Permission of the department is required. Students are limited to one independent study per semester. Through the discussion and study of contemporary literary texts and other journalistic modes, the course seeks to utilize, develop, and integrate skills acquired in the earlier stages of language learning. Particular emphasis is placed on reading and writing, and on the acquisition of written characters. Through class discussion students expand their understanding of Japanese culture.
Students write a research paper as a final project.
Through the discussion of materials in Japanese such as newspaper articles, other media material, and short stories, the course seeks to utilize, develop, and integrate skills acquired in the earlier stages of language learning. Particular emphasis is placed on increasing the student s range of oral and written competency and on the acquisition of written characters. Class discussion involves issues of both Japanese and global cultures. An extended research or translation project on a topic in Japanese literature, culture, or language utilizing some source materials in Japanese. Qualified students may choose to write the thesis in Japanese.