Japanese Language & Cultures

This is the first of a sequence of three courses emphasizing the acquisition of Japanese language skills needed to satisfy basic social requirements in Japan. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing needs are addressed, as well as an introduction to Japanese cultures and issues. Japanese I is intended primarily for students who have no acquaintance with the language.

This is the second of three courses: See JAPN 110.

This is the third of three courses: See JAPN 110.

This course, taught in English, provides an introduction to modem Japanese culture and society through the study and practice of cultural activities. Students leam Japanese greetings and norms of social interaction and study the features of Japanese culture through the creation of artifacts and products associated with Japanese life and culture. Hands-on activities include Japanese calligraphy; origami (paper art); Ikebana (flower arranging); the production of Japanese cuisine such as sushi and yakisoba; the traditional tea ceremony; folk dancing; and the use of drums.

This course is a basic survey of modem Japan. Following an introduction to geography and history, the course focuses on art, modem literature, cinema, culture, society, politics, economy, and current conditions in Japan. (This course may be taken for credit as HIST 331.)