HELP 2023 January Term Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Print this Page Add to My Bookmark (opens a new window)

JAN 025 - Introduction to Japanese Language and Culture

Have you experienced the flavors of stinky and sticky fermented soybeans, or the texture of chewy and stretchy Mochi? You will love “tasting Fridays” for Japanese foods and drinks, on top of daily Japanese treats.  At the end of this course you will be a big fan of Japanese Snacks as much as Anime and Manga! 
Demon Slayers, One Piece, or Naruto: these might seem like classics to you, but how about the famous Totoro from Studio Ghibli? You have a great opportunity this January: a chance to begin basic Japanese language and to see into the culture. We enjoy a weekly film review, to deepen your understanding of Anime and live action. You will be able to appreciate new details for the first time. 
This introductory course is very ambitious, covering both language and many aspects of culture.  Also, it is very interactive with games, activities, songs, taking a field trip to a Japanese restaurant where we will order in Japanese, and sharing awards with prizes at the end. Communicative ability is the focus of the course. You’ll make a skit as a group, and have a chance to become a celebrity among the SMC Japanese community.
 
We will have great fun learning a language most Americans may not recognize, yet is vitally important for both the global economy and to U.S. pop culture. Enjoy seeing strange squiggles become an alphabet; get familiar with distinct Japanese eloquence, where sophisticated communication is purposefully vague, and where the word “no” exists but is rarely used. Say completely foreign sounds, and feel an Eastern culture. Whatever your major, Japan has something to inspire you!
You have thought one day to try a little Japanese, and this is your chance, your moment, to take that all the way to becoming able to communicate in Japanese. You will be able to read and write two Japanese alphabets (Hiragana and Katakana), as well as count numbers, introduce yourselves, make phone calls, shop, ask and answer directions and locations and order food and drinks.  Real conversations with native speakers are arranged to practice communication. Imagine your sense of achievement, reading strange symbols and making basic conversation in just one short month!

Instructor(s): Naoko Uehara
Email:  nuehara@stmarys-ca.edu
 

Prerequisites & Notes
Instructor(s): Naoko Uehara
Email:  nuehara@stmarys-ca.edu

Prerequisites:  None
Course Fee:  $25.00
 

Credits: 1

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