Japanese Language (JAPN)
Subject-area course lists indicate courses currently active for offering at the University of Louisville. Not all courses are scheduled in any given academic term. For class offerings in a specific semester, refer to the Schedule of Classes.
500-level courses generally are included in both the undergraduate- and graduate-level course listings; however, specific course/section offerings may vary between semesters. Students are responsible for ensuring that they enroll in courses that are applicable to their particular academic programs.
Course Fees
Some courses may carry fees beyond the standard tuition costs to cover additional support or materials. Program-, subject- and course-specific fee information can be found on the Office of the Bursar website.
JAPN 101. First-Year Japanese I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Description: Learn hiragana, katakana, and 29 kanji for introductory reading and writing, as well as develop beginning listening and reading comprehension skills in Japanese. Learn and use vocabulary related to greetings, family, personal information, leisure, and location to formulate basic sentences and dialogues.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 102. First-Year Japanese II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 101 Expand your vocabulary and develop your ability to speak using polite and informal Japanese, express opinions, make requests, describe people and things, and engage in simple conversation.
Description: Learn 57 new kanji to further develop basic reading and writing skills in Japanese and expand listening skills as you continue to explore elements of Japanese culture.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 200. Study Abroad1-15 Units
Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program with prior approval of the Department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 201. Second-Year Japanese I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 102.
Description: Learn 58 new kanji to develop intermediate reading and writing skills, as well as develop intermediate reading and listening comprehension skills in Japanese. Use new vocabulary to describe colors, navigate public transportation, discuss illness, and talk about climate in written and spoken dialogues. Continue to develop more intermediate abilities in Japanese to provide explanations, describe various situations, quote informal speech, give recommendations, provide comparisons, and to discuss experiences.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 202. Second-Year Japanese II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 201.
Description: Develop and expand your vocabulary further by learning potential verbs, how to describe things more thoroughly, express wants, state thoughts and opinions, how to plan in advance, and to use volitional forms in Japanese. Learn 61 new kanji to continue developing intermediate reading and writing skills, as well as reading and listening comprehension skills in Japanese.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 300. Study Abroad1-15 Units
Description: Participation in a University of Louisville study abroad program or another program undertaken with prior approval of the Department. Credit is awarded with proof of successful completion.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 301. Third-Year Japanese I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Fall Only
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 202.
Description: Explore Japanese language and culture through challenging new vocabulary and grammar to discuss hearsay and information, to express regret, use honorific verbs, and give respectful advice. Learn 46 new kanji for intermediate to advanced reading and writing skills in Japanese, as well as continuing development of advanced listening and comprehension skills.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 302. Third-Year Japanese II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Spring Only
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 301.
Description: Discover more traditional aspects of Japanese culture through challenging advanced vocabulary and grammar. Learn to use extra-modest expressions, humble expressions, questions within larger sentences, passive sentences, causative sentences, and causative-passive sentences. Continue to develop advanced skillsets through 76 new kanji for more advanced reading and writing skills in Japanese.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 313. Special Topics in Japanese Literature, Language, and Culture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 101.
Description: Explore an aspect of Japanese literature, culture, or media through language.
Note: May be repeated once for credit.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 321. Japanese Conversation3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 202.
Description: Improve your speaking and listening skills through an exploration of conversational Japanese according to appropriate social and cultural contexts, as well as politeness levels.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 322. Japanese Composition I3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 302 or 321.
Description: Build Japanese language proficiency in writing through activities to create new ideas, new vocabulary, and grammar. Learn how written Japanese is related to appropriate contexts, such as personal essays, interviews, or general written responses.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 323. Japanese Composition II3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 322.
Description: Build written communication skills in Japanese using transition devices and complex sentences with a more advanced level of grammar and idiomatic. Continue to explore written communication through activities and professional communication, such as academic essays.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 331. Introduction to Japanese Culture3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 202.
Description: Explore aspects of Japanese society, history, geography, past and contemporary cultural and societal mores, as well as individual and collective social roles through readings and class discussions.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
JAPN 355. Reading Japanese Texts3 Units
Term Typically Offered: Occasionally Offered
Prerequisite(s): JAPN 202.
Description: Explore various genres and types of Japanese texts. Learn how to approach Japanese texts through context and attention to grammar. Use appropriate tools to help continue building reading comprehension and written communication skills through activities that require responses to and translation of texts.
For class offerings for a specific term, refer to the Schedule of Classes
