Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Welcome to JPN101: First Year Japanese - First Term! (CRN 44678)

This course introduces the fundamentals of Japanese language and culture, developing students' skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing across a variety of basic communicative contexts. Emphasis is placed on acquiring foundational grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, while gaining an introductory understanding of Japanese culture and customs. The specific course outcomes are detailed in the JPN 101 Course Content and Outcome Guide (CCOG)

Prerequisite: None. Designed for students with no previous study of Japanese or minimal background in the language. Students who are unsure of their placement are encouraged to take the Japanese placement test—contact nao.okumura@pcc.edu for guidance.

This is an in-person class that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:20 PM at the Rock Creek Campus. While instruction takes place in person, the course also includes an online component through D2L Brightspace, where students will access course materials, announcements, assignments, and quizzes. Reliable internet access and a computer or tablet are required.

During class sessions, students will engage in communicative activities—such as pair work, small-group discussions, and whole-class interactions—to build proficiency in all language skills. In addition to active participation in class, students are expected to complete asynchronous assignments (assignments, quizzes, and preparation activities) and dedicate at least 4–5 hours per week outside of class for study and practice.

For any questions or concerns about the course, please contact the instructor by email ceres.lovelace@pcc.edu

Required course materials:

The following textbook and workbook are used for JPN101, 102 and 103. The physical textbook and workbook are preferred to the e-book. 

・Textbook: Banno, Eri. Genki 1: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese: Textbook. 3rd ed. Tokyo: Japan Times, 2020. Print. ISBN: 9784789017305

・Workbook: Banno, Eri. Genki 1: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese: Workbook. 3rd ed. Tokyo: Japan Times, 2020. Print. ISBN: 9784789017312

This is an in-person class that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:20 PM at the Rock Creek Campus. While instruction takes place in person, the course also includes an online component. Students are required to have regular access to a computer or tablet with a reliable internet connection to use D2L Brightspace, where course materials, announcements, quizzes, and other online activities are provided.