JPNE 594 Intensive Seminar in Japanese Studies


Instructor:   Dr. Hitomi Oketani. Rm. 340
Alexander Building

(734) 487-0130/3347 Office Hours: TBA

Course Description:

This is a culminating course in the Japanese language teaching. The course consists of review and discussion of contemporary issues in Japanese language and culture, based on research projects and review of the pertinent literature carried out by the
student. Emphasis in seminar meetings on exchange of ideas and information developed in the research.

Outline and Goals of the Course:

Due to the rapid social changes in society, students' cultural and linguistic backgrounds are diversified greatly in current classroom settings. Classroom teachers need to be knowledgeable experts in order to meet the multilevel and multicultural students' needs with techniques and appropriate teaching methodology as well as a thorough understanding of children's language (bilingual) acquisition processes. In order to prepare for higher-level classroom practice. it is crucial to acquire background knowledge of Japanese linguistics, second language acquisition. foreign/bilingual/heritage language education as well as effective methodologies to use in a multilevel setting. Different topics are selected each semester for intensive study by advanced students. The course consists of review and discussion of contemporary issues in Japanese language teaching, based on research projects and review of the pertinent literature carried out by the student. Emphasis in seminar meetings will be on exchange of ideas and information through presentations by students.

 

Upon completion of this course, the students will:

a.      Possess expanded knowledge and techniques in current Japanese language teaching methodologies in multilevel classroom settings;

b.      Have obtained extended knowledge of Japanese linguistics, second language acquisition, and foreign/bilingual/heritage language education;

c.       Have improved ability of Japanese language proficiencies in all four areas:
speaking, listening, reading and writing, pertinent to current professional and cultural contexts.

The course is conducted entirely in Japanese, including discussions and all assignments.

Textbook:
Teaching Japanese Language - Theory and Practice. by Takamisawa, M. et al. (1996).
Tokyo: ASK

Requirements:


1. Present summaries & critiques of chapter of the textbook at every
session of class (twice);

2. Each student is required to take responsibility for two 20-30 minute individual presentations on Japanese language and/or culture. The session will be videotaped for individual review and critique. The theme of the presentations should be based on the course readings. Consult the course instructor in choosing presentation topics;

3. Write a research paper (1500 characters in Japanese) on Japanese language and/or culture. Consult the course instructor in choosing a topic:

Grade Distribution:

1.      Classroom participation                                                   15%

2.      Two presentations of summary & critiques of chapters          20% (10% each) (Criteria: Content, Japanese Language Ability, Clear Presentation of ideas)

3.      Two Individual Presentations                                            40% (20% each)

4.      Research Paper                                                             25%
(Criteria: Content. Use of high level of syntax, voc. etc, Accuracy, Overall impression)

Grade Scale:

A                                              B                                     C
93% and above                           83 - 86%                          73 - 76%
A-                                             B-                                   C-     
90 - 92%                                    80 - 82%                          70 - 72%
B+                                             C+                                   E
87 - 89%                                    77 - 79%                          below 70%

 
Bibliography:

Cummins, 1. (2002). Negotiating identities: Education for

Empowerment in a Diverse Society. CA: California Association for
Bilingual Education.

Nakajima, K. (2002). Learning Japanese in the Network Society. Calgary, Alberta:

University of Calgary Press.

tp.~T (1988) V~.{ I) /:tJ)v..C7):If~~-it!!~iJftC7) 8:$A"liX:?- eHIiL., l ~ 7
Jv? 0 Bilingual/Heritage Language Education for Global Society.


Standards for Japanese Language Learning. (1998). Japanese National
Standards Task Force.

Course Schedule:
Session                   Topic

Session 1                Review of syllabus & course overview                 

Session 2                Chapter 1 - Origin of Japanese Language

Session 3                Chapter 1 - Origin of Japanese Language

Session 4                Chapter 2 - Phonology in Japanese

Session 5                Chapter 2 - Phonology in Japanese

Session 6                Chapter 3 - Japanese Syntax

Session 7                Chapter 3 - Japanese Syntax
Session 8                Chapter 3 - Japanese Syntax

Session 9                Chapter 3 - Japanese Syntax

Session 10               Chapter 4 - Japanese Orthography

Session 11               Chapter 4 - Japanese Orthography

Session 12               Chapter 4 - Japanese Orthography

Session 13               Preparation for Presentation-Consultation with course instructor

Session 14               Presentation

Session 15               Presentation

Session 16               Presentation

Session 17               (Winter Recess)

Session 18               (Winter Recess)

Session 19               Chapter 5 - Japanese Vocabulary

Session 20               Chapter 5 - Japanese Vocabulary
Session 21               Chapter 6 - Socio-Linguistics in Japanese Teaching

Session 22               Chapter 6 - Socio-Linguistics in Japanese Teaching

Session 23               Chapter 6 - Socio-Linguistics in Japanese Teaching

Session 24               Chapter 7 - Bilingual/Heritage Japanese Language Education

Session 25               Chapter 7 - Bilingual/Heritage Japanese Language Education

Session 26               Chapter 7 - Bilingual/Heritage Japanese Language Education
Session 27               Preparation for Presentation-Consultation with course instructor

Session 28               Presentation

Session 29               Presentation

Session 30               Presentation

Session 31               Q & A. Research Paper Due