall.
Continuation of JAPAN 101. Some basic kanji will be introduced. The course will focus on developing conversational skills and reading/writing skills. The course includes a mandatory one-hour weekly group conversation class with a tutor for nine weeks of the semester outside of the class meeting time. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 101 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department.
This course will introduce basic Japanese business communication and the Japanese writing systems (katagana and hiragana). The course is designed for beginners, so no prerequisite is required. It will focus on developing conversational skills in business contexts and on understanding Japanese business customs, manners, and structures. Offered every Spring.
Continuation of JAPAN 190. Kanji typically used for Japanese business will be introduced. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 191 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department.
This course will focus on developing business communication skills with relation to Japanese business customs, manners and structures. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 192 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department. Continuation of JAPAN 192.
An interesting introduction to a topic in the field of Japanese.
Continuation of JAPAN 102. This course will develop communicative conversational skills and reading and writing skills and will familiarize the student with Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and kanji. The course includes a mandatory one-hour weekly group conversation class with a tutor for nine weeks of the semester outside of the class meeting time. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 102 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department.
Continuation of JAPAN 201. This course will provide extensive practice for conversation, reading, and writing for advancement to the intermediate level of Japanese. The course includes a mandatory one-hour weekly group conversation class with a tutor for nine weeks of the semester outside of the class meeting time. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 201 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department.
Continuation of JAPAN 202. This course will provide extensive practice for conversation, reading, and writing to consolidate the student's language skills. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 202 or equivalent competence as determined by the Department.
Continuation of JAPAN 311. This course will include reading authentic materials (newspapers, periodicals, novels, etc.), discussing the materials in Japanese, and writing compositions. Offered every Fall. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 301.
This course aims to develop classical Japanese calligraphy skills and to engender a deeper appreciation of the calligraphic arts and of the role of Zen philosophy in Japanese culture. Application of the form and beauty of the characters also makes them easier to remember. The course will provide a hands-on tutorial of basic brush strokes and painting techniques. Offered every Fall.
A study of the emergence of modern East Asia; political changes in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan after 1945; survey of international developments.
This course will introduce essential aspects of Japanese culture. It is taught in English and may be repeated for credit when different topics are treated. Offered every other Fall.
This course will explore various aspects of contemporary Japanese culture. It is taught in English. Offered every other Fall.
This course will introduce the classics of Japanese literature as well as works by the Nobel laureates. The course is taught in English. Offered every Spring.
A history of the Naturalist Movement in Japan, with special emphasis on Western literary influences, as well as native resistance to and adaptation of them, during this formative period in Japanese literature.
The course aims to develop Japanese calligraphy and sumi-e (ink painting) skills, to introduce the history of Japanese painting, and to engender a deeper appreciation of the calligraphic and sumi-e arts. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 310.
This course surveys nearly 2000 years of the religious traditions, heritage, and culture of the Japanese people. We will explore key texts, charismatic leaders, and periods of conflict and stability in our goal to understand both historical and contemporary religious and spiritual examples within Japan and abroad.
This course examines the origins, teachings, and practices of Zen Buddhism, from ancient China to contemporary East Asia and North America. It emphasizes both academic and participatory understanding of this tradition. Offered intermittently.
A survey of Japan's history after 1868, emphasizing its rapid modernization and its rise to great power status. Offered every other year.
Consideration of a broad variety of political, social, economic, and cultural issues concerning America's relationship with Japan, beginning with Commodore Perry's visit in 1853 and including contemporary economic and security concerns. Offered every other year.
Courses offered on an experimental basis. Topics vary. Offered intermittently.
Permission of Instructor, Department Chair and Dean required.
The course is conducted in Japanese. It introduces many characteristically Japanese traditions and concepts originating during the Edo period when the Shogunate government closed Japan to foreign commerce. Prerequisite: JAPN 302.
This course aims to develop linguistic knowledge about the Japanese language. The course will focus on understanding the Japanese language in terms of history, lexicon, phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, and sociolinguistics. Such linguistic training provides essential background for teaching Japanese. Offered every Spring. Prerequisite: JAPAN - 202 (or equivalent competence).
