Academic Calendar 2025-2026

Japanese (JAPN)

JAPN 100  Introductory Japanese I  Units: 6.00  
For students without any previous knowledge of Japanese. Introduction to the basic structural patterns of the language and intensive training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Extensive use of audio-visual materials. Students are expected to study individually on a regular basis with the aid of an audio tape in addition to the four hours of classroom work per week.
NOTE Students can self-enrol during the course registration period. However, for students with previous knowledge of the language, final approval of enrolment is at the discretion of the instructor, pending an assessment of a student's language competency. Students can contact the instructor for an assessment anytime during the academic year (September-May). Please note that instructors may not be available for language competency assessments in May, June, July, and early August. Non-disclosure of previous knowledge of the language is considered a departure from academic integrity.
Requirements: Prerequisite Level 1 or (Level 2 or above and a cumulative GPA of 1.90 or higher). Note Students will have their level of competence assessed by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures in September.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science  

Course Learning Outcomes:

  1. Engage in everyday conversations using common vocabulary and basic grammatical structures, allowing them, for example, to introduce themselves, ask and answer simple questions, and express their basic needs and preferences in the language.
  2. Understand spoken language on familiar topics, such as personal information, basic descriptions, and daily routines, delivered at a slow to moderate pace and using beginner-level vocabulary.
  3. Read and comprehend short texts related to everyday life, employing basic reading strategies to understand sentence structure, main ideas, and key details with limited use of a dictionary.
  4. Write simple messages, notes, and paragraphs employing correct syntax and basic vocabulary to express personal experiences, daily activities, and simple opinions.
  5. Cultural Context: Throughout the course, students will gain an introductory understanding of the cultural context of the target language, including significant customs, traditions, and social norms associated with the regions where the language is spoken.
  
JAPN 200  Introductory Japanese II  Units: 6.00  
Continued study of the structural patterns of the language, with intensive training in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Extensive use of audio-visual materials. Students are expected to study individually on a regular basis with the aid of an audio tape in addition to the four hours of classroom work per week.
Requirements: Prerequisite (A minimum grade of a C in JAPN 100) or permission of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. Note Students with previous study background must take a placement test during orientation week.  
Offering Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Science