Reading & Writing Japanese

Introduction to the Japanese Writing System (1 credit)

The very basic introductory five-week Reading and Writing course. This is not a separate course, but is integrated in the regular Reading and Writing 1 course. Hiragana and katakana, and some very basic kanji will be introduced in this course.

This course is required for students who do not have enough knowledge of hiragana and katakana to handle the Spoken Japanese language course.

The students in this course may upgrade by switching Reading and Writing (1 credit) to the regular Reading and Writing (3 credits) before the end of the fifth week.

Reading and Writing Japanese 1 (3 semester credits)

The first level of Elementary Reading and Writing Japanese. The course presupposes no prior knowledge of written Japanese. Starting with the introduction of hiragana and katakana, approximately 100 kanji will also be introduced during the semester. We will read and write Japanese on simple everyday topics such as diaries, messages, and letters.

Reading and Writing Japanese 2 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 1 (or its equivalent)

The second level of Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to read/write hiragana, katakana and some basic kanji (approximately 100 or more). Approximately 110 more kanji will be introduced during the semester.

We will read articles in the style of diaries, folktales, personal ads, and so forth. We will also practice writing on various topics related to the reading materials.

Reading and Writing Japanese 3 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 2 (or its equivalent)

The third level of Elementary Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to recognize and produce approximately 210 kanji. Approximately 110 additional kanji will be introduced during the semester. We will read articles in the style of biography, letters, diaries, and so forth. We will also practice writing on topics related to the reading materials.

Reading and Writing Japanese 4 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 3 (or its equivalent)

The first level of Intermediate Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to recognize approximately 320 kanji. Approximately additional 270 kanji will be introduced during the semester. We will read articles in the style of essays, short stories, newspaper articles, as well as reading materials prepared for learners of Japanese. We will also practice writing on topics related to the reading material.

Reading and Writing Japanese 5 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 4 (or its equivalent)

The second level of Intermediate Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to recognize and produce approximately 600 kanji. Approximately 300 additional kanji will be introduced during the semester. Authentic materials originally written for an adult native Japanese audience will be assigned for reading.

Reading and Writing Japanese 6 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 5 (or its equivalent)

The first level of Advanced Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to recognize and produce approximately 900 kanji. Approximately 500 additional kanji will be introduced during the semester.

Authentic materials originally written for an adult native Japanese audience will be chosen for reading. Students will develop academic writing.

Reading and Writing Japanese 7 (3 semester credits)

Prerequisite: R & W Japanese 6 (or its equivalent)

The second level of Advanced Reading and Writing Japanese. Students should be able to recognize and produce approximately 1,400 kanji. The Joyo Kanji (1,945 kanji) will be covered during the semester. This course aims at developing academic writing skills in Japanese for more serious and academic topics.