Course Syllabus

JAPANESE I
2014-2015
Room KA03
Instructor: Yumi Kasukawa
E-mail:yukasuka@ksbe.edu
Overview
Japanese I is designed for those who have little or no knowledge of the Japanese language. The
content revolves around the students school and family life: talking about such things as hobbies,
leisure activities, school life, family, and daily routines. Japanese proficiency is developed
through carefully designed information-sharing, and other activities. All four skills of speaking,
listening, reading and writing are simultaneously developed. Furthermore, the course aims to
enable students to develop openness to new ideas and appreciation of diversity.

Course Essential Questions

How should you read and write Japanese letters-Katakana and Hiragana?
How should you spell words using Japanese letters?
How should you say and respond to classroom expressions in Japanese?
What must you know about Japanese language in order
o to ask for and provide familiar information on personal background?
o to understand simple written self- and family members- introduction and be
able to write in paragraph form?
What are the differences in sentence structure between English and Japanese?
What fascinates you in the culture of Japan? How is it similar and/or different to your
own culture?

Content Outline/Areas of Study

Topics

Japanese writing system: Katakana and Hiragana

Classroom expressions
Introduction of self
Sports
Fun Activities
New Years celebration in Japan
Describing People and Objects
Family and Friends
Japanese House and living

Orthography
1st QUARTER: read, hand-write, type Katakana
2nd QUARTER: master the use of Katakana and read, hand-write and type
Hiragana
3rd and 4th QUARTER: master the use of Hiragana & Katakana

Assessments

Quizzes and tests on vocabulary, grammar, speaking and writing

Class and homework assignments
Self Assessment
Projects, presentations
Digital Portfolio

Grading Policies:
Minimum %
A=90, A-=85, B+=80, B=75, B-=70, C+=65, C=60, C-=55, D=50, F=less than 49
Class/Homework
Test & Quiz

50%
50%

Missing/Late Assignments Policy:

Students who did not submit an assignment on due must sign up the Study
Hall Appointment Form, and complete within "4 day-period."
(Due dates for Homework assignments are posted on the class calendar.)
See Assignment Policy in Student & Parent Handbook
Learner Expectations:

Student who is missing a class MUST inform Ms. Kasukawa via email in
advance or in the morning of absence.
My Belief

I believe that every student without exception has a great deal of potential. Keep practicing and
be patient because learning another language takes time. Also, each student learns in a
unique manner and at a different pace. To become fluent in a second language requires the
student to do his or her best on a consistent basis every class period. Each student must
evaluate his or her progress on a regular basis and work on his or her individual challenges
with the teachers guidance.
***Please feel free to communicate via E-mail should you have any questions,

comments or concerns.

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AFTER READING: PLEASE SIGN, CUT AND RETURN BOTTOM
ONLY!
I have read the syllabus and understand what is expected in Japanese 1.
STUDENT NAME_______________________________________________GRADE ENTERING________
(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY

STUDENT SIGNATURE

DATE: ______________

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

DATE: ______________

Questions/Comments:
2