The goals of the course are to help you learn how to practice Japanese calligraphy and cultivate your mind through the practice. Six subjects, including Kanji and Hiragana will be introduced with the focus on basic skills such as the manner of using brushes, balancing characters, etc. Throughout the course, students will work on clarity of thought through the writing of characters in a tranquil setting, concentrating on maintaining correct posture and behavior throughout the writing process. Check Times, Location, and Availability 405. Native or near-native speakers of Japanese are not eligible for this course.
Advanced training is given in all four language skills.
Practice in the use of spoken Japanese is contextualized within simulated Japanese social settings. The goal is to produce self-sufficient readers who can read and discuss most texts with the aid of a dictionary. Recitation sessions are conducted all in Japanese with an emphasis on speaking and reading Japanese at normal speed with near-native pronunciation, accent, intonation, and appropriate body language. Lectures will also be conducted in Japanese, with occasional English explanation if necessary, and will focus on Japanese grammar and culture. Check Times, Location, and Availability 416.