Contact Information
- Division
- Liberal Arts
- Dean
- Patrick Marasso
- Associate Deans
- Soni Verma, Maria Villasenor
- Division Office
- W 107, Rocklin Campus
Overview
The United States is taking an active role in world affairs, and it is desirable for Americans to have knowledge of foreign languages and cultures. Learning a foreign language will benefit students and prepare them for any career. The acquisition of desired practical communication skills is the primary objective of the World Languages Department at Sierra College. Courses are organized around grammatical themes imbedded in cultural topics, requiring critical thinking, analysis and practical implication. Instruction on the Communicative Method integrates the five key learning objectives of Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing and Cultural Competence.
TRANSFER MAJOR REQUIREMENTS in Foreign Language are available in the Counseling Center. In all cases, students should consult with a counselor for specific transfer requirements. Four-year graduates in Foreign Languages are qualified for positions in teaching, business, foreign services, law enforcement, nursing, secretarial and diplomatic services.
Career Opportunities in Japanese
Bilingual: teacher, professor, transcriber, sales representative, customer service representative, web publisher, medical/health worker, realtor, IRS/franchise tax board worker, social services case worker, community outreach specialist, human resources specialist;
Business: international relations consultant, international business personnel, foreign exchange trader, publishing specialist, foreign correspondent, foreign publications/textbook editor, research assistant, importer/exporter, translator/interpreter, international account manager, international banking officer, airline personnel, public relations officer;
Culture/Tourism: cultural events coordinator, travel agent, translator/interpreter, guide;
Government: national security agent, immigration officer, court interpreter, UNESCO official, Peace Corps employee, translator/interpreter, FBI agent, foreign diplomat missionary, foreign service officer.
Courses
Understanding course descriptions
JPN 0001. Elementary Japanese - Level I
Units: 4
Hours: 72 lecture
Introduction to Japanese language; reading, writing, with emphasis on speaking. Pronunciation, sound system, intonation, basic vocabulary and grammar of spoken Japanese. Grammar emphasis is word order, postpositions, and some conjugation in simple sentences. Introduction to geography, customs and culture of Japan. Students required to learn Hiragana script and Kanji characters. Corresponds to two years of high school study. (CSU, UC)
JPN 0002. Elementary Japanese - Level II
Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of JPN 1 or two years of high school Japanese with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 lecture
Continuation of JPN 1 with increased emphasis on reading, writing and grammatical forms. Stresses vocabulary, idioms, postpositions, and grammar. Study of more complex subordinate phrases and clauses. Includes Hiragana, as well as, Katakana and simple Kanji ideographs. Further study of geography, customs, and culture of Japan. (CSU, UC)
JPN 0028. Independent Study
Units: 1-3
Designed for students interested in furthering their knowledge at an independent study level where no specific curriculum offering is currently available. Independent study might include, but is not limited to, research papers, special subject area projects and research projects. See Independent Study page in catalog. (CSU, UC-with unit limitation)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)
- Improve listening skills in target language and draw reasonable conclusions from observations.
- Improve reading skills in target language while examining important contributions to literature in relevant cultures.
- Improve writing skills in target language while examining new ideas from the relevant cultures.
- Improve speaking skills in target language and develop problem-solving skills by working productively with others.
- Cultivate openness to new ideas and an informed appreciation of relevant cultures.
