Course Catalog

Japanese Language Through Culture I

  • Yearlong 2024-2025

    Aug 28, 2024-April 25, 2025 For Members Register

Course Overview

This course (or its equivalent) is a prerequisite to Japanese II and III at GOA. This full-year course is a unique combination of Japanese culture and language, weaving cultural comparison with the study of basic Japanese language and grammar. While examining various cultural topics such as literature, art, lifestyle, and economy, students learn the basics of the Japanese writing system (Hiragana and Katakana), grammar, and vocabulary.

Through varied synchronous and asynchronous assignments, including hands-on projects and face-to-face communications, students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The cultural study and discussions are conducted in English, with topics alternating every two to three weeks. The ultimate goal of this course is to raise awareness and appreciation of different cultures through learning the basics of the Japanese language. The focus of this course is 60 percent on language and 40 percent on culture.

This course is appropriate for beginner-level students.

Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made.

NCAA-approved course

UC-approved course

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