FORT WORTH JAPANESE SOCIETY
Overview of Japanese Adult Language School

General Overview

The Japanese Language School of Fort Worth Japanese Society (FWJS) aims to work as a bridge between Japanese and American cultures through teaching of the Japanese language. We also hope everyone finds it fun to broaden their cross-cultural experience through learning the Japanese language.

The FWJS students are encouraged to experience Japanese culture through participating as volunteers in some seasonal events, such as Japanese Festival in Botanical Garden, Anime Fest in Dallas, and so on.

In order to provide lessons of good quality, we try to maintain the number of students in each class to minimum of three and a maximum of eight.

Because our program emphasizes practical communication skills including conversation and reading / writing, and is not structured under any ISD curriculum, at the moment we do not cooperate in Advanced Placement Programs.

• The class year begins in September and runs through May -- the fall semester is from September through November and the spring semester is from January through May. We use a semester system (please refer to the class schedule), effective January 2009.
  
• The classes are held at Yamagata Center in the evenings of Monday or Thursday (once a week, depending on the level). Class duration is one and a half hours. The class schedule will not be determined until after registration.
  
• Returning students should contact, by phone or e-mail, their former teachers to notice FWJS that they are planning on returning for the following term in order to hold their seat. The class seats cannot be guaranteed without the notice.
  
• Registration is at the beginning of each new term. Those who wish to join a class after initial registration may still be accepted if there are any openings in the class and according to their level.
  
• Textbooks used in classes vary, depending on the level. Books can be purchased at our school or at local bookstores; the cost is generally between $25 and $30 depending on the textbook. The students are encouraged to purchase their own textbooks as soon as their class is assigned and the text for the course is designated by the instructor.

Curriculum

The classes are delivered in both Japanese and English or Japanese only, depending on the level. Students are encouraged to speak Japanese as much as possible. Instructors are all native speakers.

The class level determinations and student groupings are made based on placement tests. Test results are used as a general guide to students’ progress and correct placement. These do not always correspond directly to the number of classes or semesters actually taken. Students’ progress depends on the individual. Students will repeat various course levels until they are ready for a higher level.

Level 1 - Introduction Course

This course is intended for those who take Japanese classes for their first time.

Students will practice Japanese pronunciation and learn basic communication skills. Also, students will be introduced to two of the three forms of Japanese writing, Hiragana and Katakana.

The course covers the lessons 1-15 of the textbook Japanese for Busy People I.

Japanese culture will be introduced as well throughout the lessons.

1. Practice in short dialogs; greetings, introducing yourselves, identifying objects, basic request and instructions.
2. Basic vocabulary and grammar.
3. Numbering and counting systems (1 to 100).
4. Basic conjugation of Verbs (present tense, past tense and negative form).
5. Practical lessons in reading and writing Hiragana.

Level 2, 3, 4 - Beginners Course

This course is intended for those who have completed our Introduction class or its equivalent. Students will master both reading and writing in Hiragana and Katakana by finishing these classes.

This course covers the rest of the textbook Japanese for Busy People l.

1. Continued use of Japanese writing forms Hiragana and Katakana to improve ability and familiarity, and introduction of Kanji.
2. Expanded verb conjunction and grammar.
3. Introduction of simple adjectives.
4. Practice in more complex situations and longer conversations, telephoning, social exchanges, asking preferences, doing this and that.

Level 5 – Intermediate Course

This course is intended for the students who finished level 4 and wish to improve grammar, reading / writing and conversation skills. This course is for those who have mastered reading and writing Hiragana and Katakana. Our native Japanese teacher will use Japanese about half the time during the class.  Students should have a full understanding of the verb -te form. All handouts will be provided by the teacher. Students will repeat this level until they are ready for the next level.

Level 6 - Pre-Advanced Course

This course is organized for those who have completed Level 5 or its equivalent. The Textbook used in this class is written only in Japanese, this course is for those who have mastered reading and writing Hiragana and Katakana and also mastered between 100 and 150 Kanji. Our native Japanese teacher and the students will use Japanese about 80% the time during the class. Course progression will be flexible and will follow the direction of students’ interest. Students will repeat this level until they are ready for the next level.

Level 7 - Advanced Course

This class is for those who completed the Pre-Advanced class and like to improve conversation, reading and writing skills. Our native Japanese teacher uses Japanese only and also expects the students to speak in Japanese only during this class. Also the textbook used in the class is written in Japanese only, Hiragana, Katakana and Kanji, so the students are required to read and write basic Kanji. Other materials in addition to the textbook will be handed out by the teacher.

Tuition

• The tuition levels for each trimester are:
• Spring: 16 lessons, $155, or $120 for Japanese Society members.
• Summer: 4 lessons, $46, or $36 for Japanese Society members.
• Fall: 12 lessons, $123, or $95 for Japanese Society members.
• The payment will be made on the registration day (payment should be cash or personal checks only, no credit card is accepted, please write a check payable to Fort Worth Japanese Society).
• Tuition (after taking three lessons) and a fee of textbook are not refundable. Those who are interested in joining us are welcome and encouraged to observe a class session.