Japanese

JAPN 098 C Japanese Seminar 0.5-12 Units

Prerequisite(s): May be required

Corequisite(s): May be required

Advisory: May be required

Term hours: 0-216 lecture and/or 0-432 laboratory depending on units attempted. This seminar course is for able students who wish to extend their knowledge of literature, language and culture through small group discussion. Pass/No Pass or Pass or Letter Grade option. Fees may be required-Payable at Registration.

JAPN 100 C Spoken Japanese for Beginners 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course is for students who would like to take conversational Japanese without having to learn the complicated writing system. This will be an introduction to spoken Japanese, with emphasis on vocabulary development, use of the common phrases and culturally appropriate language at beginning levels. Conducted mainly in Japanese through the use of the direct teaching method. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU/AA GE)

JAPN 101 C Elementary Japanese I 5 Units

Term hours: 90 lecture. The course emphasizes the acquisition of basic skills in pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students will be introduced to the culture, history and geography of Japan through lectures, slides, videos, photographs, films, and reading assignments. Not intended for native Japanese speakers. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (UC/CSU, AA GE)

JAPN 102 C Elementary Japanese II 5 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 101 C with a grade of C or better or one year of high school Japanese with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 90 lecture. This course continues to emphasize the acquisition of basic skills in pronunciation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will increase their knowledge of the culture, history, and geography of Japan and Japanese through lectures, films, and reading and writing assignments. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU/UC, AA GE)

JAPN 115 C Japanese Food and Tradition 2 Units

Term hours: 36 lecture. This course introduces the geography, food culture, attractions, and festivals of Japan’s 47 prefectures. It highlights the cultural roots behind regional cuisines and traditions. This course focuses on Japan’s diverse local cultures, making it ideal for those interested in Japanese travel, culture, or tourism careers. Taught in English. No Japanese language instruction. Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade Option.

JAPN 125 C Japanese Culture through Film 3 Units

Term hours: 54 Lecture. This course is a critical study of Japanese culture through viewing films of great directors. The student will study artistic works of internationally recognized principal directors and examine uniquely Japanese traits and critically analyze the identification of characters. The course will provide students with insights into Japanese culture and techniques for the critical analysis of film. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU/UC, AA GE, CalGETC)

JAPN 200 C Conversational Japanese 2 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 102 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 36 lecture. This course will focus on practical conversation with emphasis on the idiomatic usage of the language. Topics concern Japanese life, culture, and current events. Students will prepare for this class through the study of the required textbook, magazines, newspapers and other current materials. This course is conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU/UC)

JAPN 201 C Study of Kanji 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 101 C or JAPN 102 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 54 lecture. This is a low intermediate skills course designed to improve the reading, writing, listening, and understanding of Kanji. Students will practice and learn 420 basic Kanji, as components of more complex Kanji. This will prepare students to take the Japanese government's proficiency examination at the 10th and 9th level. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option (CSU/UC)

JAPN 203 C Intermediate Japanese III 4 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 102 C with a grade of C or better or two years of high school Japanese with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 72 lecture. This course emphasizes the acquisition of advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be introduced to further elements of the culture, history, and geography of Japan through lectures, slides, films, dialogues and reading and writing assignments conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU/UC/AA GE, CalGETC)

JAPN 204 C Intermediate Japanese IV 4 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 203 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 72 lecture. The course emphasizes the acquisition of advanced skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will be introduced to further elements of the culture, history, and geography of Japan through lectures, slides, films, dialogues and reading assignments conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade Option. (CSU/UC, AA GE, CalGETC)

JAPN 205 C Language and Media Culture in Contemporary Japan 4 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 204 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 72 lecture. This course is designed to enhance students' proficiency in Japanese through the reading and discussion of contemporary news and current events in Japan. Using authentic news articles, students will develop a more natural command of the language by learning idiomatic expressions and understanding cultural contexts. Discussions will cover diverse topics, including Japanese society, politics, economy, and culture, fostering critical thinking, reading comprehension, and analytical skills. Additionally, the course strengthens overall intermediate-level Japanese proficiency to prepare students for advanced studies. Course materials include newspapers, magazines, online articles, and other up-to-date media sources. This course is conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (UC/CSU)

JAPN 210 C Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Preparation 4 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 102 C with grade of C or better or two years of high school Japanese with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 36 lecture. This course is designed to provide students with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). This internationally recognized standardized test evaluates Japanese proficiency. The JLPT has five levels, from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced), and this comprehensive course will prepare students to take any of these levels. Whether students are beginners or experienced learners, this course will help them to reach their Japanese language goals. This course personalizes instruction seamlessly and blends with collaborative learning, fostering a dynamic and effective environment for JLPT preparation. This carefully crafted course immerses students in the intricacies of the Japanese language while nurturing personal growth and teamwork. This approach empowers students to progress at their own pace, addressing specific challenges and maximizing their learning potential. This course emphasizes grammar, vocabulary, listening and cultural understanding to strengthen their fundamental knowledge for passing target level exam. The course is conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option.

