May 14, 2024  
Catalogue 2020-2021 
    
Catalogue 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chinese and Japanese Department


Chair: Haoming Liu;

Professors: Haoming Liu, Peipei Qiu;

Associate Professors: Hiromi Tsuchiya Dollase, Wenwei Du;

Adjunct Instructors: Yuko Matsubara, Anne Parries;

Visiting Instructor: Liu Li.

 

Honors’ Requirements: Students who wish to be considered for departmental honors must complete a thesis or project of sufficient quality. A thesis is normally written in both semesters of the senior year. A senior project may be done either as a one-unit course in one semester, or a half-unit course in each of two semesters.

Departmental courses are arranged in three groups: 1) courses in Chinese-Japanese literary and cultural studies (CHJA); 2) courses in Chinese language and literary/cultural studies (CHIN); and 3) courses in Japanese language and literary/cultural studies (JAPA).

Chinese and Japanese Certification Programs: The Chinese and Japanese Department jointly with the Department of Education offers programs leading to the New York State Initial Adolescent Education Certificate (grades 7-12) in both Chinese and Japanese. Students who choose to obtain the credential must be major in Chinese or Japanese, and complete 9.5 units in education. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be eligible to teach in any secondary school in New York, as well as many other states that have signed reciprocity agreements with the State of New York.

Programs

Major

Correlate Sequences in Chinese and Japanese

Approved Courses

Courses

Chinese/Japanese: I. Introductory

  • CHJA 110 - Early Chinese Philosophy

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as PHIL 110 ) The rendition of PHIL 110 focuses on four seminal texts from a period that saw extraordinary intellectual vibrance and diversity in China: the Analects, the Mengzi, the Zhuangzi, and the Xunzi. They are studied along with texts that are less explicitly philosophical (selections from the Odes, the Record of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals, etc.) but constitute part of the context and basis of those four. The overarching idea is to study the beginnings of Ruism more extensively and in more of its cultural-historical context. The Zhuangzi is included because of its palpable influence on the Xunzi, and also because it is plain fun. Gus Law.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHJA 120 - Introduction to Chinese and Japanese Literature

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    China and Japan have rich cultures that have deeply influenced one another. This course introduces some of the major works of Chinese and Japanese literature, including philosophical works, novels and films. Thematically, the course is organized around the way that major intellectual trends (including Confucianism, Daoism and Buddhism) resonate in text from both cultures. Among the readings are novels dealing with love and sexuality (including China’s Dream of the Red Chamber and Japan’s The Tale of Genji), works about martial virtues (such as the Chinese novel Three Kingdoms and the Japanese play Chushingura), as well as selected poetry, short stories and films. All readings and discussions are in English. Bryan VanNorden.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS

Chinese/Japanese: II. Intermediate

  • CHJA 290 - Community-Engaged Learning

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 or 1 unit(s)


    One-half or one unit individual or group field projects or internships. May be elected during the academic year or during the summer. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students. 

      The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Chinese or Japanese.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 298 - Independent Study

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 or 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one unit individual or group research project or reading course. May be elected during the academic year. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students.  The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Chinese or Japanese.

    Course Format: INT

Chinese/Japanese: III. Advanced

  • CHJA 300 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)


    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters. The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required.

    Open only to majors.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course 300-CHJA 301 .

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 301 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)


    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters. The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required.

    Open only to majors.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course CHJA 300 -301.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 302 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    1 unit(s)


    The Chinese and Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic that engages cross-cultural studies between Chinese and Japanese languages, literature and cultures.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The CHJA senior project can take a variety of forms but has to be a comparative study by nature.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines. 

     
    The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required.

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in one semester.

    Permission required.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 303 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)


    The Chinese and Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic that engages cross-cultural studies between Chinese and Japanese languages, literature and cultures.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The CHJA senior project can take a variety of forms but has to be a comparative study by nature.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines. 

    The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required.

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course 303-CHJA 304 .

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 304 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)


    The Chinese and Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic that engages cross-cultural studies between Chinese and Japanese languages, literature and cultures.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The CHJA senior project can take a variety of forms but has to be a comparative study by nature.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines. 

    The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required.

