MLO 1: Language and Communication
Major Learning Outcomes
1.1 Students are able to communicate effectively in Japanese in three modes: interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational; and in a culturally appropriate manner in a variety of social and professional settings and circumstances at the Intermediate-High level of language proficiency, according to the ACTFL Guidelines.
1.2 Students gain competency in the Japanese language including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and discourse, and compare and analyze the structural differences between Japanese and English.
Qualified Courses Taken
Taught in Japanese:
JAPN 300: Introduction to Advanced Communication
JAPN 302: History of Japan
JAPN 312: Japanese for the Professions
JAPN 401: Structure of Japanese Language
Study Abroad: Basic Japanese 3B & 6B*
*Note: Japanese Language Courses taught in Japan use a different level scale than in the USA; Courses worked with material based on JLPT Level 3 and higher.
JAPN 300: Introduction to Advanced Communication
JAPN 302: History of Japan
JAPN 312: Japanese for the Professions
JAPN 401: Structure of Japanese Language
Study Abroad: Basic Japanese 3B & 6B*
*Note: Japanese Language Courses taught in Japan use a different level scale than in the USA; Courses worked with material based on JLPT Level 3 and higher.
Reflective Narrative
Communication is at the heart of learning a language. Whether you talk face-to-face, read newspapers, or watch films, when you learn another language you gain access to a whole other realm of knowledge and cultural experiences.
In order to fulfill MLO 1.1, I learned a lot about the cultural intricacies of interacting appropriately within the Japanese workplace in JAPN 312, where I not only learned key phrases, proper bowing technique, and how to exchange business cards, but as part of my final project I had to bring everything together and film a skit meeting with a Japanese company. This meant proper attire, greetings, and knowing where to sit. I found the class challenging as it taught new social rules someone without cultural knowledge of Japan might consider overly formal. However, I came to realize this emphasis on formality and stylized business ritual is an important facet of Japanese culture. More importantly, armed with this knowledge, I will be able to professionally communicate with potential employers in Japan and within my local community.
While all of my classes improved my interpersonal and interpretive communication skills, one of my best pieces of presentational work was from my Basic Japanese class in Japan. Don’t be fooled by the title - we were working at an Intermediate level. Japanese language classes in Japan have a different scaling catering not only to American students. I made a 15-minute presentation on directing listeners to famous tourist places in Kyoto along a route I had often followed on my own trips there. It was in creating that project that I truly began to understand how to present in Japanese with the natural flow of a native speaker.
I began working towards MLO 1.2 while abroad. For a few minutes every class, we went over proper pronunciation and intonation (phonology). However, it was in JAPN 401 that I gained a greater understanding of linguistics. I came to realize I have a strong interest in this field and I would like to continue exploring it. Not only did we learn about the structural differences between Japanese and English, but we also learned the International Phonetic Alphabet, so that, not only can I continue my own studies of Japanese linguistics, but I am now prepared to pursue more languages in the future.
In order to fulfill MLO 1.1, I learned a lot about the cultural intricacies of interacting appropriately within the Japanese workplace in JAPN 312, where I not only learned key phrases, proper bowing technique, and how to exchange business cards, but as part of my final project I had to bring everything together and film a skit meeting with a Japanese company. This meant proper attire, greetings, and knowing where to sit. I found the class challenging as it taught new social rules someone without cultural knowledge of Japan might consider overly formal. However, I came to realize this emphasis on formality and stylized business ritual is an important facet of Japanese culture. More importantly, armed with this knowledge, I will be able to professionally communicate with potential employers in Japan and within my local community.
While all of my classes improved my interpersonal and interpretive communication skills, one of my best pieces of presentational work was from my Basic Japanese class in Japan. Don’t be fooled by the title - we were working at an Intermediate level. Japanese language classes in Japan have a different scaling catering not only to American students. I made a 15-minute presentation on directing listeners to famous tourist places in Kyoto along a route I had often followed on my own trips there. It was in creating that project that I truly began to understand how to present in Japanese with the natural flow of a native speaker.
I began working towards MLO 1.2 while abroad. For a few minutes every class, we went over proper pronunciation and intonation (phonology). However, it was in JAPN 401 that I gained a greater understanding of linguistics. I came to realize I have a strong interest in this field and I would like to continue exploring it. Not only did we learn about the structural differences between Japanese and English, but we also learned the International Phonetic Alphabet, so that, not only can I continue my own studies of Japanese linguistics, but I am now prepared to pursue more languages in the future.
Work Samples
kyotoscript.pdf | |
File Size: | 57 kb |
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kyotoppt.pdf | |
File Size: | 3265 kb |
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