Third-year Japanese

If we can get sufficient enrollment, we will offer a third year of Japanese in 2011-12. We are seeking the best classtime. Please complete this survey as soon as possible if you are interested in the fall course: https://survey.vt.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1311172780330. You must have completed Japanese 2106 or four semesters of Japanese to take the course (see the description of 2106 below).

Although the Department of Foreign Languages does not have a major or minor in Japanese, the following courses are offered in 2010-11.

Undergraduate Courses (JPN)

JPN 1105 Elementary Japanese (first semester)
This course is for true beginners and emphasizes situational conversational Japanese. In 1105, students will learn basic but useful conversational expressions, some fundamental grammar, the two sets of syllabic symbols, Hiragana and Katakana, and approximately 20 Kanji pictographs. In addition, students will be introduced to the culture and geography of Japan.

JPN 1106 Elementary Japanese (second semester)
In 1106, students will continue learning useful, everyday sentence patterns and vocabulary, and they will start to use different levels of formality. They will study more basic grammar rules, approximately 50 Kanji beyond those already learned in 1105, and work on developing their knowledge of Japanese culture. JPN 1105 or the equivalent is a prerequisite for 1106.

JPN 2105 Intermediate Japanese (first semester) 2105 focuses on situational functional practice and vocabulary, with further development of grammar and culture knowledge and skills. Students will listen to authentic materials, read short passages, write short essays, and make brief oral presentations. Approximately 75 Kanji will be studied beyond those already learned in 1106. JPN 1106 or the equivalent is a prerequisite for 2105.

JPN 2106 Intermediate Japanese (second semester) In this course, students further improve their situational, functional skills in the spoken and written language, while simultaneously developing their cultural competency and ability to demonstrate language facility in unstructured situations. Approximately 75 Kanji will be studied beyond those already learned in 2105. JPN 2105 or the equivalent is a prerequisite for 2106.

In our Japanese classes all four language skills are emphasized: speaking, reading, writing, and listening. For more information about the Japanese program, please contact Ms. Yasuko Kumazawa.

Last updated July 20, 2011