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course CHJA 303 -304.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHJA 351 - Special Topics in Chinese and Japanese Literature and Culture


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 351 ) Topics vary each year. Can be repeated for credit when a new topic is offered.

    Prerequisite(s): Two courses in a combination of language, linguistics, literature, culture, or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHJA 362 - Women in Japanese and Chinese Literature


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 362  and WMST 362 ) An intercultural examination of the images of women presented in Japanese and Chinese narrative, drama, and poetry from their early emergence to the modern period. While giving critical attention to aesthetic issues and the gendered voices in representative works, the course also provides a comparative view of the dynamic changes in women’s roles in Japan and China. All selections are in English translation. Peipei Qiu.

    Prerequisite(s): One 200-level course in language, literature, culture or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    One 2-hour period.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHJA 366 - Seminar in Transcending the Limit: Literary Theory in the East-West Context


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 366 ) This course examines various traditional and contemporary literary theories with a distinct Asianist—particularly East Asianist—perspective. At least since the eighteenth century, Western theoretical discourse often took into serious consideration East Asian literature, language and civilization in their construction of “universal” theoretical discourses. The comparative approach to literary theory becomes imperative in contemporary theoretical discourse as we move toward ever greater global integration. Selected theoretical texts from the I Ching, Hegel, Genette, Barthes, Derrida, Todorov, and Heidegger as well as some primary literary texts are among the required readings. All readings are in English. Haoming Liu.

    Prerequisite(s): One literature course or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHJA 399 - Senior Independent Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 or 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one unit of credit given only in exceptional cases and by permission of the Chair. Offered only pass/fail. The department.

    Prerequisite(s): Four units of Chinese or Japanese.

    Course Format: OTH

Chinese: I. Introductory

  • CHIN 105 - Elementary Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    An introduction to Mandarin Chinese (putong hua or guo yu). While the approach is aural-lingual, reading and writing skills are introduced early in the program. The two semesters cover about 700 characters. Grammatical analysis, pattern drills, and conversational practices are stressed throughout.  Haoming Liu.

    Open to all students.

    Yearlong course 105-CHIN 106 .

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 106 - Elementary Chinese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    An introduction to Mandarin Chinese (putong hua or guo yu). While the approach is aural-lingual, reading and writing skills are introduced early in the program. The two semesters cover about 700 characters. Grammatical analysis, pattern drills, and conversational practices are stressed throughout.  Bei Hao.

    Open to all students.

    Yearlong course CHIN 105 -106.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 107 - Advanced Elementary Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    An elementary Chinese language course designed for students who have acquired some oral Mandarin Chinese from home or other sources but did not reach the level of CHIN 205 . It capitalizes on sudents’ already acquired knowledge to further develop the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese.  Liu Li.

    Prerequisite(s): Open to students who have previous exposure to Chinese.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 108 - Advanced Elementary Chinese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    An elementary Chinese language course designed for students who have acquired some oral Mandarin Chinese from home or other sources but did not reach the level of CHIN 205 . It capitalizes on students’ already acquired knowledge to further develop the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Mandarin Chinese.  Bei Hao.

    Prerequisite(s): Open to students who have completed CHIN 107  or permission of the instructor.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 160 - Introduction to Classical Chinese


    1 unit(s)


    This course is an introduction to Classical Chinese (the Chinese equivalent of Latin) for students with no previous training or background in Chinese. Classical Chinese is the literary language in which almost all of Chinese literature was written prior to the twentieth century. This course introduces students to the rudiments of reading Classical Chinese, with an emphasis on early Chinese philosophical texts. No previous background in Chinese language, history, or culture is required. Among the texts to be studied are passages from the sayings of Confucius and Taoist works. 

    Open to all students.

    Does not satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: CLS

Chinese: II. Intermediate

  • CHIN 205 - Intermediate Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    Further practice in conversation and learned patterns; acquisition of new grammatical structures, vocabulary, and about 700 additional characters. Emphasis on communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Wenwei Du.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 105 -CHIN 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course 205-CHIN 206 .

