General Education Courses

Course Description: This is the first course in a two-course sequence. The sequence provides students without prior exposure to the language with a sound basis for learning Italian as it is used today in its spoken and written forms. The goal of the sequence is proficiency in communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. The sequence also acquaints students with contemporary culture and life in the Italian-speaking countries. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Italian and they have some prior study of Italian.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course in a two-course sequence. The sequence provides students without prior exposure to the language with a sound basis for learning Italian as it is used today in its spoken and written forms. The goal of the sequence is proficiency in communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. The sequence also acquaints students with contemporary culture and life in the Italian-speaking countries. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Italian and they have some prior study of Italian.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in a two-course sequence. The sequence provides students without prior exposure to the language with a sound basis for learning Italian as it is used today in its spoken and written forms. The goal of the sequence is proficiency in communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. The sequence also acquaints students with contemporary culture and life in the Italian-speaking countries.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in a two-course sequence. The sequence provides students without prior exposure to the language with a sound basis for learning Italian as it is used today in its spoken and written forms. The goal of the sequence is proficiency in communication skills with an emphasis on oral proficiency. The sequence also acquaints students with contemporary culture and life in the Italian-speaking countries.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the intermediate level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the intermediate level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the intermediate level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the intermediate level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Comparative study of Italian New Cinema and its predecessors from 1945 to the 21st century. Devotes particular attention to the perspectives that shaped race, space, gender, and national histories revealed though the cultural and cinematic contexts. Students will view and compare cinema from the Neorealist canon and the New Italian Cinema to explore the possible common thread in film language and the issues discussed. A special attention is given to gender construction in Italian cinema and cinema from United States. The students will write a comparative research paper on more than two films from the different periods, or create a project such as a short film. The course also contrasts the Italian culture and the cultures of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It explores how Italian cinema was seminal in the development of cinematographic industries and production of other countries. Specific attention will be given to the comparison of Italian culture and colonial experience and the Global South. Conducted in English.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Comparative study of Italian New Cinema and its predecessors from 1945 to the 21st century. Devotes particular attention to the perspectives that shaped race, space, gender, and national histories revealed though the cultural and cinematic contexts. Students will view and compare cinema from the Neorealist canon and the New Italian Cinema to explore the possible common thread in film language and the issues discussed. A special attention is given to gender construction in Italian cinema and cinema from United States. The students will write a comparative research paper on more than two films from the different periods, or create a project such as a short film. The course also contrasts the Italian culture and the cultures of the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa. It explores how Italian cinema was seminal in the development of cinematographic industries and production of other countries. Specific attention will be given to the comparison of Italian culture and colonial experience and the Global South. Conducted in English.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the advanced level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the advanced level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the advanced level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course of a two-course sequence at the advanced level. The sequence provides students with the tools to increase their ability to function in Italian. Communicative activities, contemporary texts, and the study of vocabulary and grammar are used to expand all communication skills, especially oral proficiency. This sequence continues to address issues of contemporary Italian life and culture.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course in the first year sequence designed for students with no prior exposure to Japanese. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on oral proficiency and the appropriate use of language in Japanese society. Hiragana and Katakana syllabary is also taught for written communication. Not open to students with prior Japanese instruction. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Japanese and they have some prior study of Japanese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course in the first year sequence designed for students with no prior exposure to Japanese. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on oral proficiency and the appropriate use of language in Japanese society. Hiragana and Katakana syllabary is also taught for written communication. Not open to students with prior Japanese instruction. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Japanese and they have some prior study of Japanese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in the first-year sequence. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency and the appropriate use of language in the Japanese society. Students continue to learn how to use language in real-life situations for different communication purposes. Approximately 120 Kanji characters are also introduced for written communication. Students must have a good command of Hiragana and Katakana and basic knowledge of Kanji to take this course.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in the first-year sequence. It provides a sound introduction to the language as it is spoken and written today. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency and the appropriate use of language in the Japanese society. Students continue to learn how to use language in real-life situations for different communication purposes. Approximately 120 Kanji characters are also introduced for written communication. Students must have a good command of Hiragana and Katakana and basic knowledge of Kanji to take this course.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 60 new Kanji are introduced.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the first course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 60 new Kanji are introduced.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 120 new Kanji are introduced.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This is the second course in the second-year sequence designed to give students more advanced instruction and practice in the skills of speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending contemporary Japanese. A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency through reading, writing, and speaking activities. Students learn cultural information and practice using the language in real life situations in Japanese society. Approximately 120 new Kanji are introduced.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to cultivate basic skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of reading skills and oral communication skills with the use of common phrases, expressions, and Kanji characters that are commonly used in the Japanese society today. This course gives students the opportunity to read various practical texts such as signs, advertisements, notes, instructions, notices, and e-mails. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as filling out forms, asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned in the beginning level in Japanese. Students need to continue the sequential courses (Intermediate Japanese I and II) in order to advance in the intermediate level.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to cultivate basic skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of reading skills and oral communication skills with the use of common phrases, expressions, and Kanji characters that are commonly used in the Japanese society today. This course gives students the opportunity to read various practical texts such as signs, advertisements, notes, instructions, notices, and e-mails. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as filling out forms, asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned in the beginning level in Japanese. Students need to continue the sequential courses (Intermediate Japanese I and II) in order to advance in the intermediate level.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to enhance basic writing and speaking skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of practical daily conversational skills and writing with the use of common phrases, expressions, and Kanji characters that are commonly used in the Japanese society today. This course gives students the opportunity to practice writing various practical passages and texts such as application forms, advertisements, e-mails, blogs, and letters. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned at the beginning level in Japanese. Students need to continue the sequential courses (Intermediate Japanese I and II) in order to advance in the intermediate level.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to enhance basic writing and speaking skills that are essential for daily life in Japan. The main focus is on the development of practical daily conversational skills and writing with the use of common phrases, expressions, and Kanji characters that are commonly used in the Japanese society today. This course gives students the opportunity to practice writing various practical passages and texts such as application forms, advertisements, e-mails, blogs, and letters. The course also provides students opportunities to strengthen practical communication skills through activities and daily life situations such as asking for information, explaining situations in detail, and giving thoughts on daily matters. This course reinforces the materials learned at the beginning level in Japanese. Students need to continue the sequential courses (Intermediate Japanese I and II) in order to advance in the intermediate level.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to introduce students to modern Japanese society, its rich cultural heritage, and the use of Japanese language that reflects the societal norms. It provides students with a fundamental yet diverse knowledge of Japanese culture and Japanese language use. Course work will include lectures, readings, discussions, and working with multi-media resources. Knowledge of Japanese helpful but not necessary.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to introduce students to modern Japanese society, its rich cultural heritage, and the use of Japanese language that reflects the societal norms. It provides students with a fundamental yet diverse knowledge of Japanese culture and Japanese language use. Course work will include lectures, readings, discussions, and working with multi-media resources. Knowledge of Japanese helpful but not necessary.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in all four language skills. Students will practice oral communication with a high degree of proficiency in various social settings. They will improve communicative skills with discussions and debate. They will also receive training in reading semi-authentic and authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, as well as training in writing for a specific purpose, such as news reports and critical essays.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in all four language skills. Students will practice oral communication with a high degree of proficiency in various social settings. They will improve communicative skills with discussions and debate. They will also receive training in reading semi-authentic and authentic materials with the help of a dictionary, as well as training in writing for a specific purpose, such as news reports and critical essays.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in spoken and written production. Students will learn the different writing styles and style in speech in Japanese that range from casual to formal, and will apply them to differentiate the speaking and writing as they engage in spoken and written productions. Production activities include, but not limited to, creative, expository, and persuasive writing and speaking, and some short visual performance such as play.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in spoken and written production. Students will learn the different writing styles and style in speech in Japanese that range from casual to formal, and will apply them to differentiate the speaking and writing as they engage in spoken and written productions. Production activities include, but not limited to, creative, expository, and persuasive writing and speaking, and some short visual performance such as play.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in spoken and written production. Students will learn the different writing styles and style in speech in Japanese that range from casual to formal, and will apply them to differentiate the speaking and writing as they engage in spoken and written productions. Production activities include, but not limited to, creative, expository, and persuasive writing and speaking, and some short visual performance such as play.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course provides advanced students of Japanese with training in spoken and written production. Students will learn the different writing styles and style in speech in Japanese that range from casual to formal, and will apply them to differentiate the speaking and writing as they engage in spoken and written productions. Production activities include, but not limited to, creative, expository, and persuasive writing and speaking, and some short visual performance such as play.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Through selected readings of essays, novels, biographies of historical figures, and contemporary manga (Japanese comics), this course gives students the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, society, and history, in the Japanese language. Also, through discussing and writing as well as reading, this course refines students' language skills with the aim of expressing their thoughts. Furthermore, through individual readings selected by the student and based on their area of interest and ability, this course provides the opportunity to develop expressive skills in Japanese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Through selected readings of essays, novels, biographies of historical figures, and contemporary manga (Japanese comics), this course gives students the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture, society, and history, in the Japanese language. Also, through discussing and writing as well as reading, this course refines students' language skills with the aim of expressing their thoughts. Furthermore, through individual readings selected by the student and based on their area of interest and ability, this course provides the opportunity to develop expressive skills in Japanese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is designed to establish speaking proficiency at an advanced level by expanding students’ understanding of the socio-cultural knowledge necessary for communication. Readings concerning such topics as recent social developments and traditional culture in Japan will provide the basis for students’ discussions in class as well as writing assignments. Students will also master both formal and informal interactions in Japanese in various contexts by practicing dialogues and creating role-plays on situations associated with the topics and skills required for advanced speakers. Moreover, each student will conduct research on a topic related to Japan and give a presentation in Japanese in class. With these kinds of activities, students will not only improve such practical communication skills as expressing their thoughts and giving explanations, but also acquire vocabulary, expressions and kanji characters at a more advanced level, and deepen their understanding of Japan.