JAPN 211 C Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Kanji Preparation 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 201 C with grade of C or better or two years of high school Japanese with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 36 lecture. This course is designed to provide students with the essential kanji skills and knowledge to excel in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and achieve their desired level of Japanese proficiency. Geared towards all levels of learners, this comprehensive course will guide students through a personalized learning journey, seamlessly blending individualized instruction with collaborative learning to create a dynamic and effective environment for JLPT kanji preparation. Students will immerse themselves in the intricacies of the Japanese writing system, strengthening their fundamental kanji knowledge through a focus on grammar, vocabulary, listening, and cultural understanding. This approach empowers students to progress at their own pace, addressing specific kanji challenges and maximizing their learning potential. The course is conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option

JAPN 220 C Introductory Japanese Teaching Techniques for Heritage and Community Context 5 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 205 C and 207 C with a grade of "C" or better

Term hours: 90 lecture. This course is designed for advanced Japanese language learners who have completed JAPN 207C and aims to equip them with practical and effective instructional strategies for teaching elementary Japanese (equivalent to JAPN 101 and 102) to family members, friends, or members of the local community. Rather than focusing on academic second language acquisition (SLA) theory, the course emphasizes clear and accessible teaching techniques for informal or community-based instructional settings. A key goal of this course is to support the preservation of Japanese as a heritage language within Japanese American communities by empowering individuals to pass on their Japanese language proficiency to family and peers. In alignment with Cypress College’s mission to enrich the lives of students and the surrounding community through educational opportunities, this course fosters the practical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (CSU)

JAPN 291 C Anime I: Study of Culture 3 Units

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course explores anime as a powerful and influential form of Japanese cultural expression. Through selected works, students examine key aspects of Japanese society, values, and history while developing cultural awareness and global competency. The course integrates lectures, group analysis, guided discussions, and student presentations to foster active learning and critical engagement. Emphasis is placed on analytical writing, with assignments requiring interpretation of cultural themes, societal implications, and historical context. Ideal for students interested in cross-cultural communication, international careers, or creative industries, this course provides a rigorous academic foundation grounded in contemporary global relevance. No knowledge of Japanese language required. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option. (UC/CSU)

JAPN 292 C Anime II: Language in Films 3 Units

Prerequisite(s): JAPN 204 C with a grade of C or better

Term hours: 54 lecture. This course critically studies Japanese anime as culture and language. Students develop a deeper understanding of Japanese language and culture by studying anime, a popular form of Japanese entertainment that reflects many aspects of Japanese culture, including language, values, and customs. Anime is a rich source of information about Japanese culture, and by studying it, students can gain a better understanding of how Japanese is used in real-world contexts and how Japanese culture is reflected in language. In addition, students in this course will develop their Japanese language skills by studying anime dubbing and subtitling. This will help them to expand their vocabulary, improve their fluency and pronunciation, and gain a competitive edge in the Japanese-related job market. This class will be conducted in Japanese. Pass/No Pass/Letter Grade Option, (UC/CSU).

JAPN 298 C Japanese Seminar 0.5-12 Units

Prerequisite(s): May be required

Corequisite(s): May be required

Advisory: May be required

Term hours: 0-216 lecture and/or 0-432 laboratory depending on units attempted. This seminar course is for able students who wish to extend their knowledge of literature, language and culture through small group discussion. Pass/No Pass or Letter Grade option. Fees may be required-Payable at Registration. (UC Credit Limitation/CSU)

JAPN 299 C Japanese Independent Study 2 Units

Prerequisite(s): Approval of Independent Study Learning Contract

This course is designed for able students who wish to increase their knowledge of the Japanese Language through individual study or research. We offer two units in any given semester. Consult the class schedule to verify credit for a particular term. (UC Credit Limitation/CSU).