Course description
Minor in Japanese Studies
The Minor in Japanese Studies is designed to provide students with an intermediate to advanced level competence in Japanese along with an understanding of various aspects of Japanese society, its civilization, its culture and its institutions.
For a Minor in Japanese Studies students must complete 24 credits:
JSE101a Introduction to Japanese Language I
JSE102b Introduction to Japanese Language II
JSE201a Intermediate Japanese Language I
JSE202b Intermediate Japanese Language II
JSE301a Advanced Japanese Language I
JSE302b Advanced Japanese Language II
JSE150ab Japanese Society and Culture
JSE310ab Independent Study: Topics in Japanese Language and Culture
Modern Languages Major:
International Japanese Studies Component
Students who have been accepted to go on exchange in Japan may apply for the International Japanese Studies component of the Major in Modern Languages.
The component consists of 30 credits in Japanese and will constitute a concentration in Japanese Studies as part of a Major in Modern Languages. Courses are chosen prior to the exchange in consultation with the Head of the Japanese Studies section.
Language Courses:
JSE 100ab Introduction to Japanese Language I-II Intensive Course 6-6-2
This course covers the contents of Japanese 101a and Japanese 102b in one semester.
JSE 101a Introduction to Japanese Language I 3-3-1
The purpose of the course is to equip students with grammatical patterns and basic vocabulary of present day, standard Japanese. Hiragana, one of the three writing systems of the language, will be gradually introduced, followed by Katakana and Kanji. Grammar sessions will be conducted in English while in drill sessions maximum use of Japanese will be expected.
JSE 102b Introduction to Japanese Language II 3-3-1
Continuation of Introduction to the Japanese Language I.
Prerequisite JSE101 or equivalent
JSE 201a Intermediate Japanese Language I 3-3-1
This course introduces students to more grammatical (as well as lexical) items that can be put to immediate use. The purpose of the course is to equip the students with comprehensive grammatical patterns and vocabulary of present-day, standard Japanese at the basic level.
Prerequisite JSE102 or equivalent
JSE 202b Intermediate Japanese Language II 3-3-1
Continuation of Intermediate Japanese Language I.
Prerequisite JSE201 or equivalent
JSE 301a Advanced Japanese Language I 3-3-1
This course completes the over-all syntax of present-day Japanese, providing the students with a solid foundation for further studies in the field of their choice. The course adds more vocabulary as well as Kanji.
Prerequisite JSE202 or equivalent
JSE 302b Advanced Japanese Language II 3-3-1
Continuation of Advanced Japanese I.
Prerequisite JSE301 or equivalent
Courses on Japan:
JSE 150ab Japanese Society and Culture 3-3-0
This course is designed to give a basic level of knowledge on the main aspects of modern Japanese society and culture. The aim is two fold: first, to present modern Japan as it might be seen by the Japanese themselves, in hope that the student might learn to perceive Japanese society and culture from a Japanese point of view, and; second, to introduce some of the minute details – the intricacies – of everyday life in Japan which the student might not be aware of, yet which will help him or her to better understand and experience the ways of Japan.
JSE 310ab Independent Study: Topics in Japanese Language and Culture 3-3-0
Students will undertake projects related to some aspect of Japanese language, literature, society, and/or culture.
Prerequisite JSE 202b or instructor’s permission
JSE 311ab Independent Studies II: Topics in Japanese Language and Culture II 3-3-0
Students will undertake projects related to some aspect of Japanese language, literature, society and/or culture.
Prerequisite: JSE 202b or Instructor’s Permission
