Japanese Language & Culture for Teens

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I. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This program is an integrated approach to Japan Studies through language, art, and cultural awareness. It includes the following components: (1) the study of Japanese (a) spoken language and (b) written language, (2) Japanese calligraphy and (3) lessons on culture and society. Also, at their discretion participants may attend Seichou Karate? classes during the entire month of June 2013 at no additional charge.

A. Course Title, Credits and Hours

• Title: Intensive Japanese Language & Culture for Teens
• Credits: 2 to 3
• Hours: 15 to 17 

B. Prerequisites: There are no academic prerequisites for this program. However, the program is for students who have a significant interest in Japan or in foreign cultures.

C. Class Size: We will hold this class if a minimum of 4 students enrolls; class size will be limited to 8 students. Preference is given to Seichou Karate? students.

D. Eligibility: Teens in middle and secondary school are eligible.

E. Venue: Seichou Karate? Ltd., 807 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

F. Dates: June 3 to 7, 2013 (Application deadline: April 26, 2013)

Component 1: Japanese Language (spoken and written)

1(a). The Spoken Language

• Identification and utilization of parts of speech
• Vocabulary acquisition by part of speech
• Acquisition and utilization of grammatical patterns
• Articulation including: (1) self-introduction and (2) identification and description of colors, animate and inanimate objects, elements of the natural and man-made environment

1(b). Reading & Writing

• Acquisition of two phonetic alphabets (hiragana and katakana)
• Acquisition of 50 Chinese pictograms (kanji) 

Assessment will be by daily quizzes that include oral and written components.

Component 2: The Art of Calligraphy

The art of Japanese Calligraphy ("shodo"), which originated in China, is the practice of writing pictograms with an ink-drenched brush and a focused mind. It has been suggested that shodo enhances overall academic performance.

Students will learn Calligraphy background and fundamentals:

• How to identify, use, and care for equipment
• History of shodo
• Shodo's role in contemporary Japanese society
• Etiquette and procedures for shodo class
• Each class will include the following activities:
• Japanese language greetings
• A period of quiet to separate shodo time from preceding classes and activities
• Warm-up 5-circle exercises
• Pen to paper exercises in which students practice the character(s) of the day
• Instructor's review of students? work
• Clean-up
• Parting Japanese language salutations 

Assessment will be based on students' attendance, ability to accurately produce fundamental brush strokes; memorization of Chinese pictograms, classroom etiquette, and care for materials and classroom. Students who desire to obtain a national certification in Japanese Calligraphy may do so by continuing Shodo training at Seichou Karate? to satisfy the requirements for such designation through our instructor.

Component 3: Cultural Awareness

Cultural Orientation is an indispensable part of Japanese language acquisition. Many words in Japanese have a subtle meaning beyond their immediate translation.  An understanding of the customs developed over many years will also help the student of Japanese understand when to use certain phrases, gestures and other uniquely Japanese forms of communication.  Therefore, this course will cover:

• Japanese sensibilities: non-verbal communication, etiquette, common sense, and aesthetics
• Japanese holidays and special annual events
• Lifestyles of Japanese teens
• Geography: the Japanese map; the relationship of people to the natural environment; how geography has shaped culture and national character
• Japanese dietary habits
• Japanese music, theater, and film
• Japanese traditional and contemporary sports and leisure 

Assessment will be by daily quizzes.

II.             COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course aims to impart knowledge and skills that will enable students to analyze and understand the culture and people of one of the U.S.' most important allies in the community of nations and to enable students to examine Japanese-American relations in an informed way. 

Participants will:

• Gain a valuable foundation in the spoken and written language, traditions, geography, and politics of Japan;
• Experience enhanced penmanship, digital dexterity, aesthetic sensitivity, patience, and self-control;
• Gain a world view and prepare them to compete in a global marketplace; and
• Develop students? confidence in using foreign languages for practical purposes.
  

III.           TEACHING STAFF

Japanese Language: Richard Romero, Esq.

A bar-admitted attorney (NY and DC), Richard Romero has studied Japanese culture and language for 40 years and is one of a handful of non-Japanese to have taught karate in Japan (1989-1994). He is fluent in Japanese and is a graduate of Columbia, Cornell, and Yeshiva universities, and the Inter-University Center for Japanese Studies. Romero has the following teaching experience: Guest Lecturer, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Tokyo, Japan; Lecturer, Chubu Women's College, Gifu, Japan; Special Education Consultant, Board of Education, Kani City, Gifu, Japan; Assistant Teacher, Board of Education, Shirakawa Town, Gifu, Japan; Assistant Teacher, Kamo Prefectural Board of Education, Gifu, Japan; Founder & President, Seichou Karate? Ltd., Alexandria, VA. He speaks Spanish, Japanese and native English. 

Calligraphy: Kazuko Kano, M.A.

Seichou Shodo Instructor Kazuko Kano is a native of Tottori, Japan. A master Japanese calligraphic artist, since 1985, Ms. Kano has been a member of the Japan Calligraphy Education Foundation (JCEF), a national organization in Japan that ranks both amateur and professional calligraphers, issues licenses to calligraphy teachers, holds national competitions, and supports the dissemination of the art of calligraphy worldwide. Ms. Kano has won numerous calligraphy awards from JCEF. She holds a B.A. in literature from Kobe Women's University, an M.A. in videographic arts from American University, a high school teaching license from the Japanese government, and is licensed by the U.S. Japanese Calligraphy Federation to assess and award promotion certificates to students who meet standard requirements. She speaks Japanese and English. 

IV.           PROGRAM SCHEDULE (June 3 to 7, 2013)

V.            PROGRAM FEE

The cost for this 5-day program is $350 for current Seichou Karate? students and $450 for others, including study materials. Students who wish to study calligraphy after completing the program are encouraged to purchase a calligraphy set from us for $52.49; the kit includes large and small brushes, ink well, ink spill paid, bamboo brush protector, ink, calligraphy paper, paper weight and carrying case.

VI.           SCHOLARSHIPS

PG Foundation Inc., has a limited number of scholarships available for students whose families meet certain income criteria. The scholarships pay for fifty percent of the program fee. The recipient student's family must pay the balance. 

VII.         APPLICATION DEADLINE, PAYMENT AND REFUNDS

We will accept applications through April 26, 2013 or until the class is filled. Your child's place is reserved when we receive payment. No refunds will be given after payment has been made.

VIII.        FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Seichou Karate? at 571.257.5401 or at info@seichoukarate.com for further information.