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 206 - Intermediate Chinese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    Further practice in conversation and learned patterns; acquisition of new grammatical structures, vocabulary, and about 700 additional characters. Emphasis on communicative skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Anne Parries.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 105 -CHIN 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course CHIN 205 -206.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 207 - Advanced Intermediate Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    A one-year sequential Intermediate Chinese language course designed for students who have completed CHIN 108  or acquired an equivalent level of oral and written proficiencies in Chinese from home or other sources but did not reach the level of CHIN 305 . It capitalizes on students’ already acquired knowledge to further develop the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese. Wenwei Du.

    Open to students who have completed CHIN 108  and its equivalent.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 208 - Advanced Intermediate Chinese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    A one-year sequential Intermediate Chinese language course designed for students who have completed CHIN 207  or acquired an equivalent level of oral and written proficiencies in Chinese from home or other sources but did not reach the level of CHIN 305 . It capitalizes on students’ already acquired knowledge to further develop the skills of listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing in Mandarin Chinese.  Wenwei Du.

    Open to students who have completed CHIN 207  and its equivalent.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 214 - The Tumultuous Century: Twentieth-Century Chinese Literature


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 214 ) This is a survey/introduction to the literature of China from the late Qing Dynasty through the present day. Texts are arranged according to trends and schools as well as to their chronological order. Authors include Wu Jianren, Lu Xun, Zhang Ailing, Ding Ling, Mo Yan and Gao Xingjian. All major genres are covered but the focus is on fiction. A few feature films are also included in association with some of the literary works and movements. No knowledge of the Chinese language, Chinese history, or culture is required for taking the course. All readings and class discussions are in English. Haoming Liu.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in language, literature, culture or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

  • CHIN 218 - Chinese Popular Culture


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as MEDS 218 ) The course analyzes contemporary Chinese entertainment and popular culture. It provides both historical coverage and grounding in various theoretical and methodological problems. Topics focus on thematic contents and forms of entertainment through television, radio, newspaper, cinema, theatre, music, print and material culture. The course also examines the relations between the heritage of traditional Chinese entertainment and the influences of Western culture. All readings and class discussions are in English. Wenwei Du.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in language, literature, culture, film, drama, or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

  • CHIN 276 - Experiencing the Other: Representation of China and the West


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 276 ) This course examines representation of China in Western Literature and the West in Chinese Literature from the end of the 17th Century. Through such an examination, issues such as identity, perceptions of the other, self-consciousness, exoticism, and aesthetic diversity are discussed. Readings include Defoe, Goldsmith, Voltaire, Twain, Kafka, Malraux, Sax Rohmer, Pearl Buck, Brecht, and Duras on the Western side as well as Cao Xueqin, Shen Fu, Lao She, and Wang Shuo on the Chinese side. Some feature films are also included. All readings are in English or English translation, foreign films are subtitled. Haoming Liu.

    Prerequisite(s): One course on Asia or One literature course.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

  • CHIN 290 - Community-Engaged Learning

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)


    One-half or one unit individual or group field projects or internships. May be elected during the academic year or during the summer. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students. 

      The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Chinese.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 298 - Independent Study

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one unit individual or group research project or reading course. May be elected during the academic year. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students.  The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Chinese.

    Course Format: INT

Chinese: III. Advanced

  • CHIN 300 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)


    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters.

      The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    Open only to majors.

    Yearlong course 300-CHIN 301 .

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 301 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)


    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters. The Department.

    Open only to majors.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course CHIN 300 -301.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 302 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    1 unit(s)


    The Chinese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Chinese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Chinese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in one semester.

    Permission required.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 303 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)


    The Chinese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Chinese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Chinese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course 303-CHIN 304 .

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 304 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)


    The Chinese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Chinese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Chinese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters.

    Permission required.

    Yearlong course CHIN 303 -304.

