JSB Language Program - Fall 2026 - Beginner I: Media & Pop Culture

Beginner Japanese I - Media & Pop Culture

This class will build on foundational learnings by introducing vocabulary and grammar structures used to describe actions in progress, make requests, and express preferences. We will focus on examining uses of the language in Japanese film, fiction, anime, manga, and music, drawing on examples supplied by the instructor as well as students in the class. Students will gain confidence to identify and appreciate familiar language in their favorite Japanese media.​

Pre-requisites: Students should be confident using basic nouns, adjectives, and present and past verbs in polite form. Students should also be able to read hiragana, katakana, and approximately 50 basic kanji characters.

Required Texts: 1) TOBIRA I: Beginning Japanese; 2)TOBIRA I: Beginning Japanese Workbook 2 - Vocabulary, Grammar, Listening                 

Optional Text: TOBIRA I: Beginning Japanese Workbook 1 - Hiragana/Katakana, Kanji, Reading, Writing

​Instructor: Yasuko Shiozaki Ta

Day & Time: Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm ET    

1. September 16
2. September 23
3. September 30
4. October 7
5. October 14
6. October 21
7. October 28
8. November 4
9. November 11 (Veteran's Day)
10. November 18