This course is based on a fun, relaxed, playful, and effective approach to learning Japanese. This method is a synthesis of many innovative teaching techniques developed to help accelerate students' language learning. The two major components of this course are: (1) acquisition of basic communication skills of elementary Japanese and (2) learning hiragana and katakana syllabaries as well as some kanji characters. The language is taught multimodally: lots of physical movement, use of pictures and graphics, conversation practices, story telling, and some story creating. Students also learn about modern Japanese life. This course is equivalent to one year of high school Japanese.

Homework per class meeting: 5-6 hours

Using a multi-modal approach, the class will begin where First-Year Japanese left off. The course will include a comprehensive review of katakana and kanji that students have already learned, and the introduction of much more kanji. Emphasis will be placed on consolidation of listening and speaking skills; the additional grammar and constructions will advance students' understanding even further. In addition to our focus on learning the language, students will learn about culture and customs in contemporary Japanese life. This course covers the full content of second-year high school Japanese.
Prerequisite: Completion of First-Year Japanese or permission of the Director.

Homework per class meeting: 5-6 hours

In addition to further development of listening and speaking skills, this course will also review grammar for advanced reading and writing. Students will add to their vocabulary of kanji and will study literary works. Cultural presentations will provide additional opportunities to learn about Japanese life as well as to practice language skills and conversation. This course covers the full content of third-year high school Japanese.
Prerequisite: Completion of Second-Year Japanese or permission of the Director.

Homework per class meeting: 5-6 hours