Course Descriptions
JAPAN 1, Elementary Japanese I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: None.
This course, using a communicative approach, introduces the student to Japanese sentence structure, basic vocabulary, and the two Japanese phonetic scripts of Hiragana, Katakana, plus a selected number of Kanji. Students learn to ask and answer basic questions and write about simple actions in the present/future and past tenses. They also are introduced to important elements of Japanese culture and customs of the Japanese people. This course is taught in Japanese unless in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor. Language lab is required.
JAPAN 2, Elementary Japanese II, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities), Foreign Language (required for UC only) • Prerequisite: Japanese 1*.
This course is the continuation of Japanese 1. This course stresses more advanced vocabulary and more advanced sentence structures emphasizing short forms and te-forms. Students further develop oral and aural skills and reading comprehension skills by reading texts on various topics. They also hold conversations in both formal and informal styles of speech, and write compositions using short forms. This course also advances students’ knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. This course is taught in Japanese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor. Language lab is required.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to two years of high school Japanese.
JAPAN 3, Intermediate Japanese I, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: Japanese 2*.
Focusing on four communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), the course builds up a solid foundation for the Intermediate-Low Japanese, to achieve a practical command of language for managing everyday social interactions and routine tasks. The course also familiarizes students of different registers (spoken vs. written) and writing styles (“desu/ masu” vs. essay). Reading materials include semi-authentic articles on specific topics and writing focuses on styles as well as multiple paragraph organization. Traditional and current aspects of the Japanese culture are explored throughout the course and studied in reading. This course is taught in Japanese unless in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to three years of high school Japanese.
JAPAN 4, Intermediate Japanese II, 5 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: Japanese 3*.
Focusing on four communication skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing), the course builds up a solid foundation for the intermediate-High Japanese and further develops proficiency to be able to manage relatively complex situations. The course also introduces honorific languages, in addition to colloquial informal register. The socially and culturally appropriate use of the language is exercised in a broader range of social contexts. Reading and writing put an extra emphasis on accuracy and pragmatic components as well as fluency. This course is taught in Japanese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the instructor.
*The prerequisite for this course is comparable to four years of high school Japanese.
JAPAN 8, Conversational Japanese, 2 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • Prerequisite: Japanese 2.
This course provides the student with an opportunity to increase fluency in spoken Japanese with an emphasis on natural, colloquial usage. This course is taught in Japanese except in cases of linguistic difficulty as determined by the professor.
JAPAN 9, Japan: Culture and Civilization, 3 units
Transfer: UC, CSU • IGETC AREA 3B (Humanities) • Prerequisite: None.
This course explores Japanese culture and civilization. Employing an interdisciplinary perspective, the course examines the fundamentals of Japanese culture and tradition including Japanese philosophy, religions, art forms, literature, cuisine, and language. The course will be taught in English. No knowledge of Japanese is required.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Currently, there are no degrees or certificates offered in this discipline at Santa Monica College. Most students should plan to transfer to a four-year institution to continue their education toward a degree in this discipline. Transferring students who wish to qualify for an Associate degree before leaving Santa Monica College should discuss their plans with a Counselor before selecting classes.