JAPN101 | PlanetTerp

Information	Review
Sanshiroh Ogawa JAPN101 Expecting an A- Anonymous 05/28/2024	This is a review for both 101 and 102, since I followed the 2-semester course track. This was Ogawa-sensei's first year teaching JAPN101 and 102, though he helped out at the UMD Language House before teaching it. He was responsible for monitoring the ACT classes, where we had to speak in full Japanese while following prompts related to the textbook chapters. He's a pretty funny professor, and I was definitely engaged in the ACT classes thanks to him. I should note that he is a bit tougher of a grader than Inoue-sensei, so you should definitely learn the scripts well for each ACT class beforehand. (This is Part 2 of my review, Part 1 will be under Makiko Inoue's page related to FACT classes and the course as a whole)
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting an A- Anonymous 05/28/2024	This is a review for both 101 and 102, since I followed the 2-semester course track. To start off, I should disclose that Japanese is not an easy language to learn. The class is rigorous enough that you need to put in some form of practice outside of the class. The course is labelled a 6-credit course for a reason; while 101 isn't as bad (feels like a 4-credit course), 102 is definitely a piece of work. Each semester covers 4 units of the textbook, meaning that the pacing is relatively the same throughout both semesters; this is good at the beginning, since the class might feel like it's moving slow, but later on, the course may feel like it's moving very fast. The class is divided into two parts: the FACT classes, where you learn about new content related to the textbook/culture/etc. + review content/prepare for ACTs, and the ACT classes, where you practice speaking in full Japanese the duration of the class using vocab from the textbook. Inoue-sensei was mostly in charge of the FACT classes, but would also teach some of the ACT classes. She is very knowledgeable of how to teach/pace the class and really wants you to learn the material and improve. She's very perky and has a great sense of humor (sometimes she brings up random stuff which definitely lightens the mood). She's a pretty fair grader, so what you score is a good representation of your current knowledge. If you're interested in Japanese and are willing to put in the time to learn, the class will definitely be worth your time. The content is tough and you'll have to memorize/learn a lot of new vocab, so make sure to allocate your time accordingly. I really enjoyed taking the course and would definitely recommend this course to others. (This is Part 1 of my review, Part 2 will be under Sanshiroh Ogawa's page related to ACT classes)
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting an A Anonymous 04/19/2024	Very helpful, she only wants to see you succeed. This is a 6 credit course, you can not just show up to class and watch anime and expect to perform well! You actually need to put in the work and study day in and day out to perform well on the speaking days. This means memorizing your prompts and knowing exactly what to say. Inoue Sensei is one of the kindest professors I've had, I highly recommend her class if you want to learn Japanese.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting a B Anonymous 01/09/2024	yea the class is hard, your learning one of the hardest languages in the world! don't take it if you expect it to be easy But very awesome professor. She is super caring for her students and understanding. Super accessible outside of class for help and very easy to talk too. Literally one of the best professors I ever had, i dont feel like she is a tough grader like the other reviews say. The TA was also great. Take the class if you have genuine interests in learning Japanese.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Anonymous 09/09/2021	Do not take this course unless you have some basic understanding of the Japanese language beforehand. I came in expecting an introduction to Japanese but instead felt as if the professor already expected me to know the material. ACT classes are dreadful and you'll spend everyday memorizing the course content - so that when she randomly calls on you to speak you won't look like a buffoon. The majority of your grade stems off these performances so you'll spend a good amount of time going over the dialogues. Don't expect her to go over the translations either because you need to do that on your own time. Her focus is on speaking Japanese even if you have no idea what you're saying! This class is unnecessarily stressful, feels rushed, and you won't really learn anything - unless you're looking to basically teach Japanese to yourself. Im not sure if theres another professor for japn101 but if they're is? Take your chances with them.
Takehiro Iizuka JAPN101 Expecting an A- Anonymous 01/12/2020	Just no professor is better than him