    Course Format: INT

  • CHIN 305 - Advanced Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    Intensive instruction in the reading of Chinese language materials, reflecting aspects of a changing China. Emphasis is on communicative skills.  Anne Parries.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 205 -CHIN 206  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 306 - Advanced Chinese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    Intensive instruction in the reading of Chinese language materials, reflecting aspects of a changing China. Emphasis is on communicative skills.  Jing Wang.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 205 -CHIN 206  and CHIN 305  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 350 - Advanced Readings in Chinese: Genres and Themes

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    This course is equivalent to a fourth-year Chinese course or beyond, and may be repeated for credit if topic changes. The course aims to further develop the advanced students’ speaking, reading and writing proficiency. The course explores different genres of texts from various journalistic and literary writings. Readings are arranged according to thematic topics. Course discussions and lectures are conducted in Chinese. Anne Parries.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 306  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 351 - Advanced Readings of Original Literary Works

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    This course is equivalent to a fourth-year Chinese course or beyond, and may be repeated for credit if topic changes. This course involves close reading of a single literary work of an extensive length, shorter texts of a single author, or texts which have a common thematic interest. Emphasis is on baihua literature while samples of semi-wenyan texts are introduced. Through close reading and classroom discussion of the material, students are trained to approach authentic texts with linguistic confidence and useful methods. Course discussions and lectures are conducted in Chinese. Anne Parries.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 306  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 355 - Special Topics in Chinese


    1 unit(s)
    Advanced study of Chinese Culture in Chinese; an examination of selected topics in recent culture or of a single topic across different time periods. Designed for students with sufficient knowledge of Chinese beyond the fourth-year level. May be taken more than once for credit when topic changes. Anne Parries.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 351 , or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 360 - Classical Chinese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    This course is for students with at least two years of modern Chinese or the equivalent. It introduces students to the rudiments of reading Wenyan, or Classical Chinese (the Chinese equivalent of Latin), with an emphasis on early Chinese philosophical texts. In addition to learning Classical Chinese, students in this course work with and are tested on modern Chinese translations of the classical texts.  Haoming Liu.

    Prerequisite(s): CHIN 205 -CHIN 206  or equivalent.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 367 - Chinese Linguistics

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 367 ) This course offers a systematic and comprehensive introduction to the history and nature of the Chinese language in terms of its phonology, morphology and syntax in comparison with English. It also highlights the construction and evolution of Chinese characters and explores social dimensions of the language such as language planning and standardization, relations of Mandarin with the dialects, and interactions between Chinese and other languages. Topics also include unique linguistic devices in the Chinese rhetoric and figure of speech. Classes are conducted and readings are done in English or bilingually. Students with background in Chinese can choose to do projects in Chinese at their appropriate levels. Wenwei Du.

    Prerequisite(s): Two courses in a combination of language, linguistics, literature, culture, or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • CHIN 370 - Early Chinese Literature: Spring and Autumn: Tradition According To Zuo and the Book of Odes


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 370 ) This intensive course reads selections from early Chinese literature including the Book of Odes, and Spring and Autumn: The Tradition According to Zuo, two of the five Confucian classics whose composition dates between 11th and 6th centuries BCE. Poems of later ages which bear clear traces of influence and borrowings may also be added to complement the reading and discussions of the archaic works. Crucial secondary literature and reference works are introduced. Requirements: texts to be read in the original; students should have near native proficiency in modern Chinese, elementary knowledge of literary Chinese a plus.  Students are required to do research on assigned texts by using reference books and secondary sources. Memorization, identification and parsing of assigned passages or odes are also required. Haoming Liu.

    Prerequisite(s): Near native proficiency in modern Chinese. Basic knowledge of literary Chinese preferable.

    One 3-hour period.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: INT
  • CHIN 371 - Intensive and Focused Study of Chinese Performing Arts


    1 unit(s)
    Each student can choose one dramatic or performing genre for a historical survey or choose texts of various genres based on one thematic focus or one historical period for an in-depth study or research. Wenwei Du.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: INT
  • CHIN 372 - In-depth Study or Research on Aspects of Chinese Language


    1 unit(s)
    Each student can choose one or a cluster of related topics on phonetics, morphology, syntax, figures of speech, dialects, literary and vernacular language, or language policy for an intensive study or research. Wenwei Du.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

    Course Format: INT
  • CHIN 399 - Senior Independent Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one unit of credit given only in exceptional cases and by permission of the chair. Offered only pass/fail. The department.

    Prerequisite(s): Four units of Chinese.

