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Yosei Sugawara

Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.

Japanese

Teaching style

To communicate effectively and comfortably in Japanese, students must learn Japanese grammar and vocabulary, gain proficiency in two nonalphabetic writing systems (Hiragana and Katakana) and become familiar with the most common characters in a third (Kanji).  I know this requires a lot of hard work.  I also know that people learn new languages in different ways – some do well with memorization, some lean on visual or aural cues, and some depend on context.  An important part of my job is to help everyone find what works best for them. 

In class, roughly one third of our time is spent on explanations and review of the covered grammar and vocabulary; however, successful communication also involves important non-linguistic factors – like nonverbal and backchannel behaviors, politeness conventions and conversational turn taking.  These are only learned through observation and interaction, so most class time focuses on students using what they have learned in order to express themselves – both verbally and nonverbally.  We use drills, games, and conversation to have creative fun with Japanese.  Questions are always welcome, and mistakes are never penalized.

Grading

Weekly Assignments – 30%
Participation & Attendance – 20%
Chapter Quizzes – 30%
Final Exam (Oral & Written) – 20%

Background and other interests

I was born and raised in Akita, one of the northernmost prefectures in Japan.  I have taught college-level Japanese language and culture classes here in the United States and in international summer programs in Japan since 1995. 

I am interested in the ways in which our communication styles reflect and shape our culture-specific values and beliefs.  I particularly enjoy investigating the techniques Japanese and American directors and screenwriters employ to tell cinematic versions of the same or similar stories (e.g., The Ring/Ringu, Pulse/Kairo, The Grudge/Ju-on).  The differences and similarities in storytelling directly reflect many of the differences and similarities in our two cultures.   

Education

MA – Intercultural Communication/Interdisciplinary Studies (California State University)
MA – Japanese Linguistics/East Asian Studies (University of Arizona)
PhD – Teaching, Learning and Sociocultural Studies/Education (University of Arizona)