Advanced Japanese Conversation
J121

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PHILOSOPHY AND COURSE OBJECTIVES

The curriculum for this course is based on the assumption that communication (oral and written) is the major function of language. The two pillars on which the curriculum is founded are the structural view of language and functional view of language. That means that the learner should aim for functional effectiveness as well as structural accuracy when trying to master the target language. In other words, the learner should practice manipulating the linguistic system which s/he has learned (here Japanese), to the point where s/he can use it almost spontaneously in a socially acceptable manner.

COURSE STRUCTURE

We meet two times a week, TTH. 11:00 - 11:50 at 251B, Building 250.

The instructor who uses the Japanese language as a teaching medium will direct student-centered activities such as pair work, linguistic games, role-acting, and discussion.

There will be weekly listening assignments which are the preparation for the in-class discussions, in order to maximize student - to - student or student - to- instructor interactions in Japanese.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

The student must prepare himself or herself prior to attending the class by completing the pertinent section of the homework assignments.

The student must be punctual for attending the class.

The student must inform the instructor in advance when it is necessary to reschedule his or her presentations.

CONCRETE GOALS FOR THIS QUARTER

Review of intermediate-high level grammar

Converse in a clearly participatory fashion

Improvement of listening comprehension skill

Enlargement of everyday vocabulary

Practice of narrating and describing with paragraph-length connected discourse.

INCORPORATION OF TECHNOLOGY INTO LANGUAGE LEARNING

The class web site will provide on-line listening exercises, cultural information, and useful strategies for studying Japanese, all of which broaden students' understanding of the language.

Contacting the instructor via email in Japanese or English will be encouraged.

GRADING

ATTENDANCE & CLASS PARTICIPATION 30%

GRADED HOMEWORK 10%

ON-LINE HOMEWORK 10%

MINI-PRESENTATIONS 30%

FINAL PRESENTATION 20%

Students who have a disability which may necessitate an academic accommodation or the use of auxiliary aids and services in a class must initiate the request with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The DRC will evaluate the request with required documentation, recommend appropriate accommodations, and prepare a verification letter dated in the current academic term in which the request is made. Please contact the DRC as soon as possible; timely notice is needed to arrange for appropriate accommodations.