Intermediate-Advanced Japanese |
Fall 2015
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Course Information
J4 ABC, R, W, S, K
MLO 1: Language & Communication MLO 5: Cultural Internalization & Language Immersion Course Description
This course—which is actually comprised of five different classes—covers JLPT N3 level grammar (ABC), reading (R), writing (W), speaking (S), and kanji (K).
Course Work
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Reflective Narrative
Most of the classes in the J4 level used the same textbook and worked together to complete every aspect of the content. For example, the week after we went over the grammar and vocabulary from a chapter in the grammar course (J4 ABC), we would then cover the dialogue section of the chapter in speaking class (J4 S) and use the chapter’s theme as the topic of our essay in writing (J4 W). The two remaining classes—kanji (J4 K) and reading (J4 R)—used their own material, separate from the main textbook.
The speaking class was probably the most difficult class for me personally because I am an introverted person and don’t practice very much. For the first half of the semester, we had to give a one-minute speech on a topic given at the beginning of class. At first, it was very difficult because we only had a short time to prepare and I am not fast at coming up with ideas, let alone in correct Japanese. However, as the semester progressed it became easier. For second half of the semester, we had to prepare a speech before class (but not make a script) about any topic that interested us. The most memorable speech I gave was about me figuring out where the fire extinguishers were on the street: below ground! One of the significant learning moments from these classes was the final presentation in the reading class. For the final presentation, we had to find an article written in Japanese, read it, and give a presentation to the class. One important aspect of this though was that we had to make two versions of the script: a “written” script that used plain form and a “spoken” script using polite form. This course was the first time I consciously learned the about writing styles being used for different purposes. I really enjoyed having the classes all separated by subject, but still overlap the content. It allowed us to really focus and dedicate our time to improving individual skills. I felt that my speaking skills really improved thanks to the focused time in the speaking class (but I still feel that I need a lot more practice!). |