Course Descriptions for Japanese

Japanese Level 1: 

Students will be taught to speak the language contextually in terms of greetings, school activities, limited social situations, counting and sports. They will be introduced to reading and writing through the phonetically based symbols called Hiragana and Katakana, eventually learning a predetermined number of Japanese Kanji. Grammar will be taught through the structure of the Japanese language, especially the cultural context of the verb forms, as well as vocabulary expansion. Culture of the Japanese people will be an integral part of the course. It will be necessary for students to apply study skills consistently in order to succeed in both the oral and written aspects of this course. 

Textbook(s): Genki, ISBN- 978-4-7890-1440-3

Japanese Level 2: 

Japanese 2 continues in the same vein as level 1. After acquiring skill in writing the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries (mainly in level 1), students concentrate on the Kanji in level 2. The listening and speaking skills are developed at a higher level. Grammatically, in addition to continuation of the grammar of level 1, there is an introduction to phrases characteristic of hierarchical levels of social relationships. Students will learn to express degrees of polite speech. Compound verbs are included. Cultural emphasis in the course will be on modern post-World War II in Japan.

Textbook(s): Genki, ISBN- 978-4-7890-1440-3

Japanese Level 3:

Japanese 3 will utilize writing skills in Hiragana and Katakana, while further expanding students’ knowledge of Kanji. Writing and reading skills as well as short compositions will be emphasized. Listening, reading and speaking skill activities will be increased. Students will be introduced to the grammatical aspects of “Keigo” (polite speech form), particularly as related to verb usage. Other grammar will be presented such as causative verbs, particles used for sentence clauses, conjunctions, and various counters used in the Japanese language. Culture will continue to be emphasized using practical scenarios that one would encounter while living in or visiting Japan. 

Textbook(s): Genki, ISBN- 978-4-7890-1443-4

Japanese Level 4:

Level 4 Japanese will have extensive use of informal speech forms, while expanding vocabulary for daily life, such as managing a budget and travel. Extensive use of honorific verbal forms (keigo) will be further developed, as well as the increase of formal speech. Reading comprehension will be heightened through the use of contextualized paragraphs and short stories. Students will be working with authentic materials, such as newspaper articles and selected sections of popular and historical novels. Authentic video and radio shows will be shown or listened to in order to further develop student familiarity with native speech patterns and intonation. Culture bonding concepts and practices, such as “reserve,” “obligation/indebtedness,” and “outside/inside,” will be explored in depth. The Japanese economy is a theme presented in relationship to the workplace. Students should have a working knowledge of at least four hundred Kanji (ideographs) beyond the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries. 

Textbook(s): Genki, ISBN- 978-4-7890-1443-4

AP Japanese:

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program for Japanese 5 will provide coursework, written assessments, and practical experiences culminating in the AP Japanese exam. 

Textbook(s): An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese, ISBN 9784789013079 and College Board materials

During each quarter, the students will focus on enhancing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.  The World Language Department uses the World Language National Standards (ACTFL) and the College and Career Readiness Standards. The teachers will incorporate the five C’s in their classes.  The five C’s are Communication, Culture, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The learners will use the three modes of communication:  Interpersonal, Interpretive, and Presentational.

Students will be expected to read various topics/stories in the target language. They will also be required to write compositions, dialogues, research projects, and short summaries relating to grammar, vocabulary, and cultural events.  Listening will be enforced using digital media, guest speakers, and programs in the target language.  Speaking will be assessed using oral presentations, dialogues, and using various forms of digital media.  The learners will use Performance Based Assessments to assess all of the standards.