JAPANESE

CRN

92084

Distribution

D

Course No.

JAPN 101

Title

Introductory Japanese I

Professor

Gustav Heldt

Schedule

Mon Tu Wed Th 10:00 am - 11:00 am LC 120


A two-semester sequence introducing the fundamentals of modern Japanese. Students will systematically develop their abilities in listening, speaking, writing and reading. Because fluency in Japanese requires a sensitivity to the social settings in which you are speaking this course will also provide an introduction to fundamental aspects of daily life and culture in contemporary Japan.

CRN

92085

Distribution

D

Course No.

JAPN 201

Title

Intermediate Japanese

Professor

Michiko Baribeau

Schedule

Tu Wed Th 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm LC 120


This course accelerates the learning of Chinese characters (kanji) begun in the Introductory Japanese sequence and introduces more complex grammatical patterns and expressions with the goal of refining the students' mastery of reading, speaking, writing, and listening. This will be achieved through intensive grammar review, practice of idiomatic expressions, conversational exercises, and reading and writing exercises. Conducted in Japanese. Prerequisite: Japanese 102 (Introductory Japanese II) or equivalent background.

CRN

92086

Distribution

C/D

Course No.

JAPN 205

Title

Japan: A Short Cultural History to 1800

Professor

Gustav Heldt

Schedule

Mon Wed 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm LC 120


A comprehensive introduction to Japan's history and culture from prehistoric times up to the 19th century. Special attention will be given to social change, the historical development of political and economic institutions, and the relationships between these developments and parallel ones in thought, literature, and the arts. Topics will include the role East Asian politics and culture played in defining a Japanese identity; the remarkable activity of women in politics, religion, and literature through much of Japanese history; varying definitions of Japan's "middle ages;" and the origins of a non-Western form of modernity in the 17th and 18th centuries

CRN

92087

Distribution

D

Course No.

JAPN 301

Title

Advanced Japanese I

Professor

Gustav Heldt

Schedule

Tu Th 1:30 pm - 2:50 pm OLIN 302


An introduction to grammatical constructions and idiomatic expressions peculiar to written Japanese; the fundamentals of dictionary-use; and various practical strategies for developing speed-reading skills when confronted with an unfamiliar text. Students should be able to conduct research using Japanese sources and/or participate in individually-tailored tutorials upon completing the course. Materials will be selected on the basis of students' interests (folk tales, short stories, critical and philosophical essays, newspaper articles, etc).

Prerequisite: Japanese 202 or equivalent background.