    Course Format: OTH

Japanese: I. Introductory

  • JAPA 105 - Elementary Japanese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    An introduction to modern Japanese. Students develop communicative skills based on the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary and conversational expressions. Emphasis is placed on both oral and written proficiency. The course introduces hiragana and katakana syllabaries as well as approximately 150 kanji (Chinese characters).  Hiromi Dollase.

    Open to all students.

    Yearlong course 105-JAPA 106 .

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 106 - Elementary Japanese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    An introduction to modern Japanese. Students develop communicative skills based on the fundamentals of grammar, vocabulary and conversational expressions. Emphasis is placed on both oral and written proficiency. The course introduces hiragana and katakana syllabaries as well as approximately 150 kanji (Chinese characters).  Yuko Matsubara.

    Open to all students.

    Yearlong course JAPA 105 -106.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS

Japanese: II. Intermediate

  • JAPA 205 - Intermediate Japanese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1.5 unit(s)
    This course puts equal emphasis on the further development of oral-aural proficiency and reading-writing skills with an intense review of basic grammar as well as an introduction of more advanced grammar, new vocabulary, expressions, and another 350 kanji (Chinese characters).  Yuko Matsubara.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 105 -JAPA 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course 205-JAPA 206 .

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 206 - Intermediate Japanese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1.5 unit(s)
    This course puts equal emphasis on the further development of oral-aural proficiency and reading-writing skills with an intense review of basic grammar as well as an introduction of more advanced grammar, new vocabulary, expressions, and another 350 kanji (Chinese characters).  Mieko Yoshiyama.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 105 -JAPA 106  or permission of the instructor.

    Yearlong course JAPA 205 -206.

    Five 50-minute periods.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 223 - The Gothic and the Supernatural in Japanese Literature


    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 223 ) This course introduces students to Japanese supernatural stories. We interpret the hidden psyche of the Japanese people and culture that create such bizarre tales. We see not only to what extent the supernatural creatures - demons, vampires, and mountain witches - in these stories represent the “hysteria” of Japanese commoners resulting from social and cultural oppression, but also to what extent these supernatural motifs have been adopted and modified by writers of various literary periods. This course consists of four parts; female ghosts, master authors of ghost stories, Gothic fantasy and dark urban psyche. Hiromi Dollase.

    Prerequisite(s): One course in language, literature, culture or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    Two 75-minute periods.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

  • JAPA 290 - Community-Engaged Learning

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 or 1 unit(s)


    One-half or one unit individual or group field projects or internships. May be elected during the academic year or during the summer. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students. 

      The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Japanese.

    Course Format: INT

  • JAPA 298 - Independent Study

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one unit individual or group research project or reading course. May be elected during the academic year. Offered only pass/fail and permission of the chair is required. Open to all students.  The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Two units of Japanese.

    Course Format: INT

Japanese: III. Advanced

  • JAPA 300 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)
    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters. The Department.

    Open only to majors. Permission required.

    Yearlong course 300-JAPA 301 .

    Course Format: INT
  • JAPA 301 - Senior Thesis

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    A 1-unit thesis written over two semesters. The Department.

    Open only to majors. Permission required.

    Yearlong course JAPA 300 -301.

    Course Format: INT
  • JAPA 302 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    1 unit(s)
    The Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Japanese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Japanese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in one semester. Permission required.

    Course Format: INT
  • JAPA 303 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Fall
    0.5 unit(s)
    The Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Japanese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Japanese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters. Permission required.

    Yearlong course 303-JAPA 304 .

    Course Format: INT
  • JAPA 304 - Senior Project

    Semester Offered: Spring
    0.5 unit(s)
    The Japanese senior project is an opportunity to do independent research on a topic of choice in the major discipline.  It is part of the honor’s requirement.  The senior project can take several forms.  The most common is a translation of an original text in Japanese, such as a short story, a play, or pieces of poetry.  Other possibilities include translation of a video recording of a performance of an original play written in Japanese, developing original computer software for language learning, etc.  Students should consult with their advisor regarding the possibilities.  Students are expected to schedule regular meetings with their project advisor and are responsible for meeting deadlines.   The Department.

    Prerequisite(s): Permission required

    Open only to majors. One-unit project done in two semesters. Permission required.

