Japanese (JPN)

JPN 101. First Year Japanese. (4)

Acquisition of the basic oral-aural skills of elementary Japanese as well as the reading and writing skills.

JPN 102. First Year Japanese. (4)

Acquisition of the basic oral-aural skills of elementary Japanese as well as the reading and writing skills.
Prerequisite: JPN 101 or equivalent.

JPN 151. More than Sushi - Japanese Food and Culture. (3)

Japanese cuisine is a window into Japan’s history, society, and culture. This course explores Japanese food beyond the cliches and stereotypes, examining regional differences, seasonal traditions, dining etiquette, health beliefs, economic and entrepreneurial dimensions, and the cultural significance of food in both historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will analyze how Japanese food reflects identity, social norms, and globalization. Activities include class discussions, multimedia analysis, and food-related cultural experiences. PA-3B, PA-4B.

JPN 177. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)

JPN 201. Second Year Japanese. (3)

Further development of the fundamental skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading in Japanese.
Prerequisite: JPN 102 or equivalent.

JPN 202. Second Year Japanese. (3)

Further development of the fundamental skills of speaking, listening, writing, and reading in Japanese. CAS-A.
Prerequisite: JPN 201 or equivalent.

JPN 232. Imagined Futures: Contemporary East Asian Science Fiction. (3)

Science Fiction has played a major role in shaping real-world technologies. In this course, you’ll explore how sci-fi storytelling and worldbuilding can inspire innovative thinking and help us imagine possible futures—focusing on contemporary East Asia (China, Japan, Korea). We’ll dive into sci-fi prototyping, a method used by organizations such as Intel and the US Air Force that uses creative stories to generate new ideas and strategies. By looking closely at East Asian sci-fi, you’ll learn culturally diverse perspectives and worldbuilding techniques, contrasting these with prevailing Western sci-fi traditions. We’ll also cover the historical development of science and technology in modern East Asia, and discuss important topics like how technology affects human life, environmental sustainability, and pandemics. This course aims to boost your critical thinking and creativity, helping you develop thoughtful approaches to science, technology, and the environment through the study of East Asian science fiction. IC, IIB. PA-3B, PA-4B, SI-04. CAS-B, CAS-B-LIT.

JPN 261. Global Godzilla & Hello Kitty: Japanese Popular Culture in Global Context. (3)

This course examines the cultural heritage of the representations of Japanese popular media such as anime, manga, films, games, music, and fashion in order to better understand how the entertainment industries shape contemporary Japanese society and global mediascapes in personal, local, and global contexts. Through the study of cultural artifacts within different media, we will learn how Japan’s popular culture changed over time and how it impacted global cultural production and consumption. In addition, the course will introduce students to critical and theoretical approaches to various media, fan cultures, and the interplay between these two. PA-3B, PA-4B, SI-04. CAS-B.

JPN 266. Japanese Cinema: Critical Viewing in a Global Context. (3)

This course examines several Japanese films and their significance in the contexts of Japanese and world cinema. Each film is analyzed using concepts from various disciplines such as film criticism, literary criticism, cultural studies, and anthropology. The unique and influential characteristics of each film, along with the styles of their auteurs, are identified, and their cinematic value is critically examined. Through the critical study of Japanese films, students will apply theoretical insights to analyze films more broadly. We will use examples in class, and students will be assigned to find additional examples for their paper. Thus, students are trained to critically identify the characteristics of Japanese auteurs and their influences on and from global auteurs. As a result, they are equipped with the skills to recognize and appreciate cinematic expressions, both in Japanese films and beyond. In turn, this deeper understanding will foster a greater appreciation of cinema in general. IIB. PA-3B, SI-04. CAS-B.
Cross-listed with FST 266.

JPN 277. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)

JPN 301. Third Year Japanese. (3)

Emphasis on advanced oral and written communication in Japanese, while learning about important concepts in modern Japanese society through reading and discussion.
Prerequisite: JPN 202 or equivalent.

JPN 302. Third Year Japanese. (3)

JPN 311. Introduction to Translating Japanese Media. (3)

This class introduces students to the theory and practice of translation from Japanese (the source language) into English (the target language). Students will engage with theoretical, readings, reflections on the various practices of translation, and evaluations of existing translations alongside their source texts. In-class work, assignments, and group projects will emphasize the practice of translation within different formats, genres, and subject areas. Translations offer a way of improving mastery (vocabulary, grammar, and style) in both the source language as well as in the target language. Moreover, translation skills can be a valuable asset in professional careers. The course design includes real-world examples in the field of translation and provides opportunities for students to translate authentic texts.
Prerequisite: JPN 202.

JPN 340. Internship. (0-20)

JPN 377. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)

JPN 381. Introduction to Japanese Linguistics. (3)

Provides a deeper understanding of the characteristics of the Japanese language, using the framework of theoretical linguistics as an analytical tool.
Prerequisite: JPN 102.

JPN 401. Fourth Year Japanese. (3)

Development of advanced command of Japanese in comprehension and production through written works and class discussion. Cultural, social, and psychological implications, literary works, contemporary articles, etc., will also be explored.
Prerequisite: JPN 302 or equivalent.

JPN 477. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)

JPN 677. Independent Studies. (0-6; maximum 10)