Japanese II (121-1-21)

Instructors

Noriko Taira Yasohama
8474671986
1880 Campus Drive, Kresge Hall, Office 4-552
Office Hours: Varies quarter to quarter, please check with instructor.

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

AY27 Japanese II (JAPANESE 121-1, 2 and 3) is a yearlong course that continues elementary Japanese following Japanese I (JAPANESE 111) and prepares students for intermediate Japanese (JAPANESE 211). Students further develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while exploring aspects of Japanese culture and society through readings, written work, and in-class discussions.

The course emphasizes describing personal experiences, daily life, and social topics with increasing accuracy and sophistication. Students practice defining words and retelling a story they have heard or read while expanding vocabulary and grammatical structures. Consistent preparation and active participation are expected. Through ongoing oral and written feedback, students build linguistic accuracy and learner autonomy.

Registration Requirements

Completion of the prerequisite course with a grade of C- or above, or placement by departmental test.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students aim to reach ACTFL Intermediate-Mid level (CEFR A2-B1.1). Students will be able to handle a range of everyday conversational situations and comprehend moderately complex texts with some fluency.

Teaching Method

Classes are conducted primarily in Japanese and focus on interpersonal communication. Students are expected to read grammar explanation in the textbook, watch a corresponding video clip, practice required vocabulary and complete an assignment as class preparation. Reading, listening and writing skills are developed through assignments completed outside of class.

Evaluation Method

Class engagement, oral and written examinations, essays/reports and a short presentation.

Class Materials (Required)

Oka, M. et al. (2022). TOBIRA II: Beginning Japanese. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers. ISBN 978-4-87424-900-0.

Oka, M. et al. (2023). TOBIRA II: Beginning Japanese Workbook 1: Kanji|Reading|Writing. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers. ISBN 978-4-87424-960-4

Oka, M. et al. (2024) TOBIRA II: Beginning Japanese Workbook 2
-Vocabulary, Grammar, Listening. Tokyo: Kuroshio Publishers. ISBN 978-4-87424-9819

Class Materials (Suggested)

Hudson, M. E. (1994) English Grammar for Students of Japanese. Ann Arbor: The Olivia and Hill Press. ISBN 978-0934034166.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for students majoring or minoring in Asian Languages & Cultures until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites, if applicable. Prerequisite: Students must have passed Japanese 111-3 with at least a C- or be placed in according to placement test results.