Fall Japanese Courses

Japanese Level 1 Description (All sections)
(for students with no or little basic grammar knowledge in Japanese, meets once a week)

The course is designed to introduce elementary Japanese to students with no previous background in the language. Basic vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures will be taught in romaji (Japanese written phonetically in the Roman alphabet) so students can carry on a simple conversation. Hiragana and some introductory kanji will be introduced.

Students will be introduced to the following:

• X wa Y desu.
• Question sentences
• This/that/which
• Here/there/over there/where
• Verb conjugation (present tense)
• Sentence particles

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-B CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-D CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-E CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-F CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-G CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-H CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1-A above.

1-J CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

Japanese Level 1&2 Description (All sections)
(for students with no or little basic grammar knowledge in Japanese, meets twice a week)

This fast-track course covers Levels 1 & 2 in one semester, and is designed to introduce elementary Japanese. See Level 1 and Level 2 for descriptions of each level. Hiragana, katakana and some introductory kanji will be introduced.

Required Textbook: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 1-5)

1&2-A CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 1&2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1&2-A above.

All Level 1&2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 1&2-A above.

1&2-C CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

Japanese Level 2 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 1 or equivalent; recognition of hiragana is expected)

Students will continue to develop their beginners’ level language skills in basic Japanese as they begin to apply the past tense and are introduced to new words, grammar, and expressions. Recognition of hiragana is expected as less romaji will be used. Katakana and a few more kanji will be introduced.

Students will be introduced to the following:

• X ga arimasu/imasu.
• Location description
• Adjectives (present and past tense)
• Suki (na)/ Kirai (na)
• shimashou ka

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

2-C course canceled.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

2-E CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

2-F CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 2 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 2-A above.

Japanese Level 3 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 2 or equivalent, recognition of hiragana and some katakana is expected)

This course will focus on the introduction and use of the te form of verbs, and students will continue to build upon their conversational skills and vocabulary.

Required Text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 6 & 7)

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

3-E CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

All Level 3 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3-A above.

Japanese Level 3&4 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 2 or equivalent, recognition of hiragana and some katakana is expected)

This fast-track course covers Levels 3 & 4 in one semester. It will focus on the introduction and use of the te and nai forms of verbs, and students will continue to build upon their conversational skills and vocabulary. Students will practice the informal speech style in the present and past tenses. The ta form will be introduced, and students will learn to modify nouns with verbs, as well as practice phrases using to omoimasu (“I think”) and to iimasu (“he/she says”).

Required Text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 6-9)

All Level 3&4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 3&4-A above.

Casual Anime with Japanese Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 3 or equivalent and students must be comfortable with using the te form)

In this course, students will review previously learned grammar and learn new expressions through watching anime. Content is different each semester so this course can be taken repeatedly. Selected anime for this semester: 君の名は。(Your Name).

No textbook required.

Japanese Level 4 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 3 or equivalent)

Students will practice the informal speech style in the present and past tenses, and will learn the nai form of verbs. The ta form will be introduced, and students will learn to modify nouns with verbs, as well as practice phrases using to omoimasu (“I think”) and to iimasu (“he/she says”).

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 8-9)

4-A course canceled.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

4-C CLASS FULL; to be added to the waitlist, please email [email protected] or call 212-715-1269.

All Level 4 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 4-A above.

4-D course canceled.

Japanese Level 5 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 4 or equivalent)

Students will learn various usages of the ta form, and comparative sentence patterns will be introduced.

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 10 & 11)

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

All Level 5 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5-A above.

5-E course canceled.

Japanese Level 5&6 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 4 or equivalent)

This fast-track course covers Levels 5 & 6 in one semester. Students will learn various usages of the ta form, and comparative sentence patterns will be introduced. Students will learn how to use various modifying clauses to create complex sentences.

Required text: Genki I, 3rd Edition (Ch. 10 – 12), Genki II, 3rd Edition (Ch. 13 & 14)

All Level 5&6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 5&6-A above.

5&6-B course canceled.

Review: Genki I Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 5 or equivalent)

This course is designed for students who have completed Level 5, but feel the need to review the content of the Genki I textbook before moving up to Level 6. The course focuses on reviewing the grammar points and increasing vocabulary so that students gain more confidence in speaking Japanese with an accurate command of grammar. Special focus will be placed on: verb conjugation, adjective conjugation, te-form/ta-form, and nai-form. Also, common mistakes in the use of particles (は、が、を、に、で、と) and expressions such as これ／この、どの／どんな、なに／なん will be addressed. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to speak Japanese more comfortably with a refreshed grasp of grammar.

The Genki I textbook content will be referenced, but no textbook is required.

Japanese Level 6 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 5 or equivalent)

Students will learn how to use various modifying clauses to create complex sentences. Recognition of 100 kanji is expected.

