Bowdoin College Catalogue and Academic Handbook

Japanese (JPN)

JPN 1101  (c)   Elementary Japanese I  

Hiroo Aridome.
Every Fall. Fall 2024. Enrollment limit: 18.
  

An introductory course in modern Japanese language. In addition to mastering the basics of grammar, emphasis is placed on active functional communication in the language, as well as reading and listening comprehension. Context-oriented conversation drills are complemented by audio materials. Basic cultural information also presented. The two kana syllabaries and sixty commonly used kanji are introduced. No prerequisite. Followed by Japanese 1102.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.

JPN 1102  (c)   Elementary Japanese II  

Every Spring. Enrollment limit: 18.  

A continuation of the fundamentals of Japanese grammar structures and further acquisition of spoken communication skills, listening comprehension, and proficiency in reading and writing. Introduces an additional ninety kanji.

Prerequisites: JPN 1101 or Placement in JPN 1102.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.

JPN 2203  (c)   Intermediate Japanese I  

Vyjayanthi Selinger.
Every Fall. Fall 2024. Enrollment limit: 18.
  

An intermediate course in modern Japanese language, with introduction of advanced grammatical structures, vocabulary, and characters. Continuing emphasis on acquisition of well-balanced language skills based on an understanding of the actual use of the language in the Japanese sociocultural context. Introduces an additional 100 kanji.

Prerequisites: JPN 1102 or Placement in JPN 2203.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.

JPN 2204  (c)   Intermediate Japanese II  

Every Spring. Enrollment limit: 18.  

A continuation of Japanese 2203 with the introduction of more advanced grammatical structures, vocabulary, and characters.

Prerequisites: JPN 2203.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.

JPN 2205  (c)   Advanced-Intermediate Japanese I  

Hiroo Aridome.
Every Fall. Fall 2024. Enrollment limit: 18.
  

Building on the fundamentals of Elementary and Intermediate Japanese, students increase their proficiency in both the spoken and written language. A variety of written and audiovisual Japanese language materials (essays, movies, manga, etc.) are used to consolidate and expand mastery of more advanced grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students read or watch relevant materials, discuss in class, and then write and/or present on selected Japan-related topics.

Prerequisites: JPN 2204 or Placement in JPN 2205.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021, Fall 2020.

JPN 2206  (c)   Advanced-Intermediate Japanese II  

Every Spring. Enrollment limit: 18.  

A continuation and progression of materials used in Japanese 2205.

Prerequisites: JPN 2205.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2024, Spring 2023, Spring 2022, Spring 2021.

JPN 3307  (c)   Advanced Japanese I  

Hiroo Aridome.
Every Fall. Fall 2024. Enrollment limit: 18.
  

An advanced course in modern Japanese designed to develop mastery of the spoken and written language. A variety of written and audiovisual Japanese language materials (essays, movies, manga, etc.) are used. This is a project-oriented class and students learn to express complex thoughts and feelings, as well as how to properly conduct oneself in a formal Japanese job interview situation.

Prerequisites: JPN 2206 or Placement in JPN 3307.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021.

JPN 3308  (c)   Advanced Japanese II  

Non-Standard Rotation. Enrollment limit: 18.  

A continuation of Japanese 3307. Continued efforts to develop oral and written fluency in informal and formal situations. Reading of contemporary texts of literature, business, and social topics.

Prerequisites: JPN 3307.

Previous terms offered: Spring 2023.

JPN 3309  (c, IP)   Advanced Japanese Seminar  

Non-Standard Rotation. Enrollment limit: 12.  

An advanced Japanese language seminar where students will engage entirely with original texts and media created for everyday Japanese consumption (such as articles, essays, short stories, films, etc.) for class discussion and presentation. The discussions will be led by students and they will be encouraged to critically engage with the materials and make connections to issues in contemporary Japan. Projects will include a mock interview for which students will learn how to conduct themselves in formal Japanese situations (for example, Japanese workplaces, conferences, etc.). All readings and discussions in Japanese.

Prerequisites: Placement in JPN 3309.

Previous terms offered: Fall 2022.