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course is designed to establish speaking proficiency at an advanced level by expanding students’ understanding of the socio-cultural knowledge necessary for communication. Readings concerning such topics as recent social developments and traditional culture in Japan will provide the basis for students’ discussions in class as well as writing assignments. Students will also master both formal and informal interactions in Japanese in various contexts by practicing dialogues and creating role-plays on situations associated with the topics and skills required for advanced speakers. Moreover, each student will conduct research on a topic related to Japan and give a presentation in Japanese in class. With these kinds of activities, students will not only improve such practical communication skills as expressing their thoughts and giving explanations, but also acquire vocabulary, expressions and kanji characters at a more advanced level, and deepen their understanding of Japan.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course teaches specialized terminology and linguistic structures important for communicating scientific and technological knowledge in the target language. The focus is on developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in interpreting technical Japanese. Students will learn science and technology terms and structures in a broad range of technical areas via experiential learning activities. In addition, students will research and present topics of their own interest or beyond their disciplines. Students will expand their knowledge of the target language to include technical terms/structures and prepare themselves to better apply their language skills in internships, research, and work while exploring and understanding the culture in professional workplaces.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course teaches specialized terminology and linguistic structures important for communicating scientific and technological knowledge in the target language. The focus is on developing students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in interpreting technical Japanese. Students will learn science and technology terms and structures in a broad range of technical areas via experiential learning activities. In addition, students will research and present topics of their own interest or beyond their disciplines. Students will expand their knowledge of the target language to include technical terms/structures and prepare themselves to better apply their language skills in internships, research, and work while exploring and understanding the culture in professional workplaces.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: The course gives students an opportunity to study professional language and culture as well as to practice presentation and negotiation skills, especially in professional and formal contexts. Students will improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills developed in the elementary/intermediate sequence to master formal interactions in Japanese. They will learn professional vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical structures through readings, conversation, and discussion. They will cultivate expressive skills through discussion, writing assignments, and a video tutorial project. This course will be useful for students who are planning to seek employment in international companies or in companies doing business abroad, and also for students who want to learn more about business in Japan. This is a language class; proficiency equivalent to Intermediate Japanese II is required.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: The course gives students an opportunity to study professional language and culture as well as to practice presentation and negotiation skills, especially in professional and formal contexts. Students will improve speaking, listening, reading and writing skills developed in the elementary/intermediate sequence to master formal interactions in Japanese. They will learn professional vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical structures through readings, conversation, and discussion. They will cultivate expressive skills through discussion, writing assignments, and a video tutorial project. This course will be useful for students who are planning to seek employment in international companies or in companies doing business abroad, and also for students who want to learn more about business in Japan. This is a language class; proficiency equivalent to Intermediate Japanese II is required.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This one-credit course provides students opportunities to intensively practice and improve real-life speaking skills in the target language, beyond what is possible in regular language courses. Grammar relevant to each context and communicative goal may be reviewed as necessary. This course may also provide cultural information related to current events and daily life. Open to any students that meet the level required for each section or equivalent who desire extra practice.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This one-credit course provides students opportunities to intensively practice and improve real-life speaking skills in the target language, beyond what is possible in regular language courses. Grammar relevant to each context and communicative goal may be reviewed as necessary. This course may also provide cultural information related to current events and daily life. Open to any students that meet the level required for each section or equivalent who desire extra practice.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to increase student understanding of basic characteristics of the Japanese language. Topics include the genetic affiliation of the Japanese language, sound system, word formation, syntactic structures, socio-cultural factors in language use, and historical development of the writing system. Students will become acquainted with the language from a linguistics perspective and develop analytical skills by solving linguistic problems pertinent to Japanese language.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: This course aims to increase student understanding of basic characteristics of the Japanese language. Topics include the genetic affiliation of the Japanese language, sound system, word formation, syntactic structures, socio-cultural factors in language use, and historical development of the writing system. Students will become acquainted with the language from a linguistics perspective and develop analytical skills by solving linguistic problems pertinent to Japanese language.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Beginning Portuguese I introduces the Portuguese language and culture to beginners, and builds the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Portuguese and they have some prior study of Portuguese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Beginning Portuguese I introduces the Portuguese language and culture to beginners, and builds the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Students must take placement exam if this is their first RIT class in Portuguese and they have some prior study of Portuguese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Beginning Portuguese II continues the first-year study of Portuguese language and culture, including work in the present tense, the past tenses, and introducing the subjunctive mood, continuing to build the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Consult program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class and they have some prior study of Portuguese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.

Course Description: Beginning Portuguese II continues the first-year study of Portuguese language and culture, including work in the present tense, the past tenses, and introducing the subjunctive mood, continuing to build the foundation skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing and culture. Based on Brazilian Portuguese, along with study of all Lusophone countries. Part of the SILP/World languages program. Consult program coordinator if this is your first RIT Portuguese course. Students must take the placement exam if this is their first RIT Portuguese class and they have some prior study of Portuguese.

For prerequisites, availability, other details and to register, go to http://sis.rit.edu/.