JPN+1+English+Disclosure

日本語 I  Japanese I   Instructor: Mr. Mark Cook / mcook@graniteschools.org

Welcome to First Year Japanese! This is a basic course for beginning students. The course objectives include the simultaneous progression of speaking, listening, writing, and reading skills. We will also study aspects of Japanese culture---some of general interest, as well as some which enhance language competency and social interaction. By the end of the school year, we will have covered roughly one semester of college-level Japanese. Students will be expected to:

1) understand and produce simple expressions and dialogues, 2) understand and use basic grammatical patterns appropriately, and 3) read and write hiragana and 50+ kanji. (Katakana will also be introduced.)

Lessons will build upon previous materials, so it is important that students participate in class and do their assignments on time. Students will also engage in some self-paced computer study which will only be available on class days. **Acquiring a language is not something that can be achieved through overnight cramming. It is best accomplished through the accumulation of daily effort.**


 * Materials:** Students should bring the following to class:

1) a set of headphones or earbuds, 2) a binder (at least one inch and separate from any other subjects), and 3) a pen (black ink) or a pencil and an eraser.

Students may also be asked to bring other supplies as the course progresses, such as graph paper, index cards, colored pencils, etc. The use and need of these items will be explained in advance.


 * Grades** will be based on the following scale:

__Assignments 30%__ (On time + Complete = Full Credit)

__Computer Work 30%__ (2-3 Week Intervals; extra credit possible)

__Assessments (Quizzes, Exams, and Class Performances) 40%__


 * Absences and Missed Work:** Students are responsible for missed work. Make-up work is to be given to the instructor according to directions. Work from extended absences will be done according to a schedule determined by the instructor. **Late work will be accepted, but at reduced credit.** Students who know they will miss class should notify the instructor ahead of time. Missed exams and class performances will be given at the instructor’s discretion. Such items may or may not be identical with those already given. **No make-up quizzes will be given.** Later quizzes and exams can take their place.


 * Class Guidelines: Safety, Respect, and Responsibility**

Observe school rules and policies. Only water and cough drops are permitted in class. No electronic equipment without instructor approval. Get permission to leave class, except in emergencies. Turn in work on time.


 * Citizenship:** Grades will be given based on the class guidelines listed above, as well as on tardiness and unexcused absences. By themselves, tardies and absences can result in the following grades:

__Tardies / Grade__ 0-1 / 4 2 / 3 3 / 2 4 / 1 5 or more / 0

__Unexcused Absences / Grade__ 1 / 1 2 or more / 0