Course Description: 

Credit Hours: 4

Classroom Contact Hours per week: 4

Laboratory Contact Hours per week: 0

Study of fundamentals of Japanese:  conversation, writing, listening and reading comprehension, vocabulary building, grammar and culture.  No prerequisites.

Course Objectives:  The main objective of this course is to develop competencies that align with the general education goals of critical thinking, interpersonal skills, civic and cultural awareness, personal responsibility, and written, oral and visual communication, in the Japanese language, at an appropriate level. The ability to understand and communicate and comprehend Japanese will develop along with the knowledge of the vocabulary, grammatical structures of the language, and exploration of how culture shapes communication.

Course Rationale:  In addition to offering the fundamentals of the Japanese language, this course is intended to fulfill one semester of the foreign language requirement as needed for Associate Degree plans and transfer credit to four-year institutions.  The number of courses required varies from discipline and institution.

Instructional Methodology:  In this virtual format class, our primary objective is to learn to communicate in Japanese. We will study vocabulary words and grammar rules with this end in mind. We will practice developing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Please make sure that you have access to a computer, laptop or tablet, reliable internet access, and a mic and camera.  Also, please install a Japanese keyboard on your device.

Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Although we do not meet as a class on campus, you will be required to complete work according to a schedule. You should be prepared to spend a minimum of at least 10-12 hours per week studying and doing assignments to prepare for class. It is best to study a little each day.

Tests and Final Exam

The dates for the tests and the Final are indicated in the attached schedule of work.  They will be administered during class time, in the classroom.  Test One will include Getting started; Test Two is over Chapter 1.  The final is comprehensive.  It will cover Getting Started through Chapter 1.  Regular and careful preparation for class is the best way to prepare for the tests and the Final.  To make up for a missed exam, you must provide proof of a valid reason for missing it and inform the instructor before the exam that you will not be able to take it. 

Quizzes

A daily quiz will be given during each class over the materials covered during the previous class.  Make-up quizzes are not given.  

Workbook/Lab Manual 

Homework assigned from the Workbook will be collected weekly.  In order to complete the listening comprehension activities from the Workbook, you will need to listen to a set of CDs.  Homework must be uploaded to Blackboard by midnight on the Due date. 

Comprehensive Oral Exam

You will have an individual interview with me towards the end of the semester.  This makes up 20% of your grade.  Guidelines, dates, and time will be given soon.     

Class Participation

You are expected to be in class every day and be prepared for grammar discussions and drills.  The material that will be covered in each session is indicated in the attached schedule, make sure that you study the material before coming to class.

COURSE POLICIES 

Attendance / Participation:  This is a synchronous online class with regular required class meetings. 

By College policy, regular and punctual class attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Due to the emphasis on oral practice, attendance is mandatory and will be checked daily. Departmental policy allows instructors to drop students with more than three absences. Leaving class prior to class dismissal without the instructor’s approval will be counted as an absence. Foreign language classes are very interactive and you will be required to participate regularly in class and group activities. Failure to participate will result in a lower daily grade for participation.

In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

Required Texts/Materials:

1)  Yookoso!, An Introduction to Contemporary Japanese, 3rd edition

2)  Workbook/Lab Manual to accompany Yookoso! Book I, 

3)  Listening exercises require either the purchase of a set of CDs or free access at:

     http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072408154/student_view0/index.html

Class Schedule

Please note that schedule changes may occur during the session.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement (or other resource faculty is using to communicate).

8/22 Introduction/ Getting Started I-1

8/24 GS I-2

8/29 GS I-3

8/31 GS I-4

9/7 GS II-1

9/12 GS II-2

9/14 GS II-3

9/19 GS II-4

9/21 GS III-1

9/26 GS III-2

9/28 GS III-3

10/3 GS III-4/V-1

10/5 GS V-2

10/10 GS V-3

10/12   GS V-4 

10/17 Review Day 

10/19 TEST #1 (Getting Started)

10/24 Ch 1-1

10/26 Ch 1-2

10/31 Ch 1-3

11/2 Ch 1-4

11/7 Ch 1-5

11/9 Ch 1-6

11/14 Ch 1-7

11/16 Review Day

11/21 TEST #2 (Chapter One)

11/23 GS IV-1

11/28 GS IV-2

11/30 FINAL REVIEW

12/5 ORAL EXAM

12/7 ORAL EXAM

General Education Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate competence in:

—    Critical Thinking

Gather, analyze, synthesize, evaluate and apply information for the purposes of innovation, inquiry, and creative thinking.

—    Teamwork

Consider different points of view to work collaboratively and effectively in pursuit of a shared purpose or goal.

—    Social Responsibility

Analyze differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices to include intercultural competence, knowledge of civic responsibility, and the ability to engage effectively in regional, national, and global communities

.—    Personal Responsibility

Identify and apply ethical principles and practices to decision-making by connecting choices, actions and consequences

—    Communication Skills

Develop, interpret, and express ideas and information through written, oral and visual communication that is adapted to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.