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Dianne Daugherty

Instructors have provided the following information to generally describe what to expect in their classes.

Japanese

Teaching style
I support a learning environment where students establish foundations for language mastery through engaging activities, meaningful projects, and appropriate progressions.

To reach mastery goals, students are expected to prepare for each class meeting by completing pre-reading assignments, actively participating in small group and pair activities, timely and accurate submission of assignments that reinforce practiced constructs, and through the demonstration of Japanese language integration and understanding.

True mastery of Japanese requires attention to cultural norms and nuances along with Japanese history, geography, and contemporary society. These lessons are woven through the curriculum and challenge students to make comparisons to and connections with their own language, life experiences, and goals.

Grading:
Assessments:  60%
Reinforcing assignments (HW) - 20%
Attendance and Engagement in class - 20%

Background and other interests
I lived in Japan for three years teaching English in the community and at the college level.

Over the past 30 years, I have regularly traveled to and from Japan leading study tours that focus on creating and sustaining friendships while connecting with Japan’s rich history, society, and culture.

I hold a teaching license for Ikebana (flower arranging) and an intermediate certificate for Koto (Japanese zither) performance. I provide lectures in the community on the topics of Japanese Ghost & Demons, the Art of Edo Era Japan, Japanese Cultural Arts (ikebana, calligraphy, tea ceremony, kimono), and Japanese performing arts of Kabuki, Noh Theater, and Bunraku.

I have a special interest in the spiritual symbolism and representations within the films of Hayao Miyazaki. I am also keenly interested in how Japan is responding to their super-aging society and sustainability issues. I taught Japanese at the high school level for 23 years and have taught at JCCC for 10 years.

M.S. in Education (Minor in Japanese) and M.A. in Contemporary East Asian Studies (University of Kansas)