Courses

SPRING 2026 Courses

JPNS 101: Japanese Level I
(Distance: ASYNC ONLINE)               
A basic study of standard Japanese. Students will be introduced to spoken and written forms of the language from the beginning. Language form and use are equally emphasized. Relevant cultural aspects. Hiragana, Katakana, and 85 Kanji. 

JPNS 102:  Japanese Level II
MWF 9:30; 11:30; 10:30; 1:30; 3:30; 2:30; 3:30 
A continuation of the study of elementary Japanese. Task-oriented activities will be incorporated to encourage language use as well as pattern practice for linguistic accuracy. Relevant cultural aspects will be introduced. 120 Kanji.
Distance learning also available.

JPNS 201: Japanese Level III
(Distance: ASYNC ONLINE)  
A study of intermediate Japanese. Occasional use of authentic materials for listening and reading practice. Task-oriented exercises, communicative activities, and pattern practice are used to facilitate learning of the spoken and written language. 110 Kanji.

JPNS 202: Japanese Level IV
MWF 12:30; 11:30; 8:30; 2:30
A continuation of intermediate Japanese. Active use of authentic materials for listening and reading practice. Task-oriented exercises, communicative activities, and pattern practice for learning the spoken and written language. 150 Kanji.
Distance learning also available.

JPNS 241: Introduction to the Study of Japanese Literature
TR 1:30-2:45pm                  Bassoe, Pedro T.
Reading and discussion of selected Japanese poetry, prose, and drama; introduction to methods of literary criticism, applied to the reading of Japanese literary discourse. Texts, discussion, and written assignments largely in Japanese.

JPNS 302: Japanese Level VI                     
MWF: 10:30-11:20am / 12:30-1:20pm / 11:30-12:20pm             Ogiuchi, Sayuri   
Further work to develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in Japanese, on the basis of materials dealing with the ideas and events that have shaped present-day Japan. Conducted primarily in Japanese.

JPNS 363: Realationship of Japanese lenguage ans Society
TR 10:30-11:45am             Wei, Mariko M.
This course examines the Japanese language with reference to the way the language is being used in the Japanese society. Particular areas include keigo (honorific language), aizuchi (backchannel), silence, gender issues, in-group vs. out-group.

JPNS 402: Japanese Level VIII                
MWF 2:30-3:20pm            Ogiuchi, Sayuri 
This course is a continuation of Fourth Year Japanese I. It continues work on the acquisition of advanced-level proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students are given opportunities to understand the main ideas of extended discourse, to read texts which are linguistically complex, and to write about a variety of topics.

JPNS 490: Japanese Translation
TR 12:00-1:15pm            Osumi, Akari 
Topics vary. Permission of instructor required.

JPNS 560: Survey of Japanese Linguistics
TR 9:00-10:15am          Fukada, Atsushi 
This course is intended to provide the student with a systematic overview of the Japanese language. It covers most major areas of linguistics, from phonetics to pragmatics. Conducted in Japanese.

JPNS 594: Teaching Japanese Literature
TR 4:30-5:45pm           Bassoe, Pedro T.
Reading and extensive discussion of selected texts from different writers and genres. Provides in-depth research on a variety of issues related to Japanese literary and cultural traditions. Knowledge of advanced Japanese required. Permission of instructor required.

JPNS 698: Research MA Thesis