Japn380: Japan: Land and People
Course Description: "This online course introduces the language and culture of Japan in a thematic approach. Selected topics are geography, climate, population, and industries. This course is designed to develop Japanese language skills and introduce various aspects of Japanese culture related to course topics using technology and web-based materials. JAPN380 is a hybrid course featuring synchronous and asynchronous learning. Taught in Japanese."
MLOs addressed in this course:
- MLO 1: Japanese Language and Communication
- MLO 2: Japanese Culture
JAPN380 was a class that was not only a language course, but a very important Japanese culture course as well. We focused on topics like Japan's geography, weather and climate, but also on topics such as the social issues present in Japan (for example, the declining birthrate and elderly population issue). We primarily worked out of a packet and online course created for the class, but we also did multiple oral presentations in the class that allowed us to use the vocabulary and grammar specific to that unit. For example, I did a group presentation about America's snowstorm situation because we were learning about how natural disasters affect Japan. The depth of topics we explored during this unit not only included natural disasters, but also Japan's land formation, emergency services, and weather patterns.
Aside from the cultural factors, the course was very difficult in the language department as well. We had weekly topics to cover in our online course that not only incorporated multiple choice questions but full written questions as well. At the end of each unit, we also had Japanese tests that asked us to not only write out our answers but speak them out as well. We would have to use the grammar and vocabulary we learned in the unit alongside grammar and vocabulary that I had learned in earlier courses. I'm glad that I took this class after I went to Japan, because it made understanding some of the concepts a bit more easier. I plan to use the information gained in this class to help me complete and formulate a topic for my Japanese capstone.
Jovon Hutchins - American Snowstorm's Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)
Jovon Hutchins - Declining Birth Rate Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)
Jovon Hutchins - Kumamoto Earthquake Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)
MLOs addressed in this course:
- MLO 1: Japanese Language and Communication
- MLO 2: Japanese Culture
JAPN380 was a class that was not only a language course, but a very important Japanese culture course as well. We focused on topics like Japan's geography, weather and climate, but also on topics such as the social issues present in Japan (for example, the declining birthrate and elderly population issue). We primarily worked out of a packet and online course created for the class, but we also did multiple oral presentations in the class that allowed us to use the vocabulary and grammar specific to that unit. For example, I did a group presentation about America's snowstorm situation because we were learning about how natural disasters affect Japan. The depth of topics we explored during this unit not only included natural disasters, but also Japan's land formation, emergency services, and weather patterns.
Aside from the cultural factors, the course was very difficult in the language department as well. We had weekly topics to cover in our online course that not only incorporated multiple choice questions but full written questions as well. At the end of each unit, we also had Japanese tests that asked us to not only write out our answers but speak them out as well. We would have to use the grammar and vocabulary we learned in the unit alongside grammar and vocabulary that I had learned in earlier courses. I'm glad that I took this class after I went to Japan, because it made understanding some of the concepts a bit more easier. I plan to use the information gained in this class to help me complete and formulate a topic for my Japanese capstone.
Jovon Hutchins - American Snowstorm's Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)
Jovon Hutchins - Declining Birth Rate Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)
Jovon Hutchins - Kumamoto Earthquake Presentation (Google Slides) | (PDF)