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting a B+ jpnlover 11/14/2014	Inoue sensei is the best Japanese teacher I've had. She teaches very well, she is kind, and grades fairly. I wouldn't call her class "easy" but as long as you do what you're suppose to and study, I'm sure you can get the grade you want.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting an A yasashii 12/03/2013	Hottest teacher on campus hands down. Granted, her mad cuteness will keep you distracted so learning may be a bit difficult, but if you can learn to assimilate her cuteness with the material, learning Japanese will be a blast. I've never had this much fun learning a new language before. She's harsh not because she's evil, but because she genuinely wants her students to master the Japanese language. Do your work, go to ACT class everyday and you'll get an A. さようなら！
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting a B+ Anonymous 03/15/2012	Well, I've taken Japanese 101 wayyyyyy long ago (Fall 2006), but I gotta say the following.... Japanese is a ridiculously hard language, and frankly, if people ***** about the grading in 101, they have no place to continue forward. Yes, it is a 6 credit class, and yes, you have to put tons of time into it. Don't take out all your frustration on Inoue-sensei. She is a very hard grader, but she's extremely approachable outside of class and she will help you. Yes, ACT is difficult. I remember those days and it was kind of nerve-wracking. You just have to stick with it if you really want to learn and excel. An 89.2 -> B+. Believe me, I wasn't happy about that when I finished 101. Oh well, sucked it up, finished 302, and went to study abroad in Japan (best way to improve your language skills). Oh, and taking Japanese as an engineering student was fun. So yeah, Inoue-sensei is definitely one of the nicest people I've met, but yes, she was a really tough grader. Just so you know, though, ALL Japanese teachers at UMD are hard graders.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting an A Anonymous 04/05/2011	Inoue-sensei is a very tough grader who will correct even the smallest of errors. This is extremely good if you are a Japanese major or if you plan to become at least semi-fluent in the language. If you're lazy or looking for an easy A, don't even bother wasting her time. Inoue-sensei wants you to read, write, and (especially) speak well so she will correct you when you make errors. Simple as that. Devote at least 15-30 mins a day to studying and you will be fine. And no, she is not racist. All the Chinese in my class are being treated just the same as everyone else. I highly recommend her for the serious student of Japanese.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 112233 10/27/2010	I don't know why there are so many poor reviews for Inoue-sensei. The other reviewers probably just mistakenly expected to be handed a decent grade with little effort on their part. Yes, she can be somewhat of a tough grader in ACT classes. But she just expects more out of her 101 class than the typical 101 language instructor, which is a good thing. Also, her tests and quizzes are pretty fair. She'll tell you exactly what to expect on each assessment and grades them fairly. She does not unfairly deduct points. Overall, she's a strict but fair teacher who uses a very engaging approach to teaching. She's very personable, so classes are never boring. You will walk out of class fully understanding what was covered. Oh, and no, she's not racist. The Chinese students make up nearly half the class this year and are treated well.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting an A CupofTea 12/10/2009	Hardest. Grader. Ever. Do NOT take her by ANY means - especially if you are a freshman. She will truly kill your grade. She has no heart and no mercy.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 Expecting a B Anonymous 12/10/2009	DO NOT be fooled by her cuteness. She is one hard-ass grader who plays favorites all the time. She enjoys taking arbitrary points off of quizzes. Forgot a consonant? Doubled up on a vowel that you weren't supposed to? Sorry, no partial credit! She'll just give you none at all. Look at her A percentage on UMD. 18% for 101? That means, out of all the sections she's ever taught, less than ten people have gotten A's. Well, if you want to massacre your GPA, go ahead. In my class of 15, there was probably about one person who got an A.
Kazuo Yaginuma JAPN101 IronCladMaht 12/15/2008	Yaginuma-Sensei is definitely the best professor I've had. He is a very challenging professor but at the same time is very entertaining and fun, which helps you stay engaged and interested in the course. He is also very understanding and rather than penalizing you for mistakes, he will take the time to work with you to get better. If I get the chance, I definitely want to take 102 with him the next time he is teaching.
Makiko Inoue JAPN101 intrusion 11/29/2007	Extremely capable and animated professor. She will give you interesting cultural insights and helpful pointers that I think few teachers would give. She is very personable! I have heard that she is a bit of a hard grader in ACT class though (I only had her for FACT).

