General
The Japanese as Secondary Language Class (JSL) was established in 1989 to promote understanding and to introduce Japanese customs and culture to the American public through the teaching of Japanese language. The course is designed to provide the basic of elementary Japanese language with emphasis on mature conversation skills.
Because the program emphasizes practical conversation and is not structured under any ISD curriculum, successful completion of this program will not earn academic credit under the American Education System. The program stresses comprehension and practical conversation skills over formal academics.
- The class term begins in August and runs to June. The exact schedule of each year will be announced at the beginning of the term, however the average term is 40 days.
- The classes are held at Ted Polk Middle School each Saturday. For class hour, please see the registration form.
- Students wishing to enter after classes have begun will be accepted as long as space permitting, however the school board committee reserves the right to decide the grade considering his/her knowledge.
- The class uses "Japanese for Busy People I" and "Japanese for Busy People II "as text books. (Note: Those text books are printed in both Roman and Japanese lettering systems.) Text books are available at our school or local bookstores for around $25. The students are encouraged to have the text by the first day of class. During the class, the supplementary materials prepared by the teachers will also be used.
- Each class will accommodate about 25 students. (If the number of students exceed this quota, the school board committee will review the option of increasing the number of classes depending on the availability of teachers and space.)
Curriculum
The text employed is printed in both Roman and Japanese lettering systems. Instructors are native speakers.
The JSL curriculum includes Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced courses as follows:
Level 1: Introduction Course
This course is for those who are taking Japanese classes for the first time. You will learn to speak and understand basic sentences and be able to make simple conversations. Also, you will learn to read and write HIRAGANA.
The course covers the lessons 1-15 of the text "Japanese for Busy People I". Although the text book is the main material in class, we hope you learn not only the language, but also about Japanese culture as well.
- Basic vocabulary and grammar.
- Numbering and counting systems.
- Elementary conjugation of Verbs.
- Practical lessons in reading and writing "Hiragana" alphabet system.
- Practice in elementary conversation skills, greetings, useful expressions, identifying objects, basic request and instructions.
Level 2: Intermediate Course
This course is for those who have completed JSL 1 course or its equivalent. In JSL 1, we have learned simple sentences (all three sentences patterns: nominal sentence, adjectival sentence, verbal sentence). Also, the instructor will expect you to read "Hiragana" because in this course, "Kanji" will be introduced.
The course covers the lessons 15-30 of the text "Japanese for Busy People I".
- Continued use of Japanese alphabet "Hiragana & Katakana" to improve ability and familiarity, and introduction of "Kanji".
- Expanded verb conjunction and grammar.
- Introduction of simple adjectives.
- Practice in more complex aspects of basic conversations skills, telephoning, social exchanges, giving and receiving.
Level 3, 4: Experienced Course
These courses are organized for those who have completed the JSL 1 and JSL 2 or their equivalent. These courses cover the "Japanese for Busy People II". Course progression will be flexible and will follow the direction of students' interest.
Level 5: Advanced Course
This class is for the student who finished level 4 and likes to improve grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. Our native Japanese teacher will use Japanese as much as possible during the class. All textbook and materials will be given by the teacher. This course can be taken repeatedly till you are ready for level 6.
Level 6: Advanced Course II
This class is for the student who finished level 5 course and like to improve conversation, reading and writing skills. Our native Japanese teacher will use Japanese as much as possible during this class. All textbook and materials will be given by the teacher. This course can be taken repeatedly.
Enrollment Fee
One time enrollment fee is $30.00 for new student.
Tuition
- Tuition for the class is $280.00 for all class per school year. The student may divide the tuition into two payments, payable by the first day of class for the first half, and at the end of January for the balance.
- The payment will be mailed to the office of Dallas Japanese Association. Checks should be made payable to Dallas Japanese Association.
- Student entering after classes have begun will pay a prorated tuition based upon the remaining class period.
- Tuition, fee, text, and supplies are not refundable. Those interested in participating are welcome and encouraged to visit the school and observe a class session.
Eligibility
Anyone 16 years old (or older) interested in learning Japanese Language is eligible to participate in the class.
Registration
The person who wished to participate in the class should submit an application to the Dallas Japanese Association.
Other information
- Address and phone number of the office at the Dallas Japanese Association:
Address: 4100 Alpha Rd., Suite 917, Dallas, TX 75244 (Tuesday though Friday)
Phone No: 972-458-0478
Fax No: 972-490-8862
E-mail : dja@godja.org
- Address of the school:
Address: c/o Ted Polk Middle Schoolm 2001 Kelley Blvd, Carrollton, TX 75006 (Saturday only)
Cell: 972-977-1256
Please do not contact Ted Polk Middle School or the CFB ISD. School facility is leased to Japanese Language Advancement School of Dallas by special courtesy of the CFB ISD.
Registration or any questions
- REGISTRATION FORM (including all information described in this page)
- any question to dja@godja.org
JSL Schedule of School Year (Sep. 2008 - Jun. 2009)
2008 Fall Semester (20 Classes)
- August: 30
- September: 06, 13, 20, 27
- October: 04, 11, 18, 25
- November: 01, 08, 15, 22
- December: 06, 13, 20
- January: 10, 17, 24, 31
2009 Spring Semester (20 Classes)
- February: 07, 14, 21, 28
- March: 07, 14, 21
- April: 04, 11, 18, 25
- May: 02, 09, 16, 23, 30
- June: 06, 13, 20, 27
CLASS HOURS
- JSL LEVEL 1) 12:00PM - 2:00PM
- JSL LEVEL 2) 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- JSL LEVEL 3) 12:00PM - 2:00PM
- JSL LEVEL 4) 12:00PM - 2:00PM
- JSL LEVEL 5) 9:30AM - 11:30AM
- JSL LEVEL 6) 9:30AM - 11:30AM