Japanese 111, 112, Beginning Japanese I, II
This course is an introduction to speaking,
reading and writing Japanese; writing includes the learning
of all syllabic letters (Hiragana and Katakana) and basic
Kanji (Chinese characters). Class meets four times weekly, including one language laboratory session.
Japanese 111 or equivalent is prerequisite to 112. Japanese 111 is offered annually in fall semester, and 112 annually in spring semester. |
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Japanese 251, 252, Advanced Japanese
I, II
This third-year level course aims to increase the knowledge of Japanese people/language/society by comparing and contrasting with their own culture(s) through their target language. Various authentic “texts” (images, video clips, figures, written texts, etc.) will be used to support students’ learning. The course is required for students seeking a Japan studies concentration. Prerequisite: Japanese 232 or equivalent |
Click to see student work samples of 111 or 112
Virtual presentations in Spring '10:
Students were assigned in groups to create an advertisement. Click on the thumbnails to view video projects.
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Click to see student work samples of 251 or 252
Virtual presentations:
Students were assigned to conduct research on some aspect of Japanese culture, and do a formal presentation in class (7 minutes). Click on the thumbnails to view slideshows with audio.
  
Wiki Pages in Spring '10:
Students were assigned to conduct research on history focusing on a Japanese cultural phenomenon and give a presentation using a wiki page.
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Japanese 231, 232, Intermediate Japanese I, II
Students continue to develop the listening,
speaking, reading and writing skills that will enable them
to deal not only with topics of daily life, but also cultural
themes and authentic materials. Class meets four times week, including one language laboratory session.
Japanese 231 [Fall] or its equivalent is prerequisite to 232 [Spring].
Japanese 231 satisfies the FOL requirement at St. Olaf, while 232 satisfies the minimum language requirements of an Asian Studies major.
Video presentations in Fall '09:
Students were divided into groups to create a 5 minute video clip introducing life in Minnesota or at the St. Olaf College.
 
Virtual presentations in Spring '10:
Four minute formal presentations on some aspects of Japanese society along with their opinion. Click on the thumbnails to view slideshows with audio.
 
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Japanese 298, Independent Study
Independent studying revolving about Japan by using the Japanese language. Contact a professor in the Japanese program if interested. |
Click to see student work samples of 231 or 232
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Japanese 300, Special Topics in Japanese
In this fourth-level Japanese course, students explore a specified topic or theme in language, in various text/media (literature, newspaper, manga, and films), in culture/civilization, or in a combination of these, through close examination of texts (written or visual), discussion, analysis, and interpretation of selected materials. May be repeated if topics are different. Prerequisite Japanese 252.
Fall 2010 Topic- Japanese food culture ~ learn history of foods and examine some related topics in Japan by reading books and watching movies/TV programs. Course project requires cooking of a Japanese dish.
Spring 2011 Topic- Reading/watching Homeless Chugakusee: Best Seller and Film Adaptation.
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Click to see student work samples of 300
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Japanese 398, Independent Research
Students who have completed Japanese 252
are encouraged to continue their Japanese language study with
faculty through individual and small group tutorials by registering
for Japanese 298 or Japanese 398. Through individual tutorials
students may pursue readings and projects in their area of interest. |
