Inter-University Center for Japanese Language Studies

Summer Program

Course Objectives and Materials
General Information
Admission Information

Course Objectives and Materials

The morning sessions of the Inter-University Center's summer program are focused on advanced spoken Japanese. The objective is to acquire the ability to naturally, correctly and appropriately express thoughts and opinions. In addition to written and computer-based text materials, video documentaries, commentaries and movies are also used. The afternoon session is devoted to conversation, field trip classes and kanji. Twice weekly, students engage in discussion focused on a variety of topics during a one-hour conversation class. The objective of the class is to improve fluency through free discussion on various topics. Teachers moderate and encourage participation and introduce the use of appropriate expressions. Twice weekly,a one-hour kanji class is held. Students use the Center's computer-based instructional materials based upon its 3-volume Kanji in Context (published by Japan Times). Additional work includes use of the Center's Advanced Spoken Japanese, Formal Expressions in Japanese, and Speak Japanese Particles, computer-based study programs that complement and expand on the classroom sessions. Once a week, students are led on field trips. These trips provide the opportunity to acquire greater understanding of Japanese culture and society, as well as the opportunity to use Japanese outside the classroom.

General Information

The information below was updated and revised October 25, 2007.

The 2008 summer program will begin on Thursday, June 19 and end on Friday, August 1, 2008.

Morning classes are held 9:30-12:30, five days a week. Afternoon classes are held 1:30-2:30, five days a week. As part of the curriculum, an afternoon field trip is held once a week. There are 140 contact hours in total for the six-week program.

Class size is capped at five to seven students. Total enrollment and number of teachers determine the number of classes.

Persons admitted to the summer program are responsible for making their own visa and transportation arrangements. Please be aware that housing arrangements are the personal responsibility of the student. The Center cannot help in finding or making rental arrangements. Upon email request (summer@iucjapan.org), a short list of housing information sources is available.

No scholarship or financial assistance is awarded by the Center to students enrolling in the summer program. Questions concerning the applicability of outside sources of financial aid (FLAS, fellowships, etc.) should be directed to the funding agency.

The Inter-University Center does not confer academic credit. However, upon request, the Center can provide a description of the material covered and the number of course hours completed.