Introduction to Advanced Communication |
Fall 2013
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Course Information
JAPN 300
MLO 1: Language & Communication GE C3: World Languages & Cultures Course Description
This course is a bridge course from intermediate to advanced Japanese language. It continues development of proficiency in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes of communication in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students develop communication strategies and cultural knowledge to prepare for advanced courses. Taught in Japanese.
Course Work
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Reflective Narrative
This was my first major-course at CSUMB. Initially, I was enrolled in Intermediate Japanese (JAPN 201), but because I was familiar with the grammar from self-study, I transferred into Introduction to Advanced Communication (JAPN 300) which was more application-based and suited to my pace. Some of the activities we did included rehearsed skits with partners, prepared presentations, and oral interviews with the teacher. This course contributes to the Language & Communication major learning outcome (MLO 1) due to the culturally relevant grammar activities. For example, some of the skits we practiced included cultural elements such as gift exchange and holiday traditions, and in response students made a presentation about their own family’s traditions as well.
That was the first presentation I did this semester, and with each subsequent presentation (listed under “Course Work”), I felt more at ease with the script writing and presenting. In fact, for the final presentation, we did not use a PowerPoint and only spoke from memory. I wish to further this development in writing and speaking Japanese, because although I feel I have improved, I am still not very confident in improvisation and on-the-spot presentations. I also gained a bit of experience with conversational skills in the oral interview. I felt very accomplished after the final oral interview because I was able to successfully use responses that were not from my prepared script. I think I will be able to further this development with the classes I will take in the coming semesters here at CSUMB and during study abroad. |