Instructor Insights
Below, instructors Takako Aikawa, Wakana Maekawa, and Masami Ikeda-Lamm describe various aspects of how they teach 21G.501 Japanese I.
"Just like our students, we should not be afraid of making mistakes."
- Instructor Background
- A Focus on Communication
- Creating a Supportive Classroom Environment
- Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji
- Trying Something New
Assessment
Grade Breakdown
The students’ grades were based on the following assessment elements:
- 25% Daily grade; three lowest scores dropped
- 25% Five lesson quizzes; lowest score dropped
- 15% Two interview tests
- 15% One-hour exam
- 20% Vocabulary, diction, kanji quizzes; two lowest scores dropped
Curriculum Information
Prerequisites
None
Requirements Satisfied
- GIR
- HASS
- HASS-H
- 21G.501 is required for a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Languages with a concentration in Japanese Studies.
- 21G.501 counts toward the two years of Japanese studies required for participation in the MISTI-Japan internship program.
Offered
Every fall semester
Student Information
Enrollment
29 students
Breakdown by Year
Mostly sophomores and juniors; some first-year students and graduate students
Breakdown by Major
Various majors, including computer science, mechanical engineering, material science, mathematics, and nuclear science
Typical Student Background
Most students have no prior knowledge of the Japanese language but have had some experience of Japanese culture, e.g. through anime and manga.
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
In Class
Met 4 times per week for 1 hour per session; 49 sessions total; mandatory attendance
Out of Class
Outside class time, students completed homework assignments and prepared for tests and quizzes.
