Masako Murakami Headshot

Masako Murakami

Principal Lecturer

Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
College of Liberal Arts

585-475-4418
Office Location

Masako Murakami

Principal Lecturer

Department of Modern Languages and Cultures
College of Liberal Arts

Education

BA, Portland State University; MA, The Ohio State University

585-475-4418

Currently Teaching

MLJP-201
4 Credits
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.
MLJP-202
4 Credits
This is the second course in the first-year sequence. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency and the appropriate use of language in the Japanese society. Students continue to learn how to use language in real-life situations for different communication purposes. Approximately 120 Kanji characters are also introduced for written communication. Students must have a good command of Hiragana and Katakana and basic knowledge of Kanji to take this course.
MLJP-301
3 Credits
This is the first course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 60 new Kanji are introduced.
MLJP-302
3 Credits
This is the second course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 120 new Kanji are introduced.
MLJP-315
3 Credits
This course aims to enhance basic writing and speaking skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of practical daily conversational skills and writing 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 practice writing various practical passages and texts such as application forms, advertisements, e-mails, blogs, and letters. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned at 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.
MLJP-405
3 Credits
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.
MLJP-415
3 Credits
The course gives students an opportunity to study professional language and culture as well as to practice presentation and negotiation skills, especially in professional and formal contexts. Students will improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills developed in the elementary/intermediate sequence to master formal interactions in Japanese. They will learn professional vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical structures through readings, conversation, and discussion. They will cultivate expressive skills through discussion, writing assignments, and a video tutorial project. This course will be useful for students who are planning to seek employment in international companies or in companies doing business abroad, and also for students who want to learn more about business in Japan. This is a language class; proficiency equivalent to Intermediate Japanese II is required.
MLJP-431
1 Credits
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.
MLJP-449
1 - 4 Credits
An in-depth exploration of the Japanese language and culture focusing on skills/topics that are not covered in sequential regular language courses. Prerequisite: varies; contact the instructor.