Center for Distance and Independent Study
Japanese I, First Half Unit

Welcome

Course Introduction

Catalog Description: This course is designed for students who have not previously studied Japanese. Through the textbook, accompanying CDs, and other supplementary materials provided, students will learn to read and write words and phrases in context. There are three writing systems used in Japanese. In this introductory course, students will learn to read and write hiragana and some kanji characters. Katakana characters will also be introduced in context and students will study the relationships between those words that are written in katakana with their foreign-word counterparts. These scripts will be explained more fully in the first lesson. By fully utilizing the course materials, students will be able to comprehend and respond appropriately to basic communications in spoken Japanese. Because it is critical to learn a language in reference to the country’s culture, the lessons will also provide information about Japan’s geography, history, and cultural products and practices.

Gifted: This course is academically challenging. Any student who has an interest in the subject and has met the prerequisites (if any), may enroll.

Time Limit for Course Completion: 9 months. All assessments must be submitted and graded within this time.

Course Keycode: 6632

Textbooks/Materials^†

Required Textbooks and Materials

• Burnham, Sue. IMA! 1. St. Paul, MN: EMC/Paradigm Publishing, 2002.
• Burnham, Sue. IMA! 1 Workbook. St. Paul, MN: EMC/Paradigm Publishing, 2001.
• a microphone to record and save your responses to the speaking assessments
• a portable CD player and headphones to use during exams

Recommended Materials

Headphones are optional but recommended. If you need to work quietly so you do not disturb others around you, you may want to use headphones. However, because you will need to listen to audio throughout the course and be able to repeat words aloud, it will be best for you to work in a location where you will not disturb others or have to wear headphones for long periods of time.

Also, the following study materials are recommended:

• a three-ring binder with dividers
• mechanical pencils with leads and erasers
• colored pens, an ample supply of flashcards, and a pouch or ring on which to keep them
• small Post-it Notes
• notebook paper.

Flash cards can be made by cutting 4 × 6-inch index cards into fourths. You’ll end up with flash cards that are 2 × 3 inches in size. Organize them with rubber bands and/or punch holes in the corners and collect them on rings. Rings can be purchased at local hardware or office supply stores. Post-it Notes can be very helpful for marking pages in your textbook or workbook, writing reminders to yourself, marking questions or areas needing further study, and so forth.

^† Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection.

How to Study for This Course

It may be beneficial to view the study of Japanese as consisting of layers. You will begin by peeling back the outer layer, gaining some important background information and perspectives about the language. Mastering each lesson—in other words, peeling back the entire layer—is important in order to progress successfully to the subsequent layers. Be thorough. It is better to study in frequent shorter study periods than longer, less frequent study periods in the beginning.

Integrate Japanese into your daily life. Seek out opportunities to meet Japanese people in your community. As questions about the Japanese language, society, lifestyle or culture arise, write them down and as time permits, research these points online, at your library, or with a native Japanese speaker in your area.

Following are some additional tips that will help you successfully master Japanese. Refer to these tips frequently or when you are feeling overwhelmed or confused. They will help keep you on track.

Study Tips for Japanese

• Establish a schedule for when you will study Japanese every day. Maintain a log of your study time on a calendar or log book.
• Set goals and deadlines for yourself. Begin with daily goals and then as you get into a routine, set weekly goals. Revisit your goals regularly and conduct self-assessments of your progress.
• Designate a place for study materials and keep them organized.
• When writing Japanese, it cannot be stressed enough that you should follow the correct stroke order and do your best to make the characters look as much like the examples as possible.
• Read aloud. Because you will not be reminded by a regular classroom teacher to repeat words or read aloud, it will be up to you to engage in speaking aloud throughout each lesson. It’s perfectly acceptable to read everything aloud, but especially focus on the Japanese words and phrases that are introduced. Always practice reading them aloud and repeat, repeat, repeat.
• Record yourself and compare your pronunciation with what you hear in the audio materials. If possible, practice with a native Japanese speaker. If you don't have a partner with whom to practice speaking, create an imaginary partner.
• Rent Japanese films and watch them in Japanese. This is a great way to get your ear accustomed to the sounds, rhythms, and intonation of the Japanese language. Associating behaviors and actions (i.e., body language) with words and phrases is also very helpful.

Students who lay a strong foundation in their early Japanese studies have a much higher success rate and progress further and with less difficulty than those who rush through the basics. The Japanese language is artistic, rhythmic, and fun! Do your best to maintain a sense of intrigue and delight as you peel through the layers of Japanese language, culture and history. This process will open your eyes and your mind to new ideas and perspectives. Enjoy the journey and relish the process!

Additional Study Hints

About the Course Developers

Dianne Daugherty, a native of Joplin, Missouri, received her BS in Education from Southwest Missouri State University (now known as Missouri State University). She completed her MS in education and subsequent postgraduate studies at the University of Kansas.

Daugherty, who lived in Japan from 1989 to 1992, teaches Japanese in the Olathe Public School District in Kansas. She leads tours to Japan and has served on a sister city committee that promotes cultural exchanges between Olathe and Maebashi, Japan. 

In addition to teaching Japanese, Daugherty has established a performing taiko drum group, Ki Daiko, in Olathe, and plays the koto, an ancient Japanese stringed instrument. She also holds a teaching certificate for ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

Daugherty resides in Olathe with her husband and daughter.

Junko Oba was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and has lived in Missouri since 1997. Oba graduated from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1999. She teaches Japanese classes (levels I through IV) at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Missouri. She also serves as a Japanese instructor with the University of Missouri.

Before moving to the United States in 1993, Oba says she couldn’t effectively communicate in English. Because of this experience, she understands how difficult it is for others to master communication skills in a foreign language and has modeled her teaching method for Japanese to address this problem.

Technical Specifications

Printer

You must have access to a printer, as several progress evaluations require you to print a document from the course Web site, complete it by hand, and submit it to the Center via postal mail or fax. Most lessons include practice worksheets, which you will also need to print.

Begin Coursework