The course follows JAPN1000 and further introduces a number of basic Japanese structures and vocabulary that are essential to basic Japanese communication. It also offers learning of about 70 Kanji, Japanese characters. They are taught through five social/cultural topics following the textbook, Nakama Book 1 chapters:

1. Food
2. Family
3. Shopping
4. Memories
5. Health

In each topic, while studying the language, students are challenged to discover different approaches to viewing the world around them linguistically and culturally, and are given the opportunity to understand current sociocultural issues in Japan. The theme of the course is "Connection." Through the course, the students not only "connect" with the Japanese language, culture and society, but also "connect" with their classmates, teachers, native-speakers from the community, as well as with themselves, through critical reflection and expression of self.