    Yearlong course JAPA 303 -304.

    Course Format: INT
  • JAPA 305 - Advanced Japanese

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    This course is designed to develop each student’s ability to read contemporary Japanese text from newspapers, magazines, and literary works, with a solid grammatical foundation and mastery of kanji, as well as gaining proficiency in writing at an advanced level. Continued training in aural-oral proficiency in spoken Japanese through exercises, classroom interactions and audio-visual materials.  Peipei Qiu.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 205 -JAPA 206  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 306 - Advanced Japanese

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    This course is designed to develop each student’s ability to read contemporary Japanese text from newspapers, magazines, and literary works, with a solid grammatical foundation and mastery of kanji, as well as gaining proficiency in writing at an advanced level. Continued training in aural-oral proficiency in spoken Japanese through exercises, classroom interactions and audio-visual materials.  Mieko Yoshiyama.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 205 -JAPA 206 , and JAPA 305  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 350 - Advanced Readings in Japanese: Genres and Themes

    Semester Offered: Fall
    1 unit(s)
    This course is equivalent to a fourth-year Japanese course or beyond, and may be repeated for credit if topic changes. The aim of this course is to further develop the advanced students’ speaking, reading, and writing proficiency. The course explores different genres of texts ranging from contemporary Japanese media sources to literature. Readings are arranged according to thematic topics. Discussions and lectures are conducted entirely in Japanese.  Yuko Matsubara.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 306  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 351 - Advanced Readings of Original Literary Works

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    This course is equivalent to a fourth-year Japanese course or beyond, and may be repeated for credit if topic changes. This course involves close reading of a single literary work of an extensive length, shorter texts of a single author, or texts which have a common thematic interest. Through close reading and classroom discussion of the material, students are trained to approach authentic texts with linguistic confidence and useful methods. Discussions and lectures are conducted entirely in Japanese.  Hiromi Dollase.

    Prerequisite(s): JAPA 306  or permission of the instructor.

    Course Format: CLS
  • JAPA 361 - Youth in Japanese Literature

    Semester Offered: Spring
    1 unit(s)
    (Same as ASIA 361 ) This course explores the topic of youth and adolescence in Japan.  It examines how Japanese modern history, society and culture are presented differently in literary works when the perspective of youth is employed. Key topics of family, sexuality, modernization and civilization emerge to the surface. Issues that young people face are different in each period of time. However, the young commonly try to deal with the idea of “development” into mature adulthood or socially expected manhood and womanhood. Young people’s ideals, disillusionment, frustrations, and struggles are examined through selected literary and cinematic works. Readings include works by Natsume Soseki, Higuchi Ichiyo, Kawabata Yasunari, Mishima Yukio, Yasuoka Shotaro, and Murakami Haruki. We also expand our horizon to film, music and anime, as well. Hiromi Dollase.

    Prerequisite(s): One 200-level course in language, literature, culture or Asian Studies, or permission of the instructor.

    One 2-hour period.

  • JAPA 370 - International Student Forum at Ochanomizu University


    0.5 unit(s)


    The International Student Forum annually takes place at Ochaonomizu University for two weeks in mid-February. Two students from each of Ochanomizu’s exchange schools in Poland, France, Germany, South Korea, China, and the U.S. meet in Tokyo and discuss various global issues in Japanese. The themes of the past forum include “Construction of Global Network,” “Disaster and the Movement of Population,” and “Discussing Environment and Natural Disaster.” Two students are required to prepare a 10-minute PPT presentation together under the close mentoring of a Japanese faculty member.

    Students research the topic given for the forum during winter break communicating with the instructor via email or Skype. After the break, students are intensively supervised – getting advice on their PPT and
    correcting their presentation manuscript. Hiromi Dollase.

    Prerequisite(s): Advanced level of Japanese.

    Not offered in 2020/21.

  • JAPA 399 - Senior Independent Work

    Semester Offered: Fall or Spring
    0.5 to 1 unit(s)
    One-half or one- unit of credit given only in exceptional cases and by permission of the chair. Offered only pass/fail. The department.

    Prerequisite(s): Four units of Japanese.

    Course Format: OTH