Language Learning : East Asian Languages and Cultures : UMass Amherst

Our language program offers a comprehensive and dynamic language learning experience designed to equip students with a high level of proficiency in Japanese. Our program is backed by the latest research findings and enriched with years of combined teaching experience, ensuring the most effective and engaging language instruction for all learners.

Chart of Japanese language courses. First year starts with JPN126 “Intensive Elementary Japanese I (Fall) 6 credits, followed by JPN246 “Intensive Elemntary Japanese II” (Spring) 6 credits. Alternatively, students can take JPN110 “Non-Intensive Elementary Japanese I” (Spring) 3 credits, JPN 120 “Non-Intensive Elementary Japanese II” (Fall) 3 credits, and then JPN246 “Intensive Elementary Japanese II”. Optional courses for the first year include JPN197TK “Tadoku: Extensive Reading in Japanese I” (Fall, Spring) 1 credit, JPN297TK “Tadoku: Extensive Reading in Japanese II” (Fall, Spring) 1 credit, and JPN297K “Beginning Kanji” (Spring) 2 credits. Second year regular language courses are JPN326 “Intensive Intermediate Japanese” (Fall) 6 credits and JPN327 “Intensive Intermediate Japanese” (Spring) 6 credits. Optional courses for the second year include JPN397TK “Tadoku: Extensive Reading in Japanese III” (Fall, Spring) 1 credit and JPN397K “Intermediate Kanji” (Spring) 2 credits. Third year regular language courses are JPN436 “Contemporary Japanese” (Fall) 3 credits and JPN437 “Contemporary Japanese II” (Spring) 3 credits. Optional courses for the second year include JPN432 “Readings in Modern Japanese I” (Fall) 3 credits, JPN494SI “Shinbun” (Fall) 3 credits, JPN497TK “Tadoku: Extensive Reading in Japanese IV” (Fall, Spring) 1 credit and JPN494RI “Communicating in Japanese” (Spring) 3 credits. Fourth year regular language courses are JPN532 “Media Japanese I” (Fall) 3 credits or JPN536 “Advanced Modern Japanese I” (Fall) 3 credits, followed by JPN537 “Advanced Modern Japanese II” (Spring) 3 credits. Optional courses for the second year include JPN534 “Problems and Methods of Translation” (Spring) 3 credits and JPN597F “Business Japanese” (Spring) 3 credits.

To boost students' language ability in the initial two years of the curriculum, we offer intensive courses (JPN 126, JPN 246, JPN 326, and JPN 327), enabling learners to make significant progress in a shorter span. The first course, JPN 126, however, can be replaced with two non-intensive courses, JPN 110 and JPN 120, for those who want to ease into the language learning experience. Following the intensive courses, we provide sequential non-intensive 3-credit courses that cover the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing (JPN 436, JPN 437, JPN 532 or JPN 536, and JPN 537). Additionally, we offer optional courses with various focuses, such as "Tadoku, Extensive Reading" (JPN 197TK-497TK), "Kanji" (JPN 297K and 397K), "Business Japanese" (JPN597F) and "Problems and Methods in Translation" (JPN 490STA), allowing students to tailor their learning according to their interests and goals.

For students with prior experience in learning Japanese, we offer a placement test at the beginning of each semester to ensure they are placed at an appropriate level that matches their proficiency.

In terms of textbooks, we utilize Genki: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese from Japanese 126 to Japanese 326. As students progress to higher levels (Japanese 327 to Japanese 437), we use Tobira: Gateway to Advanced Japanese, offering a seamless transition into more complex linguistic concepts. After reaching Japanese 437, our classes rely exclusively on authentic materials.

Our curriculum is structured so that upon completion of Japanese 537, the majority of students will have achieved a high level of language proficiency, corresponding to N2 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, B2.2 on the Japan Foundation Standard, or Advanced Mid on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.

Beyond the classroom, we offer the Japanese Language Lounge and Conversation Table, providing a space where students can practice their language skills with native speakers in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Moreover, in April, we host the Five College Japanese Speech Contest, a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their Japanese speaking abilities and compete in a friendly setting.