The language programs at the Monterey Institute are very unique and special, and Japanese is not an exception.  The majority of our students have had two to three years of Japanese study, and/or have lived in for a good length of time.  Some even have 5-10 years of experience in when they enroll in MIIS!  We have a large number of students who were former JET participants who taught English (ALTs), or who worked in government offices (CIRs).  Therefore, when they come to the Institute, many students have intermediate to advanced skills in Japanese. 

Our Japanese Studies curriculum offers a variety of content courses every semester.  For example, in the advanced level course called "Current Issues in Japanese Media" students regularly watch current news broadcast on Japanese TV programs, read newspaper articles related to the news, and have discussions.  Using these authentic materials as a resource, students exercise their listening and understanding skills. They also exercise summarizing and presenting their own ideas and opinions for discussion, and read Japanese newspapers to expand their vocabulary.  Another example of a content course is "Japan in Transition", in which students discuss various issues from changing Japanese employment system and corporate culture, to recent social/cultural changes taking place in.

JS310 Life in Contemporary Japan
Aims at developing communicative effectiveness with accuracy in spoken and written Japanese in the context of contemporary concerns of Japan.

JS320 Structure of Japanese
Develops fluency and accuracy in reading and written communication with the emphasis on mastering basic grammar structures and intermediate level expressions.

JS330 Japan Today
Develops fluency and accuracy in oral communication and in reading and writing narrative and expository texts on current cultural and social topics.

JS335 Visiting Japan on Business (Fall 2007)
Develops advanced oral communication skills in various situations encountered in visiting, working , and living in Japan, with special attention to different speech levels.

JS345 Japan Today Through Readings A project-based course aiming at developing oral and reading skills through reading a great deal of authentic materials concerning current political, economic, social state of Japan. Multi-media materials are also used to enhance class discussion on current issues.

JS349 Current News in Japan
This is an intermediate/advanced Japanese course designed to develop language skills that are necessary to understand current news in Japan.  Listening to authentic news as well as further developing oral and written communication skills through discussion on the news, summarizing and presenting the content, writing your opinions/views on the issues, etc. will be focused in the class.  The authentic NHK TV Japan news will be utilized for materials as well as some newspaper/magazine articles for supplementary reading. The students will practice both extensive (listening to get the general information) and intensive (listening for details) listening skills, and become used to the most current news in Japan in the area of international relations, politics, economics, and social issues.  Weekly journal will be used for the students to express themselves in writing and thus acquire and solidify newly learned vocabulary and structures in class.  In addition, portion of the class time will be devoted to reviewing intermediate grammar and expressions, to improve the students’ overall language understanding.

JS360-361 Business Japanese I&II
Enables students to understand and use Japanese in a wide variety of business-related situations. Familiarizes them with customary expressions and frequently used terms in business dialogues, documents, and articles.

JS370-371 Current Issues in Japanese Media I&II
Studies Japanese newspapers and TV news. Familiarizes students with textual features of Japanese media through developing skills for scanning, skimming and Internet browsing.

JS380 Japanese for Professional Purposes
Emphasizes development  of skills and practical knowledge that may be necessary when working in Japanese environment. Topics include basic translation, conducting survey, making presentation and public speaking.

JS 385 Japanese for Professional Purposes
This is an advanced Japanese language course focusing on further developing oral communication skills that are needed when you use Japanese for professional purposes.  The use of Japanese for professional purposes is differentiated from that for academic purposes or survival purposes.  This course aims to develop 1) the ability to understand the Japanese used in a variety of situations and circumstances related to professional (business and formal) settings, and 2) the communication skills to attain such functions as stating opinions, persuading, complaining, negotiating, etc.  Also, such topics as writing business letters and email, effective self-introduction, usage of keigo, writing resume and cover letters, use of phone in offices, effective presentations, etc., will be addressed.  This course is particularly recommended for those who wish to do an internship in Japan in the future.

JS390 Contemporary Texts: Business, Policies and Environment
Further develops reading and communication skills through authentic materials from multi media sources. TV program, radio broadcasting, newspapers, and magazines will be used to enhance reading and discussion. Review of advanced grammar as needed basis.

JS392/492 Close up Gendai Develops advanced reading skills, including scanning, skimming, prediction, anticipation and deduction by doing extensive reading and researching, and further oral communication skills by studying and discussing on topics that are currently 'hot' in Japan. Review of advanced grammar as needed basis.

JS400 Rapid Reading and Content Writing
Develops reading skills, including scanning, skimming, prediction, anticipation and deduction. Practices reading suited to specific objectives and reading materials.

JS420 Teaching Japanese
Explores issues involved in teaching Japanese in different settings such as high school, community college, universities and private companies. Includes textbook/material selection, curriculum and course design, and class activities.

JS440 Japanese Civilization
Provides an overview of political, economic and social issues that Japan faces at the turn of the century. Topics include political and economic reforms, aging society, educational system, environmental problems, and women on the job.

JS465 Japan and the World
The course will introduce the students to the discussion among the Japanese intellectual and policy communities about Japan's place in the changing world.  Among the main themes in this discussion that the course will examine are:

1. Japan's relations with its neighboring countries, including China, North and South Korea, Russia, and the United States with an emphasis on the impact of the legacy of history on that relationship, the current state of relations, and future prospects;
2. Japan's relations with the United States, with a focus on
3. Within the context of items 1 and 2 above, such specific topics as:
1. the revision of the Japanese constitution;
2. the revision of the basic law on education;
3. the issue of Japanese history textbooks;
4. the Yasukuni Shrine controversy;
5. Japan's bid to gain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council;
6. the North Korean nuclear and missile development and Japan's response;
7. the territorial disputes Japan has with China, Korea, and Russia;
8. nationalism in Japan, China, Korea, and Russia;
9. the changing nature of the Japan-U.S. alliance and the changes Japan may need to make in its domestic legislation, defense capabilities, and international security role;
10. Japan's economic relations with the other major Asian economies;
11. socio-economic changes in Japan that require major policy decisions on how open Japan should become to foreign influences and peoples; and,
12. the self-definition of the Japanese as a unique people with a unique civilization. 

In addition to the reading assignments, students will be required to undertake the following assignments:

1. A series of short (2-page) commentaries on a selection of reading assignments;
2. A panel discussion of main opinions in Japan on one of the topics listed under item 3 above;
3. A research paper (15-pages) on a different topic than the one for the panel discussion; and,
4. A letter to the editor (1 page) on the same topic as for the research paper.

JS470 Gender Issues in Japan
Discusses gender issues in Japan with respect to legislation, economy, work, education, society, culture, media and language use. Topics include family relations, roles and status of women in family, gender issues hidden in society and custom, recent changes and new trend.

JS480 Japanese Business and Economy
Focuses on articles related to Japanese business and trade in Asia and the United States. Acquisition  of advanced writing skills and effective expression on various topics, including business, personal and academic.