JAPN 320SL - Advanced Japanese Service Learning |
Fall 2018
CSUMB |
Course Description This course gives students the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Japanese language and culture from the perspective of social justice and responsibility through their community service. Students develop advanced level communication skills through discussions, reflection essays, and presentations. Taught in Japanese. (Prereq: (JAPN 300 or equivalent) Units: 4 Course Files
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About Service Learning
Reflective Narrative During the JAPN 320L, Advanced Japanese Service Learning Course students were able to use what they have been studying in college to give back to the community in a productive and enriching way. For this course students taught at a primary school level in the community surroundings CSUMB. Each week in groups of 3-4. We created weekly lesson plans to create a fun and educational lesson for primary students, wrote site reflections on how each weekly lesson went and discussed what can be improved upon, and we learned about the community we served with. At the start of the semester before we volunteered, halfway through the term, and at the end of the semester each group presented about their respective targets sites. We were lucky enough to work with CPY, the Community Partnership for Youth, whose goal is “provide our youth with a safe, structured environment that encourages healthy boundaries, positive self-esteem and the ability to make good choices for a full and successful life”. With CPY each group was placed at different schools, and my group was chosen for Ord Terrace Elementary School, where three other students and I taught Japanese Language and Cultural topics. Some topics were learning songs, games, and Japanese words that would create an interest to learn in a beneficial after school environment. For our course work we finalized a Japanese-based report on what service learning is to us, and how our experiences positively affected our outlook on what a community is. We also wrote weekly reading reflections, lesson plans, and site reflections. Some examples are downloadable to the left. After finishing this course I learned a lot about what service learning means, and how not only can I help my community, but how the local community can help me learn, use my knowledge to make a positive difference, and help youth become interested in learning. Once I graduate college, wherever I go, I hope to stay connected with local communities and work on contributing in a constructive way. To learn more about my service learning experience please click on the service learning tab at the top of the page. |