INSTRUCTOR: Christopher S. Thompson,
Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Japanese Language & Culture
Director of Ohio University Japan Study Abroad Programs
Gordy Hall 351 office phone: 593-0666
E-mail: thompsoc@oak.cats.ohiou.edu
Japanese Program Coordinator: Dr. Hiroyuki Oshita
Gordy Hall 373 office phone: 593-4570
Linguistics Department Office
Gordy Hall 373 office phone: 593-4564
CLASS MEETS: At the time determined by the instructor.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
COURSE OBJECTIVES & GOALS:
Japanese 411 continues to develop the student’s advanced language skills. This course is designed to enable students to use their Japanese abilities appropriately in an increasing variety of sociocultural contexts. Specifically, this course will focus on developing the following skills.
1. Cultural knowledge
pertaining to Japanese society that will help to facilitate appropriate
communication skills in both
spoken and written Japanese.
2. Better integrating Japanese skills in the following areas:
(1) Listening and Speaking
a) Comprehension of clear, authentic speech by native speakers at authentic
(and faster) speeds.
b) Production of clear, authentic speech similar to that of native speakers
at authentic speeds.
c) Correct use of appropriate formal and informal speech modes.
d) Appropriate application of feminine or masculine styles of speech.
e) Discussion of selected topics given in reading passages and via AV materials.
f) Use of strategies to interview native speakers about Japanese life and
customs and to report findings orally.
g) Presentation of findings on a chosen topic of interest for which data
must be collected.
(2) Reading
a) Reading complex samples of authentic text for detail and understanding.
b) Reading authentic passages for basic information (reading for the gist).
c) Comprehension of kanji characters introduced during the quarter.
(3) Writing
(6) Writing short compositions
on topics given in class using the Japanese
writing system correctly by incorporating previously learned kanji with
those introduced during the quarter.
b) Writing a report based on research in Japanese using a format introduced
in class.
Students should keep in mind that this course is not designed to do the following:
a) Prepare students specifically for the Japanese Language Proficiency
Tests administered on specific
dates at certain locations in the United States.
b) Help prepare students specifically for job interviews with perspective Japanese employers.
However, this course and all JAPN 400 level courses are designed to give students exposure to a comprehensive range of fundamental Japanese language and culture skills that serve as the foundation for all communicative activities that utilize Japanese. Of course Dr. Thompson will be happy to help any student interested in a or b above on an individual basis.
TEXTS (JAPANESE 411-413)
1. REQUIRED TEXTS
(1) An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese by Miura & McGloin.
The Japan Times.
(2) Kanji and Kana: Handbook and dictionary of the Japanese writing system
by Hadamitzky and Spahn. Tuttle.
2. REFERENCES
(1) Japanese-English Dictionary (or its equivalent).
Japan Foundation.
(6) Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar by Makino and Tsutsui. The
Japan Times.
(3) Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar by Makino & Tsutsui.
The Japan Times.
SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
Library Materials: There are Japanese books, magazines, and newspapers on the first floor (Chubu Collection) and the seventh floor of Alden Library.
Dr. Thompson also has study aids and resources, some of which he would
be willing to lend to students on a case-by-case basis.
CLASS SESSIONS
Each class session will include one or more of the following language activities.
1. KAIWA:
Students will engage in a variety of different language tasks designed
to help them master the content
of the Conversation sections presented in each chapter. But beyond
this, students will gain experience in making
“small talk” and in talking about context appropriate and socially appropriate
topics.
Preparation for Class: Students are expected to prepare for each class session by consistently completing the following tasks beforehand.
(1) Read:
Read and understand the assigned pages of the textbook including the grammatical
explanations. Students should come with questions about what they do not
understand.
(2) Comprehension:
Confirm your correct understanding of new vocabulary and grammar items
that appear in the conversation. Listen to the tape until you can
comprehend the conversation
without looking at the text.
(7) Practice:
When you become comfortable with the content of the assigned conversation,
practice
pronouncing each sentence. You do not have to memorize every word
of a conversation, but you
will be evaluated on your understanding of and ability to pronounce it.
(4) Prepare for the
Vocabulary Check: Your preparation/ comprehension of vocabulary
from assigned
kaiwa will be evaluated. You will need to produce the kanji associated
with vocabulary items as
indicated by your instructor.
(5) Attempt Bunpô
Renshû: Grammar Practice sections will be assigned in class,
but you are encouraged
to attempt them beforehand when possible.
(6) Individual Kanji
Assignments: Each student will be responsible for completing individual
kanji
assignments as indicated by the instructor.
In Class: Students will be evaluated on their knowledge of new vocabulary, cultural concepts related to each lesson, their comprehen-sion of and ability to pronounce the vocabulary and grammar from the assigned conversation, and their scores on quizzes and tests as indicated later in this syllabus. Vocabulary Checks (VC) will be graded on a straightforward 1 X 1 point value system. Conversation Checks (CC) will be graded according to the scale below.
5
Excellent, you have practiced and checked the reading of kanji.