Sanshiroh Ogawa
JAPN101

Expecting an A-
Anonymous
05/28/2024

This is a review for both 101 and 102, since I followed the 2-semester course track. This was Ogawa-sensei's first year teaching JAPN101 and 102, though he helped out at the UMD Language House before teaching it. He was responsible for monitoring the ACT classes, where we had to speak in full Japanese while following prompts related to the textbook chapters. He's a pretty funny professor, and I was definitely engaged in the ACT classes thanks to him. I should note that he is a bit tougher of a grader than Inoue-sensei, so you should definitely learn the scripts well for each ACT class beforehand. (This is Part 2 of my review, Part 1 will be under Makiko Inoue's page related to FACT classes and the course as a whole)

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting an A-
Anonymous
05/28/2024

This is a review for both 101 and 102, since I followed the 2-semester course track. To start off, I should disclose that Japanese is not an easy language to learn. The class is rigorous enough that you need to put in some form of practice outside of the class. The course is labelled a 6-credit course for a reason; while 101 isn't as bad (feels like a 4-credit course), 102 is definitely a piece of work. Each semester covers 4 units of the textbook, meaning that the pacing is relatively the same throughout both semesters; this is good at the beginning, since the class might feel like it's moving slow, but later on, the course may feel like it's moving very fast. The class is divided into two parts: the FACT classes, where you learn about new content related to the textbook/culture/etc. + review content/prepare for ACTs, and the ACT classes, where you practice speaking in full Japanese the duration of the class using vocab from the textbook. Inoue-sensei was mostly in charge of the FACT classes, but would also teach some of the ACT classes. She is very knowledgeable of how to teach/pace the class and really wants you to learn the material and improve. She's very perky and has a great sense of humor (sometimes she brings up random stuff which definitely lightens the mood). She's a pretty fair grader, so what you score is a good representation of your current knowledge. If you're interested in Japanese and are willing to put in the time to learn, the class will definitely be worth your time. The content is tough and you'll have to memorize/learn a lot of new vocab, so make sure to allocate your time accordingly. I really enjoyed taking the course and would definitely recommend this course to others. (This is Part 1 of my review, Part 2 will be under Sanshiroh Ogawa's page related to ACT classes)

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting an A
Anonymous
04/19/2024

Very helpful, she only wants to see you succeed. This is a 6 credit course, you can not just show up to class and watch anime and expect to perform well! You actually need to put in the work and study day in and day out to perform well on the speaking days. This means memorizing your prompts and knowing exactly what to say. Inoue Sensei is one of the kindest professors I've had, I highly recommend her class if you want to learn Japanese.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting a B
Anonymous
01/09/2024

yea the class is hard, your learning one of the hardest languages in the world! don't take it if you expect it to be easy But very awesome professor. She is super caring for her students and understanding. Super accessible outside of class for help and very easy to talk too. Literally one of the best professors I ever had, i dont feel like she is a tough grader like the other reviews say. The TA was also great. Take the class if you have genuine interests in learning Japanese.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Anonymous
09/09/2021

Do not take this course unless you have some basic understanding of the Japanese language beforehand. I came in expecting an introduction to Japanese but instead felt as if the professor already expected me to know the material. ACT classes are dreadful and you'll spend everyday memorizing the course content - so that when she randomly calls on you to speak you won't look like a buffoon. The majority of your grade stems off these performances so you'll spend a good amount of time going over the dialogues. Don't expect her to go over the translations either because you need to do that on your own time. Her focus is on speaking Japanese even if you have no idea what you're saying! This class is unnecessarily stressful, feels rushed, and you won't really learn anything - unless you're looking to basically teach Japanese to yourself. Im not sure if theres another professor for japn101 but if they're is? Take your chances with them.

