In this 12-week online course, students will progress to the level of Beginner in the Japanese language. This class focuses primarily on speaking and listening skills. However, the writing system will be introduced in our first lesson.

Class members will meet 2 times per week. The first meeting of each week will be lecture-style (with plentiful interaction) and focus on introducing the Japanese phrases for the week and discussing study strategies. Between meetings, students are encouraged to practice their Japanese on their own to improve their skills. A handout will be provided after the first meeting listing the phrases students are expected to practice that week. The second meeting of each week will be a conversation practice and student-led discussion. This meeting will provide students with the opportunity to practice what they studied during the week in a conversation setting and ask questions about Japanese culture and lifestyle.

For two of the 12 weeks (Week 6 and Week 12), we will explore some of the most popular and well-traveled areas of Japan! These weeks will offer a fun respite from language study to explore more of what Japan has to offer to travelers.

The curriculum for this course is as follows:
Week 1: The Basics & Introductions
Week 2: Common Phrases
Week 3: Mealtime Manners
Week 4: Likes & Dislikes (colors, animals, food, hobbies)
Week 5: Weather & Outdoors
Week 6: Trip 1: Tokyo & Mt. Fuji
Week 7: Family Members, The Home
Week 8: School Days
Week 9: Body Parts & Feelings
Week 10: Shopping & Telling Time
Week 11: Travel Phrases
Week 12: Trip 2: Kyoto & Osaka

This class is designed for beginners, which includes students with little or no prior experience in learning Japanese. However, 12 weeks is a long commitment. I would encourage students who would like to sample Japanese before committing to the semester class to try my one-time course titled "Konnichiwa! I Can Speak Japanese".

I am happy to answer any specific questions regarding class structure, teaching style, or curriculum coverage.