Japanese Studies (JNS)

JNS 101 Elementary Japanese I 3

Introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Hiragana, Katakana, Kanji), as well as on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

Prerequisites: None.

Notes: Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.

JNS 102 Elementary Japanese II 3

Continued introduction to the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on basic writing systems (Kanji), active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

Prerequisites: JNS 101.

Notes: Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.

JNS 203 Intermediate Japanese I 3

First course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of Kanji, active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

Prerequisites: Proficiency level: JNS 102.

Notes: Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.

JNS 204 Intermediate Japanese II 3

Second course in the intermediate-level study of the Japanese language and culture. Emphasis on the further acquisition of Kanji, on active listening, speaking, writing, and reading, and applied vocabulary.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

CIC: CIC College Writing

Prerequisites: JNS 203.

Notes: Students with previous knowledge of Japanese are required to meet with a designated faculty member. Students who are native or heritage speakers of Japanese MUST obtain permission from the instructor before enrolling in the course. No academic credit will be given without department permission if students have already earned credit for an equivalent or higher-level course or have been placed into a higher-level course.

JNS 210 Current Topics Conversation 1

The course provides students with oral training for effective communication over current topics of global interest.

Prerequisites: JNS 204 or permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for up to three (3) semester hours.

JNS 220 Modern Japan 3

Introduction to Japanese culture and society. This course examines Japan's modern development through selected topics on modern history, society, and pop-culture including media culture, film, and literature.

MAC: MAC Global and Intercultural

Notes: Taught in English.

JNS 230 Women in Japanese Literature and Film 3

The course focuses on various aspects of women's lives in modern Japanese society, providing an overview of modern Japanese society through representation of women's culture in literature and film.

Notes: Taught in English.

JNS 301 Advanced Grammar and Conversation 3

Advanced language course that aims at improving students' communication skills in Japanese and enhancing their global awareness. The course work involves grammar retention drills, reading/writing assignments, and various speaking exercises.

Prerequisites: JNS 204.

JNS 302 Third-year Japanese Language Conversation and Composition 3

The course is designed to improve students' communication skills through intensive lectures, grammar retention drills, and oral and writing exercises. Students deepen their understanding of cultural logics behind Japanese language.

Prerequisites: JNS 301.

JNS 305 Topics in Japanese Culture 3

Focus on Japanese civilization to improve linguistic and/or cultural proficiency. Taught in either English or Japanese.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

JNS 306 Current Issues in Japan 3

The course focuses on current issues in Japan and non-traditional aspects of Japanese society. The course materials include literary texts, film, and other interdisciplinary materials. Taught in English.

Notes: May be repeated once for credit when topic varies.

JNS 491 Special Topics 3

Special topics in Japanese language and culture.

Prerequisites: JNS 204. Permission of instructor;

Notes: May be repeated three times for credit when topic varies.

JNS 499 Practicum 3

The course provides students with civic engagement opportunities. Students will deepen their understanding of the Japanese language, culture and society through service learning.