This course will mainly focus on conversational Japanese and exploring Japanese culture.  Topics include: self-introduction, asking simple questions about objects and people, expressing preferences, and ordering and purchasing items.  Students will practice speaking and listening through modeling/repeating after the instructor and various group activities such as role-playing, fill-in-the-blanks, and listening and speaking games.  The class begins with a quick opening activity followed by a short review session from the previous lesson, the main language topic introduction, and activities to reinforce new concepts.  If time allows, we will explore Japanese culture and hiragana writing.