Course Information
While we do not offer a minor, students with an interest in Japanese may elect a minor in Asian Studies. Option 1 of the program requires completion of Japanese 202 (the fourth semester class). International Baccalaureate students who received a score of 5 on the High Level Japanese exam are awarded credit for 201 and 202 upon admission to USD. Please check the Language Placement Guide page before enrolling in your first Japanese class at USD or elsewhere. We offer very advanced students the opportunity of taking the Competency Exam in lieu of 201.
Below are the approved courses offered by the Department of Languages, Cultures and Literatures for Japanese. Not all courses offered below will be available every semester. Make sure to check course offerings on the registration portal for each upcoming semester.
Course Descriptions
JAPN 101
First Semester Japanese
Units: 3 TO 4
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. Prerequisite: Placement exam or Waiver of Placement. Every Fall.
JAPN 102
Second Semester Japanese
Units: 3
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. Prerequisites: JAPN 101 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
JAPN 140
Topics in Japanese Literature and Culture
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Japanese literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
JAPN 141
Topics in Japanese Literature, Film, Culture-Domestic Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Japanese literature, film and/or culture with a Domestic Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
JAPN 142
Topics in Japanese Literature, Film or Culture–Global Focus
Units: 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Japanese literature, film and/or culture with a Global Focus. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
JAPN 150
Japanese Culture and Conversation
Units: 3
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. Prerequisites: JAPN 102, or equivalent, or Placement Exam.
JAPN 152
Japanese Culture and Conversation
Units: 3
JAPN 194
Special Topics in Japanese
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the lower-division level of a topic in Japanese literature and culture. This course is taught in English and will not satisfy the Language Core requirement.
JAPN 201
Third Semester Japanese
Units: 3 TO 4
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. Prerequisite: JAPN 102 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Fall.
JAPN 202
Fourth Semester Japanese
Units: 3 TO 4
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. Prerequisites: JAPN 201 or equivalent, or Placement Exam. Every Spring.
JAPN 294
Special Topics in Japanese
Units: 1 TO 3
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. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: JAPN 202 or equivalent, or approval of the instructor.
JAPN 299
Independent Study
Units: 0 TO 3
Independent Study at the lower-division level. Prerequisites: Approval of instructor, chair and dean.
JAPN 301
Conversation and Composition
Units: 3
This course strengthens students’ language foundation in all aspects of modern Japanese, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The course is project based and students will apply what they learned from the teaching materials, including vocabulary, grammar, and cultural knowledge, to different verbal or written assignments that lead to the completion of projects. Authentic materials will be introduced during the course as auxiliary materials to help students analyze issues. Prerequisites: JAPN 202 or placement exam (JPN5) or permission of instructor.
JAPN 302
Contemporary Japan: Culture, Politics and Society
Units: 3
This course introduces students to multiple aspects of Japanese culture and society that are considered timely and will have a lasting social impact. Students will gain intermediate to advanced listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in standard Japanese. Prerequisites: JAPN 202 or placement exam (JPN5) or permission of instructor.
JAPN 394
Special Topics in Japanese
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the third-year level of a special topic in language, literature or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: JAPN 202 or equivalent, or approval of the instructor.
JAPN 493
Field Experience
Units: 1 TO 3
Placement in a community agency where advanced Japanese language skills will be utilized. Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor or the language coordinator.
JAPN 494
Special Topics in Japanese
Units: 1 TO 3
Study at the fourth-year level of a special topic in Japanese language, literature, or culture. When offered, selected subjects will be announced on the MySanDiego portal. Consult with instructor or the department chair. If taught in English, this course will not fulfill the Core Curriculum language requirement. Consult with instructor or the department chair. Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor.
JAPN 499
Independent Study
Units: 1 TO 3
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. Prerequisites: Approval of the instructor and the department chair.