Takehiro Iizuka
JAPN101

Expecting an A-
Anonymous
01/12/2020

Just no professor is better than him

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting a B+
jpnlover
11/14/2014

Inoue sensei is the best Japanese teacher I've had. She teaches very well, she is kind, and grades fairly. I wouldn't call her class "easy" but as long as you do what you're suppose to and study, I'm sure you can get the grade you want.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting an A
yasashii
12/03/2013

Hottest teacher on campus hands down. Granted, her mad cuteness will keep you distracted so learning may be a bit difficult, but if you can learn to assimilate her cuteness with the material, learning Japanese will be a blast. I've never had this much fun learning a new language before. She's harsh not because she's evil, but because she genuinely wants her students to master the Japanese language. Do your work, go to ACT class everyday and you'll get an A. さようなら！

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting a B+
Anonymous
03/15/2012

Well, I've taken Japanese 101 wayyyyyy long ago (Fall 2006), but I gotta say the following.... Japanese is a ridiculously hard language, and frankly, if people ***** about the grading in 101, they have no place to continue forward. Yes, it is a 6 credit class, and yes, you have to put tons of time into it. Don't take out all your frustration on Inoue-sensei. She is a very hard grader, but she's extremely approachable outside of class and she will help you. Yes, ACT is difficult. I remember those days and it was kind of nerve-wracking. You just have to stick with it if you really want to learn and excel. An 89.2 -> B+. Believe me, I wasn't happy about that when I finished 101. Oh well, sucked it up, finished 302, and went to study abroad in Japan (best way to improve your language skills). Oh, and taking Japanese as an engineering student was fun. So yeah, Inoue-sensei is definitely one of the nicest people I've met, but yes, she was a really tough grader. Just so you know, though, ALL Japanese teachers at UMD are hard graders.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting an A
Anonymous
04/05/2011

Inoue-sensei is a very tough grader who will correct even the smallest of errors. This is extremely good if you are a Japanese major or if you plan to become at least semi-fluent in the language. If you're lazy or looking for an easy A, don't even bother wasting her time. Inoue-sensei wants you to read, write, and (especially) speak well so she will correct you when you make errors. Simple as that. Devote at least 15-30 mins a day to studying and you will be fine. And no, she is not racist. All the Chinese in my class are being treated just the same as everyone else. I highly recommend her for the serious student of Japanese.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

112233
10/27/2010

I don't know why there are so many poor reviews for Inoue-sensei. The other reviewers probably just mistakenly expected to be handed a decent grade with little effort on their part. Yes, she can be somewhat of a tough grader in ACT classes. But she just expects more out of her 101 class than the typical 101 language instructor, which is a good thing. Also, her tests and quizzes are pretty fair. She'll tell you exactly what to expect on each assessment and grades them fairly. She does not unfairly deduct points. Overall, she's a strict but fair teacher who uses a very engaging approach to teaching. She's very personable, so classes are never boring. You will walk out of class fully understanding what was covered. Oh, and no, she's not racist. The Chinese students make up nearly half the class this year and are treated well.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting an A
CupofTea
12/10/2009

Hardest. Grader. Ever. Do NOT take her by ANY means - especially if you are a freshman. She will truly kill your grade. She has no heart and no mercy.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

Expecting a B
Anonymous
12/10/2009

DO NOT be fooled by her cuteness. She is one hard-ass grader who plays favorites all the time. She enjoys taking arbitrary points off of quizzes. Forgot a consonant? Doubled up on a vowel that you weren't supposed to? Sorry, no partial credit! She'll just give you none at all. Look at her A percentage on UMD. 18% for 101? That means, out of all the sections she's ever taught, less than ten people have gotten A's. Well, if you want to massacre your GPA, go ahead. In my class of 15, there was probably about one person who got an A.

Kazuo Yaginuma
JAPN101

IronCladMaht
12/15/2008

Yaginuma-Sensei is definitely the best professor I've had. He is a very challenging professor but at the same time is very entertaining and fun, which helps you stay engaged and interested in the course. He is also very understanding and rather than penalizing you for mistakes, he will take the time to work with you to get better. If I get the chance, I definitely want to take 102 with him the next time he is teaching.

Makiko Inoue
JAPN101

intrusion
11/29/2007

Extremely capable and animated professor. She will give you interesting cultural insights and helpful pointers that I think few teachers would give. She is very personable! I have heard that she is a bit of a hard grader in ACT class though (I only had her for FACT).

Reviews for JAPN101