4
Good, but you could not read several kanji (Checking the readings is part
of your preparation for CC.)
3
You may have practiced, but not enough. You could read some kanji,
but not all of them.
2
You could read some kanji, but it seems like you did not practice.
1
You did not practice or check the reading of kanji at all.
2. CLASS ACTIVITIES:
Various language activities designed to help students use and gain
confidence in using new
vocabulary, grammar, and kanji will be incorporated into each class
session. This includes the Unyô Renshû section
in the textbook. Students will be asked to create skits and
perform role plays with classmates to be presented to
the class.
Preparation For Class: Students are expected to come to class prepared to expand their abilities in Japanese by synthesizing course material with their existing language repertoire by engaging in a variety of proficiency oriented reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities. Participation in class activities is required.
In Class: Students will be asked to participate in a variety of Japanese language activities that will be reflected formally and informally in the CLASS PARTICIPATION component of their final grade. (See the GENERAL EVALUATION section of this syllabus for details.)
3. YOMIMONO: Readings will be assigned from the textbook and from supplementary sources.
Preparation For Class: Students are expected to READ the assigned reading. When possible, use the Reading Guide to understand the main points and to learn about particular writing styles. Check your comprehension of the new grammar and styles section. Readings from the textbook will often require preparation of answers to the questions in the section “before reading...” in the Reading Guide. Check the reading of new and learned kanji. Also, PREPARE FOR THE VOCABULARY CHECK that will be given on the day for which the new reading was assigned.
In Class: Students will be evaluated on their knowledge of the new vocabulary in the reading by means of a (VC). Also, a discussion of the grammar and the writing style will take place. Be prepared to answer questions about the article, and to participate in classroom activities that will incorporate this material into what you already know.
GENERAL EVALUATION: Summary of Learning Activities and Point Values
* Percentages are approximate.
1. CLASS PARTICIPATION
(1) ATTENDANCE
10%
(approx.) 4 x 25
= 100
Students are expected not only to attend classes but also to faithfully
fulfill all expectations for this course as
outlined in this syllabus and implied by the instructor. Each student
will be allowed one “no questions asked”
absence from class during the quarter for which they can make up class
work, but only for that day. Otherwise,
all other excused absences will be granted only for medical emergencies
(with the proper doctor’s signature) or
a special circumstance that is pre-approved. All other absences will
count as a zero for that day. Students
missing class without prior approval will not be allowed to make up course
work or quizzes or tests. Special
circumstances will be considered, but exceptions will not necessarily be
granted. When in doubt, contact sensei
before the class that will be missed. When a student has missed consecutive
days of class, always speak to the
instructor before the next class session. Students who don’t follow
this policy may not be admitted back into
class immediately, and risk losing more attendance points.
(2) HOMEWORK
20%
depends on number
= 200
You will be given daily homework assignments, which will include listening,
reading, writing and grammar
exercises, interview questions, and other language learning
tasks. To receive full credit, assignments must
be completed by the beginning of each class period, and submitted to your
instructor at the end of each class.
Special cases will be considered individually by Dr. Thompson during office
hours.
(3) VOCABULARY
CHECK 10%
depends on number
= 100
Vocabulary checks will be given for EVERY KAIWA session and EVERY READING
session. You will
be given two “omits” each quarter in this quiz category. These “omits”
can be utilized in the place of up to
two quizzes that a student misses due to unavoidable circumstances, or
if no quizzes have been missed,
can be used to drop the two lowest quiz grades at the end of a quarter.
2.
KANJI
ASSIGNMENTS 10%
depends on number
= 100
Weekly kanji assignments taken from the Basic Kanji Book series and/or
the Intermediate Kanji Book
series will be part of the student’s courseload.
3. (CHAPTER)
TESTS
20%
depends on number
= 200
A Lesson Test will be given at the conclusion of each chapter. This
test will typically include an oral component
consisting of material similar to what has been covered in class
4.
FINAL
EXAMINATION
15%
100 x 1
= 150
A Final Examination will be given at the conclusion of each quarter.
5.
COMPOSITIONS
10%
25 x 4
= 100
Several short compositions will be assigned during the course of each quarter.
Topics and style for each
will be announced in class.
6.
RESEARCH
PAPER/ANNUAL JASCO SPEECH CONTEST SUBMISSION
15%
=150
Students will write a mini research paper on a topic agreed upon by the
instructor. The student will and briefly
present the paper at the end of the quarter according to a presentation
format which will be described and
practiced in class.
TOTAL = 1000
USING JAPANESE E-MAIL AND WORD PROCESSING FOR HOMEWORK
Many of the assignments in this course will require the use of Japanese
capable computers and software.
Several specially configured Macintosh computers are available in
the Gordy Hall Computer Lab. Students
are required to use these or other computers to send homework via
e-mail (in Japanese) and/or to type their
written work in Japanese. If these computers are malfunctioning,
students must submit a hand written version
of their text. If computer problems cause students to be unable to
complete assignments, they must tell the
instructor before the assignment is due so they can make alternative
arrangements to submit the work in a
timely manor. Only in special circumstances will “computer
excuses” be accepted as an explanation for
late homework.
