Our Japanese courses allow students to develop conversational skills with emphasis on correct pronunciation, accent, intonation and pitch, while learning to write kana and kanji. Kana, which includes both hiragana and katakana, is a phonetically based writing system. Kanji, a writing system derived from Chinese, is based on symbols that bear concepts and meaning.
Classes meet either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:45-7:15 p.m. or 7:30-9 p.m. The schedule for each session takes into consideration placement test results, teacher assignments, and classroom availability.
Beginning-level students (I-IV) learn the basic grammatical structures and vocabulary of modern standard Japanese. Students who complete these levels should be able to understand and conduct basic conversations in Japanese and to read and write kana at a basic level.
Intermediate-level students (V and VI) gain a further emphasis on practical language structures and vocabulary expansion as well as the use of the kanji writing system. After completing these levels, students should have a good command of the language and basic grammar as well as reading and writing skills. The intermediate courses will provide a solid base for those planning an extended stay in Japan.
Students should plan on at least two hours of homework per class.
Fee for eight-week session (3 hours weekly): $490 for 2024; $500 beginning 2025
Apply for the Foreign Language Program by completing the online application.
Non-beginning students of Japanese will be contacted by the instructor during the week before classes begin for a phone interview to determine placement.