H1N1

Thank goodness I haven't exhibited flu-like symptoms like many of my students have--or claim to have: "Sensei, I am exhibiting flu-like symptoms and am unable to attend class today." Hmmm... sounds like a cut and paste job from an email sent by the dean. Oh well, what can you do? I have yet to exhibit anything–knock on wood–but you never know. So I got my seasonal flu shot and am anxiously waiting for the H1N1 vaccine. Of course, if I catch something, then maybe I can take off and rest for a week or so. I'm sure some of my students would appreciate a reprieve from my weekly quizzes and writing assignments.

Anyway, I got an email from President Obama asking me personally to spread the word about their new Flu.gov website. Yes, I get an email from him often, like everyday, sometimes three times a day. Of course, much of it goes something like, "with your tax deductable support we can..." But seriously, the email comes directly from him...

Anyway, everyone, check out the site for the latest info on H1Ni, and please stay healthy and germ free. And always wash those hands!

Language Tea Time

Anyone wanna join me for some Japanese?

The Sigur Center for Asian Studies Presents:

LANGUAGE TEA TIMES!

Chinese Tea Time

When: 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Japanese:
October 22, November 12

Where: The Sigur Center for Asian Studies, 1957 E St, NW
Suite 503, the Chung-Wen Shih Conference Room

Summer Japanese at GW--Tell your friends... well, maybe not yet...

Every summer we want to offer a summer course for Japanese language but for whatever reason, students do not come. I have to believe that there is interest out there, but we can never get enough enrollment. So this year, with a little encouragement from the Dean's office--specifically Assistant Dean Keller--I've cooked up a proposal that I hope will garner interest. Remember, this is a proposal for now. We will see if it flies...

Intended goals of program
Summer courses at most universities—including GW—tend to be individual, unconnected classes offered as a means for students to fulfill GCRs or to graduate on time. The idea of this Taste of Japanese Language and Culture program is to offer an integrated learning experience incorporating language and culture to inspire students about Japan while passing the summer in an educationally productive manner.

Dates of classes & total contact hours
An eight (8) week program from May 17 to July 9 as per GW’s academic calendar 2009-10.

• Intensive Basic Japanese will meet for three hours, four days a week, Monday through Thursday for a total of 93.3 contact hour (excluding the Final Exam day).
• Intensive Intermediate Japanese will meet for three hours, four days a week, Monday through Thursday for a total of 93.3 contact hour (excluding the Final Exam day).
• Japanese Culture through Film will meet three times a week, one meeting will be 2.5 hours for screening and discussion of film, the other two meeting will meet for one hour (a full 60 minutes). Total contact hours total equals 36 hours

Targeted audience
The primary target audience is GW students who wish to accelerate their Japanese language learning schedule. However, by integrating language and culture together, we also hope to attract non-GW students and the public at large.

Draft syllabus & timeline
Both Intensive Language courses can be held from 10 AM in the morning to 1:50 PM with a 10 minute break and a 40 minute joint lunch with students and instructor daily.