Hear from Our Alumni!
Curious about the impact of taking Japanese? Watch Stephen share his experience and advice for current students!!
Stephen Nguyen ‘17
B.S. Human Biology | B.A. East Asian Languages and Cultures
Completed EALC 322: Advanced Japanese II
Other Students’ Comments:
An excellent opportunity to learn Japanese. I have made even more progress than I expected due to the great teaching. The course is demanding but fun with a positive ambiance. I enjoy coming to class and learning Japanese in this program. Highly recommended!
Law | Completed EALC 120: Japanese I
The Japanese course offers a very meticulous and in-depth learning experience. The syllabus is extremely detailed, all you need to do is follow it. The learning process is designed in a highly logical and structured way, so you will never feel lost, as every step is clearly explained. The course is built around four key skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Throughout the class, you become familiar with vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar through repeated exposure (both in lessons and homework) and gradually learn how to use them naturally in conversation. I can feel my Japanese improving step by step, almost without noticing it. In addition, you will also learn about interesting aspects of Japanese culture. Our instructor provides detailed explanations of the cultural background behind words and expressions, and sometimes uses situational dialogues to help students understand them, making the language come alive. You will even have the opportunity to create your own short skit in Japanese to deepen your understanding.
East Asian Languages and Cultures | Completed EALC 120: Japanese I
I began the Japanese program at USC as a part of the requirements for the Ph.D. program in EALC, but quickly discovered a passion for the culture and language of Japan through the warmth of the Japanese instructors here. While Japanese language acquisition can seem like a daunting task, the teachers here are so supportive, kind, and push their students to do their best. The encouraging atmosphere of the Japanese program at USC created the ideal environment for completing my requirement and finding a new research avenue through the Japanese language.
Ph.D. East Asian Languages and Cultures | Completed EALC 222: Japanese IV