Academic Catalog

JAPN 13A: INTERMEDIATE CONVERSATION I

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2022
Units: 4
Hours: 4 lecture per week (48 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: JAPN 3.
Advisory: May be taken concurrently with JAPN 4.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Interpret speech of native speakers on general, familiar topics at a normal rate of speech.
  • Express feelings, opinions, and intentions. Argue, evaluate, and request with fluency.

Description

Speaking and listening experience in culturally appropriate ways. Special emphasis on correct perception and speaking, and familiarity with oral idioms and grammar as they differ from more formal written and literary uses. Development of critical thinking skills by comparing different viewpoints and different values of diverse cultures. Development of listening and speaking skills by exploring various forms of authentic materials, such as current news media, formal and informal conversations. Understanding ambiguities, vagaries, and value inherent in the target language.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Interpret speech of native speakers on general, familiar topics at a normal rate of speech
  2. Express feelings, opinions, and intentions, argue, evaluate, and request with fluency
  3. Talk intelligently and idiomatically about topics covered in the course
  4. Recognize and explain aspects of Japanese culture
  5. Predict a pattern of behavior and thinking of the Japanese people in a given situation

Course Content

  1. Interpret speech of native speakers on general, familiar topics at a normal rate of speech
    1. Distinguishing different speaking styles: plain, polite, humble and respect forms
    2. Greeting and addressing people according to their vertical relations (e.g., social standings and age differences)
    3. Appreciating nonverbal communications, such as gestures and body languages
    4. Understanding ambiguities, vagaries and other cultural connotations of Japanese language
  2. Express feelings, opinions, and intentions, argue, evaluate, and request with fluency
    1. Giving advice, getting advice, and declining politely
    2. Expressing gratitude and apologies
    3. Describing a future action and a purpose
    4. Making a request and declining a request in a polite way
    5. State and support one's opinions
  3. Talk intelligently and idiomatically about topics covered in the course
    1. Inquiring about something, describing details and confirming information
    2. Placing orders for merchandise and canceling orders
    3. Getting around by public transportation: asking for direction, showing the way and giving suggestions
  4. Recognize and explain aspects of Japanese culture
    1. Appreciating human life and current trend by watching and analyzing Japanese videos for discussion
    2. Analyzing and evaluating different ideas, information, and opinions
  5. Predicting a pattern of behavior and thinking of the Japanese people in a given situation
    1. Appreciating different values by having critical discussions with variety of native speaking guests

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

When taught virtually: ongoing access to computer with JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software, media plug-ins, and relevant computer applications.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Classroom participation and preparation
Oral testing activities
Final examination
Culture report
Online listening, reading and writing assignments

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Face-to-face questions and answers
Group work and activities
Pair work and activities
Small group conversation practice with in-class tutors
Feedback on oral presentations

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Banno, Eri, et al.. GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, Vol. 2, 3rd ed. (ISBN 9784789017329). 2020.

Banno, Eri, et al.. GENKI: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese, Workbook, Vol. 2, 3rd ed. (ISBN 9784789017336). 2020.

Shimada, Kazuko. Dekiru Nihongo: Chuu Kyuu (ISBN 9784757422780). 2019.

Handouts and other authentic materials, such as TV programs, commercials and news broadcasts

GENKI 3rd edition Self Study Room: https://genki3.japantimes.co.jp/en/student/

GENKI Self Study Room: http://genki.japantimes.co.jp/self

Audio apps and software (downloadable at the Japan Times website)

Online news articles for discussion, such as:

http://www.asahi.com/
https://mainichi.jp/
http://www.sankei.com/

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Reading the grammar points and model dialogues in the textbook and the workbook.
  2. Reading online resource materials to prepare for in-class discussions.
  3. Reading online articles on current and historical issues involving Japan to prepare for in-class discussions.

Discipline(s)

Foreign Languages