Course Description (Japanese)

Take part in basic day-to-day conversation; read simple texts of 75 Chinese characters [Kanji], and both Japanese alphabets [hiragana and katakana]; and, write beginning level compositions including short letters. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 4.

Basic Communicate at a basic level, ask for and exchange simple information and describe events. Repertoire of basic language and strategies to deal with predictable everyday situations. Reading and writing expanded to 300 Chinese characters. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 3.

Kanji is taught gradually, building on a character's meaning, leading to an ability to use Kanji as building blocks to determine the meanings of new vocabulary items.

Use basic structures and vocabulary needed to be active at a reasonable level of competence. Reading and writing expanded to 500 Chinese characters. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 2/3.

Understand information on topics of interest in straightforward language. Communicate competently in many professional as well as personal contexts. Reading and writing expanded to 750 Chinese characters in Intermediate 2 and 1000 in Intermediate 3. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 2.

Discuss clearly and fluently with a reliable command of a wide range of language at a high degree of accuracy. Communicate competently in well-structure language in both personal and professional contexts. Reading and writing expanded to 1300 Chinese characters in Advanced 1 and 1600 characters in Advanced 2. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1.

Exploit a comprehensive and reliable mastery of the language. Able to communicate with accuracy and precision even in difficult personal and professional contexts, in language appropriate to the situation and purpose. Reading and writing expanded to 2000 Chinese characters. Japanese Language Proficiency Test Level 1 (with honors).

The basic alphabet needed to understand most ideas and grammar.

The foreign word alphabet needed to discuss many western activities or ideas.

Chinese characters needed to understand the meaning of written, and often, spoken Japanese.

Preparation for the Japanese "TOEFL" exam. Students, at Level 1 & 2, will be given instruction designed to improve their chances to pass the exam. Reading, listening, and vocabulary acquisition activities will be stressed. In addition, students will be given the opportunity to practice using portions of previous exams.