Japanese (JAPA)

JAPA 1410. Beginning Japanese I.

This course is an introduction to understanding and using Japanese at the beginner level. It is designed for students with no prior knowledge and develops foundational skills in Japanese. Learners acquire the alphabet and build reading, writing, speaking, and listening abilities through regular practice and daily homework. The course supports progress toward Low proficiency and fosters cultural competence related to Japanese-speaking communities. Students who take JAPA 1410 toward degree requirements must also complete JAPA 1420.

JAPA 1420. Beginning Japanese II.

This course is the continued practice in understanding and using Japanese at the beginner level. It is designed for students with no prior knowledge and develops foundational skills in Japanese. Learners continue developing their writing, speaking, and listening abilities through regular practice and daily homework. The course supports continued progress toward Intermediate-Low proficiency and fosters cultural competence related to Japanese-speaking communities. Prerequisite: JAPA 1410 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 2310. Intermediate Japanese I.

This course is the review of beginner Japanese skills learned in JAPA 1410 and JAPA 1420 and develops intermediate skills in the production and comprehension of Japanese at the beginner-intermediate level. Learners continue developing their writing, speaking, and listening abilities through regular practice and daily homework. Students translate texts into Japanese, and Japanese texts into English. The course supports progress toward Intermediate-Low proficiency and fosters cultural competence related to Japanese-speaking communities. Prerequisite: JAPA 1420 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 2320. Intermediate Japanese II.

This course is a review of all skills learned in JAPA 1410 through JAPA 2310 and continues supporting the development of intermediate skills in the production and comprehension of Japanese at the Intermediate level. Learners continue developing their writing, speaking, and listening abilities through regular practice and daily homework. Students translate texts into Japanese, and Japanese texts into English. The course supports progress toward Intermediate proficiency and fosters cultural competence related to Japanese-speaking communities. Prerequisite: JAPA 2310 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 3304. Advanced Japanese Grammar I.

This course provides an analytical study of Japanese grammar at the intermediate level. Students examine how grammatical structures function in different contexts, compare related patterns, and practice describing them using linguistic terminology. Emphasis is placed on recognizing structure in authentic materials and applying grammatical principles to create accurate, context appropriate language. Through systematic analysis and structured practice, students develop stronger command of Japanese sentence structure and nuance. The course supports continued study in upper division Japanese and linguistics coursework. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

JAPA 3306. Modern Japanese Literature and Culture.

This course develops students’ Japanese proficiency through the study of modern literature and cultural materials. Students read short stories, excerpts of novels, and other authentic texts to build vocabulary, strengthen kanji knowledge, and enhance interpretive skills. Emphasis is placed on identifying themes, analyzing textual features, and considering cultural and historical contexts that inform modern Japanese works. The course supports advanced reading and discussion in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

JAPA 3307. Advanced Japanese Writing and Grammar.

This course develops advanced proficiency in Japanese writing and grammar through extensive practice with sentence structure, paragraph organization, and written expression. Students strengthen their ability to craft coherent essays and written responses while examining stylistic variation across a range of written genres. Coursework includes targeted grammar activities, analysis of authentic written materials, and structured writing assignments that reinforce accuracy and clarity. Attention is given to linguistic nuance, tone, and the effective use of advanced structures in written Japanese. Because the course may be taken twice with different emphases, it supports continued development in advanced writing and grammatical analysis.(WI) Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 3308. Advanced Japanese for Business.

This course strengthens students’ ability to use Japanese in professional and business related contexts. Students learn business vocabulary, and workplace communication strategies by analyzing authentic materials and participating in structured practice. The course highlights how language varies according to role, context, and purpose in business environments. Through written and spoken tasks, students apply advanced grammatical and pragmatic knowledge to produce clear and appropriate communication. The course may be repeated with different emphases. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "D" or better.

JAPA 3309. Japanese Language through Popular Culture.

This course strengthens students’ Japanese reading and interpretive skills through analysis of popular media, including manga, anime, and music. Students examine how language varies by genre, purpose, and audience. Activities include analyzing dialogue, identifying informal and genre specific expressions, and interpreting meaning in authentic excerpts. The course may be repeated with different emphases. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 4301. Japanese-English Translation: Theory and Practice.

This course examines Japanese–English translation through study of core theoretical concepts and practical translation strategies. Students translate a range of authentic materials and analyze how linguistic choices affect meaning, tone, and audience. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, clarity, and appropriate stylistic decisions. Activities include discussion of translation techniques, comparison of multiple translation approaches, and production of revised drafts. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 4304. Advanced Japanese Grammar II.

This course focuses on elements of advanced Japanese grammar and its application in written expression. Students analyze complex grammatical forms, review and extend previously learned structures, and engage with a variety of authentic Japanese texts. Through targeted writing tasks, students practice applying advanced grammatical patterns with attention to precision and nuance. The course emphasizes the ability to explain grammatical principles and decisions clearly and accurately, thereby reinforcing metalinguistic awareness and strengthening advanced written proficiency in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPA 3304 with a grade of "D" or better.

JAPA 4310. Postwar Japanese Literature and Film.

This course examines Japanese literature and film produced after World War II in the context of postwar social, political, and cultural changes. Students analyze themes such as memory, reconstruction, identity, modernization, and shifting values while developing advanced Japanese reading and discussion skills. Materials may include short stories, essays, film scripts, and critical readings that build vocabulary and kanji knowledge. Students practice forming evidence-based interpretations through discussion, presentations, and written responses in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 4320. Japanese Science Fiction.

This course focuses on Japanese science fiction and its cultural contexts. Students read and discuss Japanese-language science fiction texts and related materials to strengthen advanced reading and listening comprehension, vocabulary, kanji skills, evidence-based interpretation, and research proficiency. Topics may include technology and society, environmental futures, war and disaster, identity, ethics, and imagined social systems. Emphasis is placed on interpreting how speculative narratives reflect real-world anxieties and values, while expressing analysis clearly in Japanese. Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of "C" or better.

JAPA 4330. Early Modern Japanese Literature & Culture.

This course introduces students to literature, theater, visual arts, and other aspects of traditional culture of the Tokugawa era (1603–1867). Students engage with Japanese-language readings and supporting materials to build advanced comprehension, vocabulary, and kanji knowledge while learning key historical and cultural context. Class discussion focuses on how texts and art reflect social class, urban life, morality, entertainment, and shifting values. Writing-intensive assignments develop analytical writing skills and clear argumentation.(WI) Prerequisite: JAPA 2320 with a grade of a "D" or better.

JAPA 4390. Studies in Japanese Language and Culture.

This course is an individual study course in Japanese under the direct supervision of a professor. It is generally available to graduating seniors who have completed several advanced courses or graduate students with special needs. Students enrolled in an education abroad program offered by the Department of World Languages & Literatures may take the course to fulfill up to two upper division elective courses in their degree plan. Students may not exceed six hours of credit in Independent Study. The course is repeatable for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.