LANG3113 - Japanese for Retail & Tourism

Course Description

This intensive Japanese language and culture course is designed to prepare students for communicating with Japanese customers.  When communicating with them, it is essential to use the appropriate level of polite expressions, while being mindful that cultural sensitivity, or the awareness of customer’s needs and expectations, serves as the foundation for using polite language.  During this course, you will learn the use of “polite language in Japanese” when interacting with customers in a variety of service industries such as hotels, airlines, retail shops, restaurants, transportation companies, etc.  This online class will not only advance your language skills to the next level, but also enhance your ability to service your customers in a professional manner. The class materials will be Romanized (Japanese writings: hiragana, katakana, and kanji will not be used).  All levels of Japanese language proficiency are welcomed.    

This course includes live online sessions via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 - 8:30pm. To attend the live online sessions in Zoom, the following equipment is recommended:

• Access to a more recent model desktop or laptop, either Windows or Mac or Android or Apple mobile device

• Reliable high-speed (cable or DSL) Internet connection

• Recommended: webcam, headset with microphone, if your device does not already have a webcam and microphone

Students will be provided the textbook, Japanese for Busy People I, Revised 3rd Edition, Romanized version.  The pick-up day on KCC campus will be notified to the registered students.

Learner Outcomes

By the end of the course students will be able to:

1)    Differentiate between verbal and non-verbal polite and regular expressions.

2)    Gain a deeper understanding of Japanese hospitality and culture.

3)    Define polite, respectful, humble words and phrases in Japanese.

4)    Use appropriate basic key phrases and expressions for assisting customers.

5)    Understand Japanese customer service expectations.

6)    Feel confident in the role of “Omotenashi-Hospitality Ambassador of Hawai‘i”, while expressing the willingness to assist customers in a manner that exceeds their expectations.

Notes

If you are a student with a documented disability please contact the Disability Support Services Office (DSSO) in ‘Ilima 107, ph.734-9552, or email kapdss@hawaii.edu for assistance. For students whose primary disability is Deaf or hard of hearing, contact the KCC Deaf Center at ph. 734-9210 (V), 447-1379 (videophone), or email kapdeaf1@hawaii.edu. Please note: you will need to contact Kapi’olani CC’s DSSO or Deaf Center to request accommodations in a KapCC course even if you’ve already registered or are receiving services at another UH campus’s disability support program.

Refund/Drop Policy:

100% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made 10 business days or more prior to start of course.

50% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made 5-9 business days prior to start of course.

0% refund: Notification to Non-Credit Registration made less than 5 business days prior to start of course.