J 1A

Fall 2017
Course Syllabus
Fall 2017
Monday Friday [5 units]

Instructors:
Instructor Office hours Office Email &
location phone number
Eiko Sithiamnuai T, W, TR 2:00-3:00PM and by HIB 375 esithiam@uci.edu
appointment
Ayako Nagai M, W 12:00-1:00PM HIB 375 ayako@uci.edu
T, TR 8:30-9:00AM (949) 824-2813
and by appointment
Ryuko Flores M, T, W, TR 12:00-12:50PM and HIB 375 floresra@uci.edu
by appointment (949) 824-2813

Eun-Young Seong W, TR 1:00-1:50 HIB 305 eseong@uci.edu

Sara Newsome W, TR 1:00-2:00PM HIB 303 newsomes@uci.edu
Course Description
Japanese 1A is the first part of an elementary course on spoken and written Japanese. Classes meet five
times per week, and regular attendance and participation are expected. Students may need to spend a total
of two to three hours per week for class preparation in order to succeed in the course. Japanese writing
systems, basic kanji characters, and conversational skills are introduced, as well as Japanese grammar.
The course covers Lessons 1 through 5 of Genki.
Course Goals and Student Learning Objectives
1. To learn Japanese sound system, orthography
2. To learn Japanese greetings
3. To learn basic structural patterns of the Japanese sentences and to practice their use with everyday
situations
4. To develop skills needed to carry out a brief and basic conversation about daily situations
5. To write and read 43 basic kanji characters
6. To become acquainted with various aspects of Japanese culture that relate to the lesson topics

Required textbooks: (Hard copies of the books are required)

1. Textbook: GENKI vol. I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese. Banno et al. The Japan
Times. ISBN 978-4-7890-1440-3 C0081
2. Workbook: GENKI vol. I: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese Workbook. Banno et al. The
Japan Times. ISBN 978-4-7890-1441-0 C0081
3. Audio files: You can access the audio files through the CDs that come attached to your textbook and
workbook.

* Use of online dictionaries is recommended: e.g. http://jisho.org

Course Requirements and Evaluation Grading:

1. Vocabulary quizzes 10%
2. Kanji tests 10%
3. Homework 5%
4. Chapter tests 25%
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Fall 2017
5. In class writing test 10%
6. Reading test 5%
7. Speaking test 10%
8. Final exam 25%
Above 86%...B+ Above 76%...C+ Above 66%...D+
Above 93%...A Above 83%...B Above 73%...C Above 63%...D
Above 90%...A- Above 80%...B- Above 70%...C- Above 60%...D- Below 59%...F

* Note that the percentage figures given above are used as guidelines. Final grades will be adjusted
taking into consideration the grade curve, i.e. the distribution of all students grade points.
* Students may earn up to 2% of extra credits through provided activities (e.g. Anime nights, Japanese
Video Conference, conversation partners, etc. It will be added to your quarter grade.)

Policies:
1. Absences:
Points will be subtracted from your final score (0.5% per absence) for inexcusable absences and tardiness.

2. Tardies:
Students are expected to be on time each day for class. Ten minutes late is counted as a tardy. Three
tardies is counted as one absence, resulting in 0.5% subtracted from the final point total.

Class Participation:
When a student is observed not eagerly participating in class activities (talking in English, studying for
other classes, doing homework in class, taking a nap, etc.), some points (110%) will be subtracted from
his final score. Eating food during the class is not allowed.

Excused Absences:
Absences can be excused in cases of illness, family emergency, and other unforeseeable incidents beyond
the control of a student. You must inform your instructor within 12 hours by e-mail as to why you were
prevented from attending class. A signed note from a person who can verify the reason for the absence
(e.g., a note from a doctor in case of illness) and his/her phone number may be required.

Make-up Test Policy:

In principle, no makeup exams of the chapter tests are permitted. A makeup for the vocabulary quiz or
kanji tests may be administered only if you inform your instructor within 12 hours by email that you were
prevented from attending class on a quiz/test day due to some unforeseen circumstance or dire emergency.
However, it will remain at the discretion of the instructor as to whether a makeup is allowed or not. A
makeup quiz/test is allowed only once per quarter.

Academic Dishonesty
If there is an action of academic dishonesty, such as cheating, during assessments, i.e., quizzes, tests, and
exams, you will automatically fail the course. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: 1) copying answers
from other students during assessments, 2) communicating questions and/or answers with other students
before assessments are over in all sections, and 3) assisting other students in dishonest activities of any
form.

Homework:
The answer key for the workbook assignments is in EEE drop box. Check your answers with the answer
key before turning in your homework. If you have a particular section of the homework assignment that
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Fall 2017
you either had difficulty with or had some question about, mark that section with a red pen so that it is
easily noticeable by the instructor, and the instructor will give you some hints to help you understand it
better. All homework must be done carefully, thoughtfully, and completely for full credit.
* As far as the workbook assignments are concerned, you may write the answers on the workbook pages
directly or on a sheet of paper. In case you write on paper, please indicate the page numbers and
exercise numbers clearly.
* Please staple your entire homework together and turn it in at the beginning of the class.
* Late homework will be accepted with a 10% deduction per day. For example, you will receive 90% for
one-day delay and 80% for two days.
* As a courtesy when requesting a recommendation letter, you must give your instructor at least two
weeks' advance notice. You must have the statement of purpose/personal statement/essay ready at the
time of request. Also, it would be appreciated if you would eventually let your instructor know the
result of her efforts on your behalf with an email.