Course Description: This course introduces the language and culture of Japan through a thematic approach. Selected topics include geography, climate, population, and industry. This course is designed to develop advanced Japanese language competency and to introduce various aspects of related Japanese culture using technology and web-based materials. Taught in Japanese. (Prereq: JAPN 300 or equivalent with a C- or better)
Course Narrative: I've learned a lot about Japanese culture during my time at CSUMB, but I haven't actually learned a lot about Japan as a while until now. In this course we learn a lot about the landscape of Japan, the various islands, names of prefectures, and the changing Japanese household. The course is largely designed to be for self learning through the very detailed information that Dr. Yoshiko Saito-Abbott has gathered together and with the help of Gus Leonard integrated into a mostly self grading online work space. This made the transition to online classes because of Covid-19 for this course very simple compared to my other course. When we were still having in person meetings, we would break into groups and do short presentations on various related topics. Such as presenting about different regions of Japan, or trying to advertise reasons for people to come to a city of our choice.