My Integrative Narrative
This narrative is basically a reflective narrative for each and every course that links to the requirement of the five MLOs. The MLOs are provided through course work so I admit, there will be slight repetition but once you move through my page, I describe each MLO in much more detail describing how a particular course reaches this certain MLO requirement and what I gained and activities I performed. This page isn’t entirely reading; once you reach my MLO 5, study abroad page, I linked another resource site so you can see all the pictures and experiences I seen and done with my Tokyo, Japan gallery. I took a few courses including service learning classes that reflect on all MLOs.
In my language and communication courses (MLO1), I was able to effectively communicate in Japanese in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. In order to achieve these communicational modes, I gained proficiency in my writing, reading and my oral proficiency. I gave Japanese presentations to the class and answered questions from audience. Next, these courses always contained class discussions where I had to participate in answering and asking questions, negotiating, comparing and contrasting topics and perspectives. Classes contained readings that I had to analyze, evaluate and present my understanding of those readings to the class. Of course, I received written homework which helped me improve my kanji, write clear and correct grammar sentences, and analyzing the semantics of my writing. In both my courses, Japanese 401: Structure of Japanese Language and Japanese 302: History of Japan, I will be clarifying the language and communication outcomes from each course. Examples will also be provided.
All of my culture courses, (MLO2 and MLO3) that I’ve taken have dramatically improved my ability to communicate with Japanese speakers and appreciate Japanese culture. Having so much knowledge of another language gives me an advantage in a wide range of careers. Through discussions, presentations, analyzing historical, poetic and literature documents have helped me achieve language competency and deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Some culture courses involved media resources that gave me visual understanding of Japanese culture. I had the ability to investigate and explain relationships among cultural ideologies and socio-historical experiences, interests, identities, and actions of specific cultural groups. These courses expanded my cultural mentality and actually made me appreciate my own culture a little more. Japan has so many differences from American culture and the culture courses guided me into the state of mind of a Japanese person. Now, I feel much more open minded about others. I listen to others’ ideas, perspectives, and experiences in order to: grasp common similarities, differences, negotiate, and improve communication. Also, now I love to learn more about Japanese culture just out of curiosity. Although Japan is quite westernized, the purpose of these culture courses really helped me see the social, economical, and recreational differences of the country.
For the classes, required for MLO 4, I, along with my classmates, become familiar with appropriate research methodologies and am able to apply such in my Japanese studies. Along with my advisors, Sarah Dahlen is a Sr. Assistant Librarian and she was a huge help on providing me with the most convenient research pathways to collect credible evidence for my Capstone topic. In addition to these particular pathways, I used appropriate technologies in research and studies relative to Japanese language and culture. Again, Sarah Dahlen helped incredibly about specific technology websites and formats for my capstone references however; Dr. Sekine and Dr. Saito Sensei provided guided practice along with additional websites that assist with Japanese translation and kanji character discovery. Lastly, I collected, managed and analyzed current and emerging technology-based resource to develop and produce my scholarly work. Weebly is the technology-based resource I used to input all my scholarly work about my capstone, course work, and study abroad experience. I enjoyed using this website for all my Japanese professors and advisers were able to see how much I’ve been growing along the years of completing Japanese courses. Also, viewers are able read my work and then tell me what I need to work on or edit for my work.
The one course related to research and technology was primary to advancing my proficiency in Japanese communication. Through oral and written presentations and also discussions served greatly towards the development of my final project. Honestly, my technology skills were not up to par before taking this Japanese class, affiliated with MLO4. I got face to face help with research professionals who expanded my knowledge of how to appropriately search for credible articles and books of my final project topic. Professor Sekine was an outstanding influence to me; she always managed more than enough time to assist me with any problems and questions. She also made this course very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed going to the class. Professor Sekine did a great job preparing me with the necessary tools and information in developing my final project by always editing my presentations, homework and notes. Peer review from my fellow classmates helped me gather new ideas for my project. Professor made sure that I was listening and considering different suggestions and opinions by classmates and when I did, it made a big difference.
I chose the Japanese language and culture major because I wanted to challenge myself for I have a strong passion for learning languages. Also, I love Japanese, Chinese and Tai martial art films. Addition to those facts, I’ve always had a fancy for kanji characters. How amazing would it be if I learned how to write kanji, I would say to myself. Initially, a certain proficiency was the only category I had a goal of improving but I learned so much more. I’ve taken many culture courses to study the people and the cities and mannerisms. I even traveled to Tokyo, Japan. I thought I would never experience something like that in my life. The fact that I can interact and communicate with Japanese people is an area I’m most proud of. I’m proud of myself that I lived in Japan, using my Japanese knowledge without guidance or help. In the future, I would like to develop better Japanese behavioral knowledge. It was slightly difficult for me to adapt in Japanese society even though I’ve taken many courses to prepare for it.
