Co-op in a field related to Liberal Arts (at least 80 hours). Students will apply the accumulated knowledge, theory, and methods of the discipline to problem solving outside of the classroom.

This is the first course in the first year sequence designed for students with no prior exposure to Japanese. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on oral proficiency and the appropriate use of language in Japanese society. Hiragana and Katakana syllabary is also taught for written communication. Not open to students with prior Japanese instruction. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Japanese and they have some prior study of Japanese.

This course aims to cultivate basic skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of reading skills and oral communication skills with the use of common phrases, expressions, and Kanji characters that are commonly used in the Japanese society today. This course gives students the opportunity to read various practical texts such as signs, advertisements, notes, instructions, notices, and e-mails. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as filling out forms, asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned in the beginning level in Japanese. Students need to continue the sequential courses (Intermediate Japanese I and II) in order to advance in the intermediate level.

This course is designed to establish speaking proficiency at an advanced level by expanding students’ understanding of the socio-cultural knowledge necessary for communication. Readings concerning such topics as recent social developments and traditional culture in Japan will provide the basis for students’ discussions in class as well as writing assignments. Students will also master both formal and informal interactions in Japanese in various contexts by practicing dialogues and creating role-plays on situations associated with the topics and skills required for advanced speakers. Moreover, each student will conduct research on a topic related to Japan and give a presentation in Japanese in class. With these kinds of activities, students will not only improve such practical communication skills as expressing their thoughts and giving explanations, but also acquire vocabulary, expressions and kanji characters at a more advanced level, and deepen their understanding of Japan.

This one-credit course provides students opportunities to intensively practice and improve real-life speaking skills in the target language, beyond what is possible in regular language courses. Grammar relevant to each context and communicative goal may be reviewed as necessary. This course may also provide cultural information related to current events and daily life. Open to any students that meet the level required for each section or equivalent who desire extra practice.

This course aims to increase student understanding of basic characteristics of the Japanese language. Topics include the genetic affiliation of the Japanese language, sound system, word formation, syntactic structures, socio-cultural factors in language use, and historical development of the writing system. Students will become acquainted with the language from a linguistics perspective and develop analytical skills by solving linguistic problems pertinent to Japanese language.