This course is designed for students with an elementary-level background in Japanese. The goal for this semester is to explore ways of understanding Japanese culture and society through short presentations and discussions. This course is conducted in Japanese with some English explanation.

*It is highly recommended to take "Japan Studies" (lecture in English) for those who have not studied Japanese or are not taking Japanese class this semester.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. understand basic expressions to describe the geography, climate and daily life in Japan
2. speak and write short paragraphs comparing your home country and Japan
3. understand Japanese culture and people more deeply

Week 1: Orientation
Week 2-3: Geography
Week 4-5: Climate
Week 6: Presentation
Week 7: Reflection
Week 8-9: Daily life
Week 10-11: Going out
Week 12-13: Work in Japan
Week 14: Presentation
Week 15: Reflection

*Weekly schedule will be distributed in the classroom.
*This schedule is subject to change.

Various activities are conducted to enhance communication skills　to understand Japanese culture and daily life.
The necessary materials are distributed on Course Contents, Toyo Net-ACE.
Students are encouraged to practice “autonomous learning” to achieve their personal goals.
In the class, students are expected to actively participate in class activities．

Before class (60 min):
Students are expected to 1) read textbook and learn necessary expressions and 2) complete homework assignments.
After class (60 min):
Students are expected to 1) review the contents learned in class and 2) complete the home assignment as instructed.

Participation: 30%
Tasks: 40%
Presentation: 30%
【Grading Criteria】
Grading conforms to Toyo university’s grading standard.

Students are required to master readings of Hiragana and Katakana before the class starts.

『四訂版　話そう考えよう初級日本事情』,スリーエーネットワーク

Understanding Basic Japanese Grammar /『新装版　基礎日本語文法教本』, アルク

Integrated Japanese I
Integrated Japanese II