In my language and communication courses (MLO1), I was able to effectively communicate in Japanese in interpersonal, interpretive and presentational modes. In order to achieve these communicational modes, I gained proficiency in my writing, reading and my oral proficiency. I gave Japanese presentations to the class and answered questions from audience. Next, these courses always contained class discussions where I had to participate in answering and asking questions, negotiating, comparing and contrasting topics and perspectives. Classes contained readings that I had to analyze, evaluate and present my understanding of those readings to the class. Of course, I received written homework which helped me improve my kanji, write clear and correct grammar sentences, and analyzing the semantics of my writing. In both my courses, Japanese 401: Structure of Japanese Language and Japanese 302: History of Japan, I will be clarifying the language and communication outcomes from each course. Examples will also be provided.
All of my culture courses, (MLO2 and MLO3) that I’ve taken have dramatically improved my ability to communicate with Japanese speakers and appreciate Japanese culture. Having so much knowledge of another language gives me an advantage in a wide range of careers. Through discussions, presentations, analyzing historical, poetic and literature documents have helped me achieve language competency and deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Some culture courses involved media resources that gave me visual understanding of Japanese culture. I had the ability to investigate and explain relationships among cultural ideologies and socio-historical experiences, interests, identities, and actions of specific cultural groups. These courses expanded my cultural mentality and actually made me appreciate my own culture a little more. Japan has so many differences from American culture and the culture courses guided me into the state of mind of a Japanese person. Now, I feel much more open minded about others. I listen to others’ ideas, perspectives, and experiences in order to: grasp common similarities, differences, negotiate, and improve communication. Also, now I love to learn more about Japanese culture just out of curiosity. Although Japan is quite westernized, the purpose of these culture courses really helped me see the social, economical, and recreational differences of the country.
For the classes, required for MLO 4, I, along with my classmates, become familiar with appropriate research methodologies and am able to apply such in my Japanese studies. Along with my advisors, Sarah Dahlen is a Sr. Assistant Librarian and she was a huge help on providing me with the most convenient research pathways to collect credible evidence for my Capstone topic. In addition to these particular pathways, I used appropriate technologies in research and studies relative to Japanese language and culture. Again, Sarah Dahlen helped incredibly about specific technology websites and formats for my capstone references however; Dr. Sekine and Dr. Saito Sensei provided guided practice along with additional websites that assist with Japanese translation and kanji character discovery. Lastly, I collected, managed and analyzed current and emerging technology-based resource to develop and produce my scholarly work. Weebly is the technology-based resource I used to input all my scholarly work about my capstone, course work, and study abroad experience. I enjoyed using this website for all my Japanese professors and advisers were able to see how much I’ve been growing along the years of completing Japanese courses. Also, viewers are able read my work and then tell me what I need to work on or edit for my work.
The one course related to research and technology was primary to advancing my proficiency in Japanese communication. Through oral and written presentations and also discussions served greatly towards the development of my final project. Honestly, my technology skills were not up to par before taking this Japanese class, affiliated with MLO4. I got face to face help with research professionals who expanded my knowledge of how to appropriately search for credible articles and books of my final project topic. Professor Sekine was an outstanding influence to me; she always managed more than enough time to assist me with any problems and questions. She also made this course very entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed going to the class. Professor Sekine did a great job preparing me with the necessary tools and information in developing my final project by always editing my presentations, homework and notes. Peer review from my fellow classmates helped me gather new ideas for my project. Professor made sure that I was listening and considering different suggestions and opinions by classmates and when I did, it made a big difference.
I chose the Japanese language and culture major because I wanted to challenge myself for I have a strong passion for learning languages. Also, I love Japanese, Chinese and Tai martial art films. Addition to those facts, I’ve always had a fancy for kanji characters. How amazing would it be if I learned how to write kanji, I would say to myself. Initially, a certain proficiency was the only category I had a goal of improving but I learned so much more. I’ve taken many culture courses to study the people and the cities and mannerisms. I even traveled to Tokyo, Japan. I thought I would never experience something like that in my life. The fact that I can interact and communicate with Japanese people is an area I’m most proud of. I’m proud of myself that I lived in Japan, using my Japanese knowledge without guidance or help. In the future, I would like to develop better Japanese behavioral knowledge. It was slightly difficult for me to adapt in Japanese society even though I’ve taken many courses to prepare for it.