* A limited amount of extra credit may be available.
NO MAKE-UP TESTS/EXTENSIONS WILL BE GIVEN.
Grades will be calculated on the following percentage basis:
A : 95% and above
C+ : 70% - 74.9%
A- : 90% - 94.9%
C : 65% - 69.9%
B+ : 85% - 89.9%
C- : 60% - 64.9%
B : 80% - 84.9%
D+ : 55% - 59.9%
B- : 75% - 79.9%
D : 50% - 54.9%
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. “Incompletes” will not be given.
2. Make-up Policy: For some selected items, lowest scores will
be dropped from your grade. An absence from class will be considered
a zero for that day. If you know ahead of time that you will be unable
to attend class, you may turn in your homework early to receive credit.
There will be NO make-ups for absences unless there is an exceptional reason
(extreme illness, death in the family, etc.). In case of emergencies,
please obtain a doctor’s statement or letter from your advisor or Dean.
3. Individual conferences will be held during week 5.
PENALTY FOR DISHONESTY
The penalty for dishonesty is specified in the student handbook, pages
72: Ohio University Student Code of Conduct. Misconduct such as cheating
or selling tests (for example), is punished according to this code.
* Please keep in mind that Dr. Thompson is in Japan for 3 weeks of class during this course. Some of the assignments will be given and submitted via the Internet.
KEY
VKQ:
Vocabulary/ Kanji Quiz TBA: To Be Announced
KH:
Kanji Homework
V (1-14): Video “Watashi
no Aozora”
DATE TOPICS HW? Quizzes/ Tests Major Assignments/ Other
WEEK 1
09/04 Tue Introduction
Begin thinking about Research Paper Topic
09/05 Thu L. 8 K1.
L. 8. K1 VKC
09/06 Fri L. 8., Watch
V1.
Discuss Research Paper Topic
WEEK 2
09/10 Mon L. 8.
TBA
09/11 Tue L. 8.
Finalize Research Paper Topic
09/13 Thu L. 8.
TBA
09/14 Fri L.
8., Watch V2.. KHW 2.
Title and outline of Research Paper Due
WEEK 3
09/17 Mon L. 8.: Test 1. Review
TBA
09/18 Tue Test 1., Kanji
HW Test, Chubu Schedule Review
TBA
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09/20 Thu Watch V3., Thompson
at Chubu until 10/15
Chubu Schedule Begins
09/21 Fri E-mail
1st paragraph of paper to Thompson at Chubu
WEEK 4
09/24 Mon Thompson at Chubu this
week
Chubu Schedule Continues
09/25 Tue Watch V4.
09/27 Thu E-mail 2nd paragraph
of paper to Thompson at Chubu
09/28 Fri Watch V5.
WEEK 5
10/01 Mon Thompson at Chubu this
week Chubu Schedule Continues
10/02 Tue Watch V6., E-mail
3rd paragraph of paper to Thompson at Chubu
10/04 Thu
10/05 Fri Watch
V7.
WEEK 6
10/08 Mon Thompson at Chubu this
week
Chubu Schedule Continues
10/09 Tue Watch V8., E-mail
4th paragraph of paper to Thompson at Chubu
10/11 Thu
10/12 Fri Watch
V9.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEEK 7 Thompson
is back from Chubu
Normal class routine resumes
10/15 Mon L. 9. K1. VC
10/16 Tue L. 9., Watch V10.,
submit 5th and 6th paragraphs of paper TBA
10/18 Thu L. 9.
TBA
10/19 Fri L.
9., Watch V11.
TBA
WEEK 8
10/22 Mon L. 9.
TBA
10/23 Tue L. 9.
TBA
10/25 Thu L. 9.
TBA
10/26 Fri L.
9., Watch V12.
TBA
WEEK 9
10/29 Mon L. 9.
TBA
10/30 Tue L. 9.
Test Review
TBA
10/31 Thu L. 9.
Test
TBA
11/02 Fri
L. 9., Watch V13.
TBA
WEEK 10
11/05 Mon L. 10.
TBA
11/06 Tue L.
10
TBA
11/08 Thu L.
10
TBA
11/09 Fri Watch V14. Review/ Practice for FINAL EXAMINATION
TBA , Thompson in Illinois
Japanese 411: COURSE SCHEDULE FALL ‘01 (Subject to modification as necessary)
DATE TOPICS HW? Quizzes/ Tests Major Assignments
WEEK 11
11/12 Mon Research
Paper Reports
TBA
11/13 Tue Final
Exam Review (Last day of classes for fall quarter.)
TBA
11/15 Thu
Thompson in D. C.
11/16 Fri
Thompson in D. C.
11/17 Sat
Thompson in D. C.
WEEK 12
11/19 Mon
11/20 Tue FINAL
EXAM 12::20PM (Must reschedule)
11/22 Thu Thanksgiving
Day
11/23 Fri