Starting classes

[xicidis]

I am thinking about going to UNLV for the Japanese Language classes. How far do the 3 years of classes + the Kanji classes take you to fluency? Can anyone give me any information about the classes they've had so far?

Doumo arigatou gozaimasu. ^^

[Oneesan]

The classes themselves won't get you very fluent in the language. The teachers are good about giving you a good foundation for learning the language, but the sheer volume of material and complexity of the language make it impossible to become fluent by just taking classes. If you really want fluency, you'll have to practice it a LOT more than what you'll be able to do in class. This club is a good place to socialize and practice speaking/listening. You will get time to practice in class, but class is only 75 minutes long and there is a lot the teachers have to teach you so there is a limit on how much effective time you can spend practicing in class. The teachers like their jobs and will do whatever they can to help you learn the language though and they're all good teachers.

UNLV doesn't really have a Kanji class either. All the Kanji you'll learn are taught in the regular classes or you learn on your own. The Japanese department sees the need for a Kanji class, but they don't have the budget or resources to start one unfortunately.

If you want to know more, you can always email Takemaru-Sensei who is the head of the department or the foreign languages department office.