Japanese Courses

The option of the Challenge examination is available for students wishing to “challenge” a Language course when they feel that they have the necessary proficiency in it, equivalent to the requirements of the course challenged. The Challenge exam will have the following parts:

  • Written (grammar and vocabulary testing)
  • Oral expression and comprehension
  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension and composition

The Challenge exam is NOT available for students whose mother tongue is the same as the language that they wish to challenge. For more information on Prior Learning Assessment and the Challenge program, please consult the Prior Learning Assessment department. “Advanced standing” without credit may be granted where warranted. Note: Native speakers of Japanese may not take 100-level (or 200-level) Japanese courses for credit.

Course offerings vary from year to year. Check Generate a Timetable for available course offerings.

JAPA 100 (3) Basic Japanese I

A non-intensive introduction to some of the fundamentals of modern Japanese. Designed for students with no previous knowledge of the language, the course reinforces theory with aural-oral practice. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: None.

JAPA 101 (3) Basic Japanese II

A continuation of JAPA 100. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in JAPA 100 or permission of instructor.

JAPA 111 (3) Introduction to Spoken Japanese I

A non-intensive introduction to spoken Japanese. An opportunity to develop basic oral communication skills, and an introduction to the first set of Japanese characters, Hiragana. Issues in cross-cultural communication are also discussed. (3:0:1) Note: If credit is granted for JAPA 111, students may not receive credit for JAPA 100. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: None.

JAPA 112 (3) Introduction to Spoken Japanese II

A continuation of JAPA 111. Note: If credit is granted for JAPA 112, students may not receive credit for JAPA 101. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: JAPA 111 or permission of instructor.

JAPA 200 (3) Intermediate Japanese I

A non-intensive continuation of JAPA 100/101 stressing increased proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students are taught to read and write approximately 400 additional kanji characters beyond JAPA 100/101, an additional 1300 words and phrases, and many more inflections of verbs, adjectives and adverbs. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: Min "C+" in JAPA 101 or permission of instructor.

JAPA 201 (3) Intermediate Japanese II

A continuation of JAPA 200. (3:0:1)

Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in JAPA 200 or permission of instructor.

JAPA 211 (3) An Introduction to Japanese Culture and Society I

An introduction to the culture and society of Japan, including an examination of the geography, history, language, economy, art, philosophy, literature, folklore, customs, cinema, theatre, and music of that country. No knowledge of the Japanese language is required. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: None.

JAPA 212 (3) An Introduction to Japanese Culture and Society II

A continuation of JAPA 211. (3:0:0)

Prerequisite: JAPA 211.