Academic Catalog

JAPN 14A: ADVANCED CONVERSATION I

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2025
Units: 4
Hours: 4 lecture per week (48 total per quarter)
Prerequisite: JAPN 13B.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Area 3: Arts & Humanities
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Analyze historical and cultural differences. Apply appropriate language and cultural skills in order to be at ease when discussing any topic in an informal manner.
  • Differentiate socio-linguistic features of speech, such as honorifics, in-group/out-group, male/female, and formal/informal.

Description

Development of fluency in the oral/aural language, and cultural skills required in socio-linguistic functions, e.g., honorifics, in-group/out-group, male/female, and formal/informal expressions. 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, political speech, debates, and drama. Stating and supporting opinions on various topics, including abstract concepts. Understanding and appreciating ambiguities, vagaries, and value inherent in the target language.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Express, support, and discuss their opinions and individual perspectives with native speakers, with fluency, on a variety of topics dealing with contemporary and historical issues
  2. Apply appropriate language and cultural skills in order to be at ease when discussing any topic in an informal manner
  3. Demonstrate understanding of the cultural nuances of meaning in spoken language expressed by native speakers
  4. Differentiate socio-linguistic features of speech, such as honorifics, in-group/out-group, male/female, and formal/informal
  5. Interpret some socio-cultural nuances in non-verbal messages and expressions

Course Content

  1. Express, support, and discuss their opinions and individual perspectives with native speakers, with fluency, on a variety of topics dealing with contemporary and historical issues
    1. Analyzing and evaluating different ideas, information, and opinions
    2. Stating and supporting opinions effectively on a wide range of topics
  2. Apply appropriate language and cultural skills in order to be at ease when discussing any topic in an informal manner
    1. Handling a wide range of topics and situations in Japanese life and society
    2. Giving directions and explaining procedures
    3. Making conjectures and expressing opinions in a subtle, non-offensive way
    4. Etiquette in inviting: accepting and declining invitations
    5. Home-visit: correct manners in giving a gift, signaling a leave-taking, expressing thanks for hospitality
  3. Demonstrate understanding of the cultural nuances of meaning in spoken language expressed by native speakers
    1. Appreciating different values by having critical discussions with variety of native speaking guests
    2. Understanding ambiguities, vagaries and other cultural connotations of Japanese language
  4. Differentiate socio-linguistic features of speech, such as honorifics, in-group/out-group, male/female, and formal/informal
    1. Analyzing and utilizing different speaking styles: plain, polite, humble and respect forms
    2. Making phone calls—using high-levels of honorific and self-humbling expressions
    3. Thanking for/declining offers of help, substantiating a point with reasons in a polite manner
  5. Interpret some socio-cultural nuances in non-verbal messages and expressions
    1. Appreciating human life and current trend by watching and analyzing Japanese videos for discussion
    2. Appreciating nonverbal communications such as gestures and body languages

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