J1A: Elementary Japanese A (5 Units)

The goal of this course is to foster individual interests in the language and socio-cultural aspects of Japan. This course aims to develop language skills to express basic personal information in a culturally appropriate manner. Specifically, students will learn to greet, invite, compare, describe people and objects, activities, intentions, ability, experiences, purposes, reasons, and wishes. Students will also learn the Japanese writing system: hiragana, katakana, and approximately 150 kanji. Prerequisites: None.

Can-Do Statements:

• To be able to carry out basic conversation in everyday contexts when spoken slowly with occasional repetitions and questions.
• To be able to read and write hiragana, katakana and some basic kanji and understand short and simple writings.
• To be able to write simple sentences about oneself and other familiar and concrete matters.
• To broaden students’ perspectives by learning Japanese culture and comparing it to their own.
• To develop an attitude respectful of other cultures.

The textbook we use is Elementary Japanese.