LAJA 100 - Introduction to the Japanese Writing System

(3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the Japanese written system, which is comprised of three different types of glyphs: two kana syllabic scripts (hiragana and katakana) and Chinese characters (kanji). In this course, students will develop the ability to write basic sentences written in a mixture of kana syllabaries and basic kanji characters and learn how to express themselves in writing in a culturally coherent manner. Focusing on the dynamics of communication across cultures, students will engage in multicultural communication and learn to recognize the forces underlying the ways that individuals from other cultures express their ideas in their native scripts, in comparison with students’ own native scripts. Emphasis will be placed on respecting human similarities and differences, recognizing sociocultural influences on individuals’ worldviews, and comprehending the diverse factors that establish and maintain cultural norms. Offered fall and spring semesters. (CGCL; CHUM; CMCL)