Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

4 sessions / week, 1 hour / session

Prerequisites

None

Texts

1. Banno, Eri. Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese I. The Japan Times, 2011. ISBN: 9784789014403.
2. ———. Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese I-Workbook. The Japan Times (available at Kendall Coop), 2000. ISBN: 9784789014410.

Course Objectives and Procedures

This course covers Lessons 1 through 6 of "Genki I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese". The main objective of this course is to build up four basic skills in Japanese, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will acquire the basic understanding of the Japanese language structures as well as learning kana and some kanji, the Japanese characters. It is important to keep in mind that you are expected to develop the ability to communicate in the Japanese language appropriately in the given social situations. Therefore, you will be given a lot of oral practices aiming at cultivating active command of Japanese.

There are two types of class sessions, Grammar Session and Drill Session. The Grammar Session will explain the Japanese grammar, vocabulary, and socio-cultural information in English. The Drill Sessions, on the other hand, are conducted almost entirely in Japanese from the first week and your class performance will be evaluated in each Drill Session. Preparation is critical to be successful in this course. Please check the detailed daily schedule on the Calendar and do the assignments before coming to class.

Evaluation

Daily Grade

As mentioned above, you will be given a daily score in Drill Session based on your performance:

10 = Strong Performance, Clearly well-prepared

9 = Good Performance

8 = Satisfactory Performance

7 = Unsatisfactory Performance, Clearly unprepared

0 = absent

In order to receive the credit, you have to attend the section you are registered in unless you have made official arrangements with the instructors in advance. If you have to attend a section other than your regular section on a particular day, you must notify the instructor at least one day in advance. There will be no make-up for missed quizzes or daily grades unless you have academic reasons such as attending seminar or special lectures.

Exams and Quizzes

There are two Interview tests, four Lesson Quizzes (15–20 minute long) and an in-class Exam. Many Vocabulary and Kana & Kanji Quizzes are given throughout the semester. Please check Calendar frequently.

Evaluation Method

* Three lowest daily scores will be dropped during the term.

** One lowest LQ score will be dropped at the end of the term.

*** Two lowest scores will be dropped at the end of the term.

There will be NO MAKE-UP for missed performances and quizzes.

Attendance Policy

1. Because of the cumulative nature of language learning, it is essential that you attend all sessions and keep up with the course work on a daily basis. If you feel you are falling behind, contact instructors immediately.
2. Be punctual. Coming in late not only results in missed performances and quizzes that may not be made up for, but also distracts other students. Showing up late may affect your daily grade negatively.
3. No eating or text messaging will be allowed during class.

Homework Policy

Submit all assignments at the beginning of the class. Late submission will be accepted with 5% deduction each day. Assignments turned in after three days will not receive any credit, however, all writing assignments must be completed and submitted to receive a final course grade.

Schedule