Level Four Japanese A

Catalog description

Continuation of JAPNS 402 . Aims to improve students' proficiency in all four language skills, with a special emphasis on writing. JAPNS 403Y Level Four Japanese A (4) (IL) This is a four credit course designed for those who have completed Level Three Japanese B or the equivalent. The course aims to further develop students' proficiency in all four language skills, with a special emphasis on writing. Students will study several topics such as Japanese society and Japanese literature for content-based language learning throughout the semester. For each topic variety of media will be used -newspaper articles, essays, short stories, TV programs, movies, etc. The majority of reading and writing assignments will be done outside class, with some guidance from the instructor. That will help students become more independent in studying Japanese. They will use appropriate resources such as dictionaries, reference books, online dictionaries and other online resources depending on their individual needs. Class time will be used mainly for discussions of content, feedback on writing, and presentations by students. All class activities will be conducted in Japanese. Writing exercises include short response papers on topics and summaries of literary pieces or audio visual materials. In the response papers students will reflect more deeply on certain topics, synthesize information from course materials, express their opinions, and support ideas by referring to and citing from source texts. This will help students be prepared for a longer thesis in the next course in the sequence. Discussion on the summaries will cultivate sensitivity toward words and expressions. The course will help students start building their career in Japanese. Students will familiarize themselves with and if they wish study for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (Level N2). They will also write a resume and formal letters that could be used in job applications and practice formal spoken communication in business settings.