Required text: Genki I, (Ch. 12) (purchase of Genki I textbook not required), Genki II, 3rd Edition (Ch. 13-14)

All Level 6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 6-A above.

All Level 6 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 6-A above.

Intermediate Japanese with Anime Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 6 or equivalent)

While introducing fundamental grammar, this class will look at the spoken expressions, vocabulary, slang, and onomatopoeia that commonly appear in anime. There will also be simple discussions about the story. This course is recommended for students considering Levels 7-9. Content is different each semester so this course can be taken repeatedly. Anime for this semester: 天空の城ラピュタ(Laputa: Castle in the Sky).

No textbook required.

Intermediate Japanese with Anime course canceled.

Japanese Level 7 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 6 or equivalent)

Students will be introduced to the volitional form, and will learn to describe the giving and receiving of services (instead of goods). The structure for reporting hearsay (sou desu) will be practiced. The tara variation of conditional sentence structures will be taught.

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 15-17).

All Level 7 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7-A above.

All Level 7 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7-A above.

Japanese Level 7&8 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 6 or equivalent)

This fast-track course covers Levels 7 & 8 in one semester. Students will be introduced to the volitional form, and will learn to describe the giving and receiving of services (instead of goods). The structure for reporting hearsay (sou desu) will be practiced. The tara variation of conditional sentence structures will be taught. Transitive and intransitive verbs will be compared extensively, and honorific verbs will be introduced. Hazudesu (supposed to be the case) will be taught. Students will practice “extra-modest expressions” followed by “humble expressions.” Students will also study how to include a question as a part of a longer sentence such as “Do you know when David will go to Japan?”

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 15-20).

All Level 7&8 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 7&8-A above.

Japanese Level 8 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 7 or equivalent)

Transitive and intransitive verbs will be compared extensively, and honorific verbs will be introduced. Hazudesu (supposed to be the case) will be taught. Students will practice “extra-modest expressions” followed by “humble expressions.” Students will also study how to include a question as a part of a longer sentence such as “Do you know when David will go to Japan?”

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 18-20).

Japanese Level 9 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 8 or equivalent)

This is the last level in which students learn essential grammar. Students will learn passive and causative sentence patterns along with other expressions, such as ba, noni and temo, to achieve more effective communication skills.

Required text: Genki II, 3rd Edition, (Ch. 21-23).

All Level 9 courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 9-A above.  

JLPT N4 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 8 or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N4 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This exam encompasses simple day-to-day vocabulary, as well as hiragana, katakana, and basic kanji. This course is conducted almost entirely in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Review: Genki II Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: Japanese 9, or concurrently with Japanese 9, or equivalent.)

There are certain grammar points that many intermediate-level students struggle with. This course offers a guided review on these notorious grammar points, including Causative-Passive, Transitive vs. Intransitive verbs, and Keigo. Students will be invited to dive into the mechanism as well as the psychology behind these grammar points through drills and speaking practice. This class will help to scatter away clouds of confusion students may have had for a long time. It will serve as a confidence booster on key grammar.

This class will reinforce students’ understanding and usage of grammar points including:

• Particles
• Conditional: 〜たら、〜と、〜ば、〜なら
• Doing a favor: 〜てあげる、〜てもらう、〜てくれる
• Transitive vs. Intransitive
• Passive & Causative-Passive
• Conjecture: 〜だろう、〜かも知れない、〜らしい、〜ようだ、〜はずだ、〜みたいだ
• Noun modifiers
• Honorifics: 尊敬語、謙譲語

All Review: Genki II courses cover the same material. For course description, see Review: Genki II-A above.  

Conversation & Culture Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 9, or equivalent)

The goal for this course is to take the next step to reach higher-level Japanese. We will focus on developing speaking skills. During this course, students will learn new phrases and vocabulary, participate in interactive dialogues, and read and create conversations. Students will also learn about Japanese culture (e.g. tea ceremony, J-pop, maid cafés, Japanese idols, seasonal events such as Hinamatsuri, etc.) to further an understanding of Japan and to prepare to effectively engage with people when visiting. This course is recommended for students who have completed Level 9 or are in Level 10. This course is taught in alternating semesters of odd and even numbered lessons, and this semester will cover the odd lessons.

No textbook required.  

JLPT N3 Description
(Recommended for students considering Level 10, or taking with Level 10 concurrently, or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N3 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires students to comprehend a higher level of written material than the N4 and N5 exams, as well as everyday conversations spoken at near-natural speed. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 10 (Part 4) Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: level 9 or equivalent)

For students who feel secure with the Genki II textbook content, this class follows Level 9 in the progression from the Genki II textbook, continuing a formal study of Japanese grammar. More advanced grammar, vocabulary and kanji will be introduced over several semesters. Speaking practice will also be emphasized. This course is designed to provide students with the necessary tools to move up to Level 11.

