Course Descriptions

Students who successfully complete this course will develop their Japanese proficiencies to the Intermediate Mid to Intermediate Low range of the ACTFL Proficiency Guideline range according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Students will also show proficiency in the "five C's" denoted in ACTFLs Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities. The 4HP course and 5AP course will be differentiated by the assessments they take. 5AP assessments will reflect the unspecified nature of the AP exam. By taking the 5AP course, students are expected to pass the AP Japanese Language and Culture exam with a score of 3 or higher.

Mode of Communication

Interpersonal Communication, Intermediate Mid:
I can participate in conversations on familiar topics using sentences and series of sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering a variety of questions. I can usually say what I want to say about myself and my everyday life.

Interpersonal Communication, Intermediate Low:
I can participate in conversations on a number of familiar topics using simple sentences. I can handle short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering simple questions.

Presentational Speaking, Intermediate Mid:
I can make presentations on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

Presentational Speaking, Intermediate Low:
I can present information on most familiar topics using a series of simple sentences.

Presentational Writing, Intermediate Mid:
I can write on a wide variety of familiar topics using connected sentences.

Presentational Speaking, Intermediate Mid:
I can write briefly about most familiar topics and present information using a series of simple sentences.

Interpretive Listening, Intermediate Mid:
I can understand the main idea in messages and presentations on a variety of topics related to everyday life and personal interests and studies. I can understand the main idea in conversations that I overhear.

Interpretive Listening, Intermediate Low:
I can understand the main idea in short, simple messages and presentations on familiar topics. I can understand the main idea of simple conversations that I overhear.

Interpretive Reading, Intermediate Mid:
I can understand the main idea of texts related to everyday life and personal interests or studies.

Interpretive Reading, Intermediate Low:
I can understand the main idea of short and simple texts when the topic is familiar.

Major Units

Because the Japanese 4HP and 5AP classes are combined, the curriculum is different in even and odd years.

Major Grammar Focuses for the Year

• Using __________to express an opinion
• Using __________ and similar expressions to talk about appearances
• Using __________ to explain a purpose
• Using __________ when wanting to have something done
• Using __________ to express what you don't have to do
• Expressions to convey obligation
• Using honorific and humble forms

Kanji: Kanji on the AP Kanji list.

Grading

Grading categories and percentage breakdowns for the course are as follows: Interpersonal 2-way Communication such as conversations and text chats (15%), Presentational 1-way Output such as speeches and writing (15%), Interpretive 1-way Input such as listening and reading (15%), Tests and Quizzes (25%), Final Exam (20%), Homework / Classwork (10%).