Use of Technology for Language Learning
Japanese Studies at MIT has three levels (elementary, intermediate, and advance) and the curriculum of each level aims to develop four language skills (i.e., speaking, listening, reading, and writing). We specifically focus on the development of so-called “communicative skills” of Japanese. We have online interactive exercises that can enhance communicative skills, and we use technology proactively to help students.
Learning Language and Culture Side-by-Side
Language is a tool to interact and communicate with people, and language learning needs to take place together with the culture of the target language. The Japanese program at MIT offers a wide variety of cultural courses (e.g., Anime, Popular Culture, Politics, History, etc.), and students can enjoy learning various aspects of the Japanese culture while learning the language.
Student-centered Language Curriculum
Our teaching staff continuously adapts innovative pedagogical methods and encourages students to become active language learners. We are flexible in curriculum design to meet students’ individual needs and accomplish student-centered learning.
Placement Test
Students who did not take Japanese at MIT previously must take a placement test. For details, contact the Japanese language coordinator before the semester starts.
Spring 2019 Course Offerings
Tier I
21G.502 Japanese II
21G.504 Japanese IV
Tier II
21G.506 Japanese VI
Tier III
21G.063/596 Anime: Transnational Media and Culture*
21G.094/594 Cinema in Japan and Korea*
*Taught in English with a project that requires research in Japanese under 21G.596 and 21G.594. Only students minoring in Japanese should register under these numbers.
Looking ahead
Fall 2019
Tier I
21G.501 Japanese I
21G.503 Japanese III
Tier II
21G.505 Japanese V
Tier III
21G.039/591 Gender in Japanese Popular Culture
21G.065/593 Japanese Literature and Cinema
21G.067/597 Digital Media in Japan and Korea
The indication of prerequisites for specific Japanese offerings does not apply to students who have already completed equivalent work. For further placement advice, consult one of the field advisors in Japanese.
A note regarding the enrollment policy of the Global Studies and Languages section: Enrollment limited to 16 for pedagogical reasons. Preference will be given to pre-registered students, including pre-registered undergraduates who were cut from the same class the previous semester due to the enrollment cap. Please note that you have to attend the first day of class to maintain your preference level. In case of over-enrollment, preference will be given in the following order: declared majors, declared minors, declared concentrators, first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
