Online Japanese Courses and Classes Review

Online Japanese courses are often offered through distance learning or professional development programs at colleges and universities. Though some courses may culminate in a Japanese certificate, many online Japanese courses are offered as stand-alone learning opportunities.

Overview of Online Japanese Courses

Japanese courses teach students how to read, write and speak Japanese. In addition to grammatical and syntax rules, online Japanese courses typically introduce students to social customs associated with Japanese communication. Some online Japanese courses may be intended for business professionals, while others take a broad approach and teach students how to use the language in everyday situations.
Online Japanese courses may lead to an undergraduate certificate in Japanese or may be available to undergraduate students enrolled in non-Japanese degree programs with foreign language requirements. Non-credit courses may be offered through free online programs sponsored by colleges and universities, like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's OpenCourseWare. Japanese fluency and a history of Japanese coursework could lead to a job as a tutor or interpreter of Japanese, especially for bachelor's degree holders. Interpreters may work with manufacturing, automotive and computer technology companies.

Course Requirements

Because of the complexity of the language, many online Japanese courses require students to use textbooks and additional learning materials. Students should have Internet access, an e-mail address and in some cases, voice software that allows students to record or listen to Japanese expressions. Some online Japanese courses may require students to complete on-campus exams or assignments. Students should be comfortable participating in discussions and submitting assignments online, though many online courses provide technical support and assistance.

List of Popular Online Japanese Courses

Introductory Japanese Course

Students with no experience reading, writing or speaking Japanese typically begin with an elementary learning course. Beginning Japanese courses introduce students to Japanese letters, characters and basic sentence structures. Students learn how to properly form sentences using various tenses, verbs, nouns and adjectives. This course also teaches the basic cultural aspects of Japanese conversation and communication.

Intermediate Japanese Course

Designed for students with existing knowledge of Japanese, this course introduces students to additional Japanese characters and complex sentence structures. Students learn how to comprehend abstract expressions and converse face-to-face with other Japanese-speaking individuals.

Advanced Japanese Course

Advanced Japanese courses teach students how to read and write advanced characters, expressions and sentences. Advanced courses focus on the conversational and practical aspects of Japanese, allowing students to use their skills in real-life settings. Students in advanced Japanese courses expand their vocabularies and improve overall speaking skills.

Japanese Translation Course

Japanese translation courses introduces students to the methods and theories of translation. Using literary analysis techniques, students learn how to effectively translate Japanese and non-Japanese texts. Translation courses typically require students to have an advanced understanding of the language.

Japanese Literature Course

This advanced course allows students to analyze Japanese literature, cinema and other media in order to learn more about the language's common use and intricacies. The course also focuses on advanced social expressions in Japanese culture.