Level 10 is offered in four parts: they can be taken in any order and each part is separate and self-contained, e.g., taking Part 1 is not necessary before Part 2. It is recommended that all four parts be taken at least once before moving to Level 11. Click here to see schedule of Level 10 Parts.

Required Text: An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese (Revised Edition), (Part 4: Lessons 13-15)

All Level 10 (Part 4) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-A (Part 4) above.

All Level 10 (Part 4) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-A (Part 4) above.

All Level 10 (Part 4) courses cover the same material. For course description, see Level 10-A (Part 4) above.  

Keigo & Business: Fundamentals Description
(For students who have taken Level 10 several times, or above.)

The Keigo & Business courses will cover conversational keigo useful for business settings and speaking to one’s superiors. These courses are not repeatable, and each course will cover the same content each semester.

Starting with a review of keigo, self-introductions and greetings, students will also study:

• パーティーへの招待 / invitations to parties
• 目上の人へ質問 / asking questions to superiors
• 上司や取引先に許可を求める /getting permission/authorization from your boss and clients
• 上司や取引先に失礼のないように断る /politely refusing offers from your boss and clients

Keigo & Business: Part 2 Description
(Prerequisite: Keigo & Business: Fundamentals, or equivalent.)

The Keigo & Business courses will cover conversational keigo useful for business settings and speaking to one’s superiors. These courses are not repeatable, and each course will cover the same content each semester.

Students will study:

• アポイントをとる・変更する / making an appointment / asking to change the date or time
• もうしでる / offering help
• おわびする / expressing apologies
• 意見をいう / expressing opinion
• 喜んでもらう / complimenting/congratulating

Special Topic: Japanese Level 10 Description (All sections)
(Recommended for students who have taken Level 10 at least once, or equivalent)

Japan Right Now: This class will examine aspects of today’s Japanese society and culture through the latest news. Students will read articles on NHK News Web Easy and actively discuss them. The original articles written with advanced vocabulary and grammar may also be introduced. There will be listening exercises through video clips.

This class is ideal if you want to reinforce any of the following skills:

• Reading comprehension
• Discussion skill
• Vocabulary building
• Kanji building and refresher
• Listening comprehension
• Learning about Japanese society

For course description, see Level 10-E above.  

Japanese Level 11 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: minimum of four semesters of Japanese 10 (textbook course), or equivalent. Recognition of approximately 500 kanji recommended)

Looking at culture and current topics, students will use real-life sources, somewhat modified, to continue to increase their knowledge of written and spoken Japanese. Vocabulary and common expressions will be emphasized. Students will study and discuss Japanese culture at a deeper level.

No textbook required.

For course description, see Level 11-A above.

Special Topic: Japanese Level 11 Description (All sections)
(Prerequisite: minimum of four semesters of Japanese 10 (textbook course) or equivalent)

Short Stories: Students will read a short story each week and discuss the themes, character motivation, and hidden meanings. There will be a Rodoku (staged reading) exercise, which serves as a special training on fluency and pronunciation. This course is an excellent opportunity to increase vocabulary in an enjoyable way. Students will be able to access the material and prepare in advance.

No textbook required.

For course description, see Level 11-C above.  

JLPT N2 Description
(Prerequisite: for students at Japanese 11, or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N2 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires a more complex and nuanced understanding of written materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, as well as more advanced spoken materials such as more specific conversations and news reports. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 12 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 11 or equivalent. Recognition of approximately 800 kanji is recommended.)

Looking at culture and current topics, students will use real-life sources, such as Japanese TV shows, J-dramas, news, etc., to continue increasing their knowledge of written and spoken Japanese. Vocabulary and common expressions will be emphasized. Students will study and discuss a wide range of subjects.

No textbook required.

12-A course canceled.

Special Topic: Japanese Level 12 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 11 or equivalent)

Japanese Drama: Students will watch the second half of the Netflix original show “Atelier” and actively discuss the themes, language nuances, and specific cultural references. Non-traditional aspects such as slang and regionalisms will be analyzed in detail. Students will be encouraged to do weekly writing assignments to share their thoughts.

No textbook required.  

Japanese Level 13 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 12 or equivalent, and have passed JLPT N2 or equivalent knowledge. Students should recognize at least 1,200 kanji.)

The highest level for those at near native proficiency. Looking at culture and current topics, there will be extended discussions about current events from TV programs and articles to increase knowledge of useful advanced vocabulary for oral communication. Movies and dramas will be used to learn current expressions and idioms.

No textbook required.  

JLPT N1 Description
(Prerequisite: Japanese 12 or equivalent)

This course is structured to help prepare students for the N1 level of the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), which is the standard certification exam administered by the Japanese Ministry of Education. This level requires a deep understanding of written and spoken content that is abstract or logically complex. Spoken material is presented at natural speed. This course is conducted in Japanese.

No textbook required.