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About the Program The study of Japanese opens a door to non-Western culture and provides insight into a student's own culture. Earlham's Japanese language curriculum offers courses in which students develop skills necessary to communicate in various forms, to understand linguistic and cultural structures that are different from their own, and to appreciate the writing system and cultural practices. Based on National Standards for Foreign Language Learning, Japanese courses are designed to fulfill the 5 "Cs": Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons and Communities, and organized by the current pedagogical principles for all language learning while recognizing the unique features of Japanese. Basic to advanced level courses apply a variety of approaches to integrate linguistic skills, enhance students' strengths, encourage individual learning styles, and monitor closely their individual progress and outcomes. Basic and intermediate level courses aim at developing linguistic and cultural proficiencies. Advanced courses, focusing on the development of certain language skills, discuss cultural issues and expressive arts from different angles using written and audio/visual materials. Seminars on special topics such as Japanese language and culture provide advanced students in-depth study of Japan-related topics. Courses on teaching Japanese as a second language combine theory and practice while providing native and non-native speakers of Japanese experience as tutors, working with Japanese language students on campus and elementary school children. Courses taught in Japanese and English such as linguistics and translation provide interdisciplinary connections between Japanese, other languages and fields. Recent graduates in the Japanese language minor or those focusing on Japanese linguistics or language teaching have traveled to Japan to improve their language skills while teaching English. After returning to the United States, they go into the business sector, teach Japanese in secondary schools, attend graduate school or work in various fields. A teaching assistant is invited from Japan every year as a vital part of the Japanese curriculum. The assistant lives in Japan House, introduces the house members and Japanese language students to contemporary Japanese culture and assists in basic courses. |
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Earlham College · 801 National Road West · Richmond,
Indiana 47374-4095 |