Japanese Language NEW

Japanese Program Overview

Join us in the Japanese Language Program and embark on an adventure that goes beyond just learning words and grammar. Connect with fellow students who share your passion, participate in cultural events, and discover a community where you can thrive. Let’s make your journey into the world of Japanese language and culture an unforgettable one!

Program Head: Tomoko Ojuno (okuno@umich.edu)

Courses & Activities | Highlights | Faculty

Japanese Immersion Overview

Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of the Japanese language? Whether you’re a total beginner or have a bit of experience, the Japanese Language Program is your gateway to a rich culture and exciting opportunities!

Learning Japanese opens up a treasure trove of benefits. First off, Japan is a global powerhouse, and understanding the language can give you a competitive edge in today’s interconnected world. Imagine exploring career paths in business, technology, diplomacy, or even the arts, all while having the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse range of people. From animation and gaming to international relations and education, the possibilities are endless!

But it’s not just about careers—studying Japanese enhances your cognitive skills and creativity. Learning a new language can boost your memory, improve problem-solving abilities, and even make you more adaptable in various situations. Plus, immersing yourself in Japanese culture through language opens doors to a deeper understanding of its traditions, history, and art forms.

In our program, you’ll have the chance to practice your language skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Our classes are designed to be interactive and fun, so you’ll quickly find yourself conversing in Japanese, exploring its unique writing systems, and enjoying co-curricular activities that enhance your learning experience.

Courses & Activities

Students who wish to fulfill the RC’s language requirement with Japanese must complete RCLang 196 Intensive Japanese I and RCLang 296 Intensive Japanese II (or demonstrate an equivalent level of skills), and pass the Japanese Proficiency Exam (listening comprehension, reading comprehension, mastery of Japanese grammar, writing ability, and speaking ability) at the end of Intensive Japanese II.

The Japanese program offers Japanese lunch tables (Ranchi Teeburu) and Japanese coffee hours (Kaiwa Teeburu) to provide students the opportunity to develop Japanese communication skills they are acquiring in the classroom in an informal setting. Anyone (students, faculty, and friends) who has knowledge of Japanese is welcome. These co-curricular activities are integral parts of the RC Japanese Program; they are mandatory for students enrolled in RC Japanese classes. Students should plan their course schedule accordingly.

The Japanese Lunch Table is held in South Dining Hall, East Quad.
The Japanese Coffee Hour is held in Greene Lounge, East Quad.

Peruse the Spanish Course Offerings Below:

RCLANG 196: Intensive Japanese I (10 credits)

This course meets two hours a day, five days a week and covers in one term the equivalent of a first year non-intensive study at the college level. It is designed for students with little or no understanding of Japanese to achieve novice-high (or above) level Japanese language proficiency. Through extensive communication practice in classroom activities, students will develop all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and three kinds of Japanese orthography (hiragana, katakana, and 161 kanji) along with understanding of both traditional and modern Japanese culture.

Students will learn to acquire a sentence-level command in limited topics around everyday life for college students. Thus, students will be able to understand and use the most basic grammar structures and vocabulary to participate in basic oral and written communications. Daily attendance to class is required. In addition, students must attend co-curricular activities at least three times a week. In order to receive credits for the course, students must pass the final exam, which tests the four skills (writing, speaking, reading, and listening) and mastery of Japanese grammar.

RCLANG 296: Intensive Japanese II (10 credits)

Pre-requisite: RCLang 196 or equivalent
This course meets two hours a day, five days a week and covers in one term the equivalent of a second year non-intensive study at the college level. It is designed for students to achieve intermediate-low (or above) level Japanese language proficiency. Through extensive communication practice in classroom activities, students will develop all four skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) and cultural understanding. Students will also learn approximately 350 kanji (Chinese characters). Students will be able (1) to understand everyday conversation, (2) to have the ability to handle various topics and speech styles, (3) to understand written materials on non-technical subjects, (4) to write non-technical topics with ease and precision, and (5) to understand Japanese culture and perspectives.

Students will learn to acquire a sentence/paragraph-level command in various topics around everyday life for college students and beyond. Daily attendance to class is required. In addition, students must attend co-curricular activities at least three times a week. In order to receive credits for the course, students must pass the Japanese Proficiency Exam, which tests the four skills (writing, speaking, reading, and listening) and mastery of Japanese grammar.

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