JAPANESE I 1-2
Classification: Regular (530-531)
Prerequisite: None
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 2
One of the main focus of this beginning course is the written language. Students will master the first two writing systems, hiragana and katakana, and begin to learn the third, kanji. Students will be able to use familiar words and phrases both orally and in writing. They will also be able to comprehend useful concepts such as time. This course also focuses on topics such as culture (origami, haiku, etc.), history and geography.

JAPANESE II 1-2
Classification: Regular (532-533)
Prerequisite: Japanese I 2
Open to: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credit: 2
In this course students will be expected to use previously learned vocabulary words and concepts in a more complex way. Students will learn proper sentence structure, verb tenses, particles and kanji for commonly used words. They will be able to put all of these things together and create sentences that are a little bit more complex than those learned in the first level. Students will increase their vocabulary tremendously and will be expected to create their own children’s book. Students will learn the proper way of using Japanese-style writing paper and will be able to write essays in Japanese. Students will also learn how to have a proper telephone conversation.

JAPANESE III 1-2
Classification: Regular (534-535)
Prerequisite: Japanese II 2
Open to: 10, 11, 12
Credit: 2
In this course students will be expected to use previously learned vocabulary words and concepts in a more complex way. Students will learn how to properly use a kanji dictionary and will be able to read and write more complex characters. There will be a focus on family life and students will create their own family trees and photo albums. They will also learn how to give and receive directions. Listening to and comprehending native Japanese speakers is an important part of this course.

JAPANESE IV 1-2
Classification: Regular (536-537
Prerequisite: Japanese III 2
Open to: 11, 12
Credit: 2
The Level IV Japanese course enables students to participate in classroom and extra-curricular activities related to the Japanese language such as presentations to student body and to parent groups. Students are expected to ask questions, make requests, and converse about their daily lives in Japanese. Students read for comprehension from a variety of authentic materials and make judgments about what is read. Listening skills are honed through use of authentic tapes and videos. Students will learn to use the language creatively in writing poetry, prose and essays. Students manipulate language through interviews, reports, skits, and other oral projects. Students utilize Japanese reference books freely, and communicate with increasingly complex kanji characters.