Third Year Japanese Language and Culture

Course Overview

This thirdyear course builds on the foundations laid in the first two years of Japanese study. It is designed for students who already possess a solid grasp of intermediate grammar, kanji, and basic conversational skills. The emphasis shifts toward fluency, nuanced expression, and a deepening understanding of Japans cultural, historical, and contemporary contexts.

The class runs for a full semester (15 weeks) with three 90minute lectures per week and a weekly 2hour discussion/lab session. Each week introduces a thematic topicranging from traditional arts to modern pop cultureallowing students to explore language in authentic, contentrich environments.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate command of advanced grammar structures (e.g., , , ) and idiomatic expressions.
• Read and analyse authentic texts such as newspaper editorials, literary excerpts, and corporate reports.
• Produce coherent, wellstructured oral presentations on complex topics.
• Develop critical insight into cultural practices, social issues, and historical developments in Japan.
• Collaborate in small groups to research and present on selected cultural phenomena.
• Prepare for proficiency tests such as JLPT N2/N1 or J-Test Level AC.

Curriculum Outline

Week 12: Review & Transition

Refresh essential intermediate grammar, kanji ( 300 characters), and everyday conversation. Diagnostic oral interview to gauge individual proficiency.

Week 34: Modern Japanese Society

Topics: aging population, work culture, gender roles. Texts: NHK news clips, sociological articles. Activities: debate on worklife balance.

Week 56: Traditional Arts

Tea ceremony (), ikebana, calligraphy (). Students read historical treatises and practice vocabulary related to aesthetics. Group project: prepare a miniexhibit describing an art form.

Week 78: Literature and Poetry

Study of haiku, tanka, and modern short stories. Close reading of works by Bash, Mishima, and Murakami. Writing workshop focusing on imagery and emotional nuance.

Week 910: Business Japanese

Keigo (), email etiquette, meeting protocols. Roleplay simulated business negotiations and presentation of a product pitch.

Week 1112: Pop Culture & Media

Anime, Jpop, manga, and internet slang. Critical analysis of media influence on identity and global perception of Japan.

Week 1314: History in Depth

Focus on Meiji Restoration, WWII, and postwar economic miracle. Primary sources include letters, propaganda posters, and oral histories.

Week 15: Capstone Presentations

Students deliver a 12minute presentation on a selfselected topic, integrating language proficiency with cultural insight. Peerreview and instructor feedback conclude the semester.

Assessment Methods

Learning Resources

• Textbooks: An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese (3rd ed.), Japanese Culture and Society by H. Mishima.
• Online Platforms: NHK News Web Easy, Lang-8 for writing feedback, Kanji Study app.
• Library Collection: Selections of modern Japanese literature, business case studies, and documentaries.
• Guest Speakers: Professionals from Japanese companies, cultural practitioners, and alumni working in translation.

Tip: Keep a weekly journal in Japanese. Recording personal reflections not only improves writing fluency but also deepens cultural awareness.

How to Enroll

Eligibility: Completion of secondyear Japanese or equivalent proficiency (JLPT N3 or higher). Students may also apply with a placement test.

Application steps:

1. Submit the online registration form.
2. Upload a recent transcript and a brief statement of interest (200300 words).
3. If required, schedule a placement interview with the course coordinator.
4. Pay the tuition fee (consult the universitys fee schedule for current rates).