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Department of

Languages and Literatures

Japanese Courses

Please read the placement policy of this department before enrolling in your first Japanese class at USD or elsewhere.

JAPN 101 First Semester Japanese JAPN 293 Language Tutoring or Field Experience in Japanese
JAPN 102 Second Semester Japanese JAPN 294 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture
JAPN 150 Japanese Culture and Conversation JAPN 394 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture
JAPN 201 Third Semester Japanese JAPN 493 Language Tutoring or Field Experience in Japanese
JAPN 202 Fourth Semester Japanese JAPN 494 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture

101 First Semester Japanese / 3 units

An introduction to the four basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing (includes Katakana and Hiragana), with emphasis on oral skills. Supplemental practice with audio-visual materials required. This course is open only to those who have never studied Japanese or students placed in this level through the department’s placement process (see website).

102 Second Semester Japanese / 3 units

Continuation of JAPN 101. Continued development of basic language skills. Increased practice in reading and writing (Katakana, Hiragana), and introduction of 130 Chinese characters used in context. Relationship between language and culture. Supplemental practice with audio-visual materials required. Prerequisite: JAPN 101 or equivalent, or placement exam.

150 Japanese Culture and Conversation / 3 units

A course designed for students who wish to enhance their command of spoken Japanese, including expanding vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and the use of previously acquired grammatical structures. This course is also designed to enable the student to become acquainted with the history, geography, politics, traditional arts, and literature of Japan, in addition to daily customs of Japanese society. This course will be taught in Japan during the summer or winter. The university reserves the right to cancel this course if minimum enrollment is not met, or for any other reason. Students who have earned credit in JAPN 201 and/or 202 are also invited to enroll. Prerequisite: JAPN 102 or equivalent.

201 Third Semester Japanese / 3 units

Further development of language competence. Practice in oral and written Japanese at the intermediate level, with emphasis on reading and basic composition. Supplemental practice with audio-visual materials required. This course satisfies the core curriculum requirement. Prerequisite: JAPN 102 or equivalent, or placement exam.

202 Fourth Semester Japanese / 3 units

Continued practice in oral and written Japanese. Various styles will be introduced to develop greater accuracy and fluency. Use of authentic modern Japanese materials for better appreciation of the culture. Supplemental practice with audio-visual materials required. Prerequisite: JAPN 201 or equivalent, or placement exam.

293 Language Tutoring or Field Experience in Japanese / 1-3 units

Supervised participation in the department’s Tutoring Program or placement in a community organization in which the student’s skills in the target language are developed. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor or the language coordinator.

294 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture / 3 units

Study at the lower-division level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. If taught in English, this course may not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor. Prerequisite:  JAPN 202 or approval of the instructor.

394 Topics in Language, Literature, or Culture / 3 units

Study at the third-year level of a special topic in language, literature, or culture. This course may be repeated for credit when the topic changes. If taught in English, this course may not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor. Prerequisite:  JAPN 202 or approval of the instructor.

493 Language Tutoring or Field Experience in Japanese / 1-3 units

Supervised participation in the department’s Tutoring Program or placement in a community organization in which the student’s skills in the target language are developed. Prerequisite: Approval of the instructor or the language coordinator.

499 Independent Study / 1-3 units

A program arranged between the advanced student and the instructor to provide intensive study in a particular area of interest. Extensive reading and consultation are required, as well as preparation of reports to be assigned by the instructor. A maximum of three units may be applied toward the Asian studies minor. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.