Japanese
9 courses · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
JAPN 101 Elementary Japanese (First Semester)
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces contemporary Japanese and the Japanese writing system (hiragana, katakana, and selected kanji characters). It examines the language's structure and emphasizes the development of language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn about Japanese history, geography, and customs as well as about the relationship between language and culture. This course corresponds to the first two years of high school Japanese.
JAPN 102 Elementary Japanese (Second Semester)
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- JAPN 101 or two years of high school Japanese with a "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This second course in the Japanese language sequence continues to promote Japanese language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the novice-high level. The prerequisite first-semester level skills are practiced for fluency and improvement in communication success, and integrated into the introduction of more advanced grammar, vocabulary and kanji characters. The course also continues to develop the student's ability to read, interpret, and discuss Japanese-language narratives about newly introduced cultural aspects of the Japanese-speaking world. This course corresponds to the third year of high school Japanese.
JAPN 121 Introduction to Japanese Culture
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to various aspects of Japanese culture and society. Areas of study include history, music, literature, philosophy, political ideas, customs, and Japan's influence on and contribution to the civilization of America and the world. The course does not require prior study of the language or culture.
JAPN 123 Japanese Anime and Manga
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces students to anime and manga (Japanese cartoons and comics) and explore various aspects of Japanese culture and society through the lens of anime and manga. Areas of study include history, music, literature, technology, customs, traditions and their interrelationship with the cultures and societies of America and the world. The course does not require prior study of the language or culture.
JAPN 201 Intermediate Japanese (Third Semester)
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- JAPN 102 or three years of high school Japanese with a "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This third course in the Japanese language sequence continues to promote Japanese language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the intermediate-low level. The prerequisite first-year level Japanese language skills are practiced for fluency and improvement in communication success, and integrated into the introduction of more advanced grammar, vocabulary and kanji characters. The course also continues to develop the student's ability to read, interpret, and discuss Japanese-language narratives about newly introduced cultural aspects of the Japanese-speaking world. This course corresponds to the fourth year of high school Japanese.
JAPN 202 Intermediate Japanese (Fourth Semester)
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- Lecture 3.50 hours, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Prerequisite
- JAPN 201 or four years of high school Japanese with a "C" or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This fourth semester course in the Japanese language sequence continues to develop Japanese language acquisition through listening, speaking, reading, and writing at the intermediate-mid level. Students practice writing in Japanese with kanji characters, review grammar and syntax, and expand their vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic constructions. The course also continues to develop the student's ability to read, interpret, and discuss Japanese-language narratives about Japanese history, geography, and culture.
JAPN 210 Intermediate Conversation I and Reading
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Prerequisite
- JAPN 102 or three years of high school Japanese with a "C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course stresses oral communication and reading comprehension through cultural materials in order to improve and expand the student's conversational skills in Japanese. It emphasizes practical topics, fundamental and expanded vocabulary, and commonly used idioms. Students learn to employ Japanese in general discussions of assigned topics and simple dialogues. The course also reviews communicative functions.
JAPN 211 Intermediate Conversation II and Writing
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Prerequisite
- JAPN 210
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continuation of JAPN 210 is intended for students who want to further enhance their skills in Japanese. The course stresses oral and written communication through cultural materials in order to improve and expand the student's conversational skills in Japanese. It emphasizes practical topics, fundamental and expanded vocabulary, and commonly used idioms. Students learn to employ Japanese in general discussions of a variety of culturally relevant topics and dialogues. The course also reviews and practices communicative functions.
JAPN 292 Internship Studies
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.