What you can expect from our program

Students who have completed the two-year language requirement should be able to function in daily situations in Japan. By the end of the third year (required for majors), students will be able to start to handle authentic materials. By the end of the fourth year, students are expected to have confidence when handling any modern materials.

Placement/Proficiency Test

Who should take the test?
All students with prior Japanese training elsewhere must take a placement test before enrolling in IU Japanese language courses.

When are the tests given?

1. One-hour Japanese placement tests are given to incoming students throughout the summer during orientation. All information regarding the test is included in the orientation package.
2. For other students, including graduate students and those who missed the test during the summer, tests are given at 1:00 p.m. on the Thursday before class starts in the fall and spring. Please contact the EALC office approximately one month prior to the test date for the location of the test.
3. Those who need to know their placement prior to their assigned registration date should contact Yasuko Ito Watt, coordinator of the Japanese language program.

What is covered in the test?
The placement test is not based on a particular textbook. However, at Indiana University the following textbooks are used, and it is recommend those who wish to take the course look at them before classes begin.

Textbooks

• First Year: Makino, Hatasa & Hatasa. 1998. Nakama 1. Houghton Mifflin
• Second Year: Hatasa, Hatasa & Makino. 2000. Nakama 2. Houghton Mifflin
• Third Year: Miura and McGloin. 1994. An Integrated Approach to Intermediate Japanese, and other materials.
• Fourth-Year: Various materials

Placement:
Our Japanese language program emphasizes improving the four language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) with an emphasis on accuracy and structure. It is not uncommon for students who have had two or three (or even four) years of language study in secondary school to be placed at the beginning level because of differences in curriculum. This occurs not only at IU but at many other institutions as well. The first-year textbook is designed to include students who are true beginners as well as those who have had Japanese before.

Students should not be discouraged if placed in the beginning level despite previous Japanese language studies. Spending time reviewing basic level materials allows students to develop the strong foundation necessary to advance more quickly than those without the sufficient background.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Overseas Studies Programs
The Nanzan Program (Japan) is an overseas exchange program. Students pay IU tuition to study at Nanzan University, Nagoya, Japan. Each year several students are selected to go to Nanzan, and several students from Nanzan come to IU. IU also supports the Institute for the International Education of Students Program (IES) in Nagoya and Tokyo. If you need more information, please contact the Office of Overseas Studies.

Student Organizations and Activities

Japan House
Japan House is a student-driven community of individuals who wish to broaden and share their interest in Japan. Students who live in Foster International Learning Community and those who live elsewhere gather regularly, study language together, and participate in Japan-related activities.

Japanese Conversation Club (JCC)
This is a very active student-initiated conversation club. Each week students of all levels gather for a brown-bag lunch at the International Center. Beginning Japanese students get help with their language study from more proficient students or native speakers, and advanced speakers enjoy conversations with native speakers.

Japanese Student Association (JSA)
JSA membership includes native speakers of Japanese, students involved in Japanese studies and those who have strong interest in Japan. They are active and have various programs throughout the year.

Anime Clubs
There are some Japanese anime clubs on campus. Students gather regularly, view different anime, and discuss the content. (Contact information for one of the Anime Groups).

Sports Clubs
Various clubs at IU practice Japanese martial arts, such as Aikido, Karate, and Judo (Martial Arts homepage).

Miscellaneous Information

Japanese Computing
Most Indiana University PCs and Macs are Japanese language capable, and students can e-mail in Japanese and view web materials written in Japanese. Some class assignments can be done through the Internet.

Asian Culture Center
The Asian Culture Center presents lectures that deal with various issues related to Japan. It also provides opportunities for language tutoring and volunteering to share Japanese culture with people in the community.

JET Program and Teaching English in Japan Program
Each year some of our graduating students apply to the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET). The JET Program is sponsored by the Japanese government and the participants work in local offices or schools in Japan.

For more information on the Japanese Language, see http://www.indiana.edu/~nihongo/