The course introduces a number of basic Japanese structures and vocabulary including 150 kanji that are essential to basic Japanese communication (oral/aural and reading/writing). They are taught through five social/cultural topics following the textbook, Nakama Book2 chapters:
1. Gift,
2. Asking for a favour and how to do something,
3. Talking about employment,
4. Complaints
5. The environment and society

While studying language, the thematic focus gives students the opportunity to understand current sociocultural issues in Japan, and to apply this to the own culture as they discuss similarities and differences.