Japanese IV: Japanese Newspaper Reading and News Listening (313-1-20)

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 4-410: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

AY27 JAPANESE 313-1 focuses on reading and analyzing select news articles. The course develops students' news reading comprehension through systematic vocabulary building (kanji compounds, antonyms, collocations and idioms) and discussion. Students practice new vocabulary through in-class discussions based on assigned readings and current news, and build listening comprehension skills using authentic and semi-authentic news materials. This course does not include instruction in writing skills. Students are expected to have intermediate-level writing proficiency (equivalent to the end of JAPANESE 211-3).

Registration Requirements

Completion of JAPANESE 211-3 with a grade of C- or above, or department test.

Learning Objectives

This advanced-level Japanese IV course aims to move students toward Advanced-Low (ACTFL) or B1.2 (CEFR) proficiency. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

Understand general, non-technical news with minimal dictionary use
Summarize main ideas of news articles
Discuss current issues using formal and casual speech styles
Analyze contemporary social issues in Japan and globally from multiple perspectives

Teaching Method

Classes are conducted entirely in Japanese and emphasize reading comprehension and discussion. Listening practice is assigned as homework. Students are expected to read required articles on their own in preparation for in-class discussions.

Evaluation Method

Class participation and engagement; oral and written exams.

Class Materials (Required)

Course materials provided via Canvas
Access to online resources in the University Library's Research Guide for Japanese Studies

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 211-3 with at least a C- or be placed in according to placement test results.