Gavin Thomas
Japanese and International Business
Spring 2027
Coursework
Japanese Language and Culture
JAPN 3050
Japanese Conversation and Composition
Advanced Japanese course covering upper-intermediate to advanced grammar concepts, kanji, and speaking practice.
JAPN 4160
Japanese for International Business
Intensive studies on Japanese business culture and language nuance. Including guest speakers from firms local to the Nagoya area, providing insight on daily B2B and B2C business operations.
JAPN 3999
日本語J6 (Advanced Japanese - Writing)
Advanced language course focusing on formal writing styles. Themes include, but are not limited to self-reflection, foreign environments, and polarizing global issues. The attached coursework example is an essay titled "What I Worked Hard On as a Student". It is an accurate reflection of my proficiency in written Japanese, although somewhat lower in level when compared to my current vocabulary and grammar level.
JAPN 3999
Language Learning Seminar
Comprised of a mix of foreign exchange and native Japanese students, covering many of the different psychological aspects and teaching methods that act as the foundation for learning a foreign language.
JAPN 3999
ことばと文化 (Language and Culture)
Taught in Japanese and intended for Japanese students, this course covers the relationship between language and culture. Touching on the nuance of themes such as gender and honorifics, both of which being core to the identity of the Japanese language. The attached coursework example is a collection of comments and reflections on each lecture and its topic. It showcases my growth in the understanding of the connections between Japanese language and culture.
JAPN 3999
会話技術論 (Conversation Skills and Techniques)
Taught in Japanese and intended for Japanese students, “conversation skills and techniques” covers topics such as public speaking, posture, and tone, to help students’ communication skills in both daily life, and job hunting within Japan.
JAPN 3999
総合日本語２ (Advanced Japanese - Speaking)
Taught in Japanese and intended for Japanese students, this course covers the relationship between language and culture. Touching on the nuance of themes such as gender and honorifics, both of which being core to the identity of the Japanese language.
JAPN 3999
日本語文学 (Japanese Literature)
Course taught entirely in Japanese, covering various Japanese literary works and reflecting on meanings, history, language, etc. Famous works include "Hoichi the Earless" by Koizumi Yakumo and the famous folktale "tsuru no ongaeshi". The attached coursework example is a presentation on a short story titled "天狗の鼻" .
Business Courses
ECON 3140
Intermediate Microeconomics
Analytical study of value and distribution under varying market conditions. Covering consumer choice, production theory, and market structures.
MKT 4270
International Marketing
Multi-faceted approaches to marketing on an international scale focusing on different strategies firms use to break into foreign markets.
PCID 3040
Business Communication and Info Design
In-depth review of proper communication methods and styles in a professional environment. Examples include, proper email writing styles, navigating and resolving conflict, and teamwork based exercises.
MGT 3030
Global Business
A look into business practices on the ever-evolving global stage, including a mock corporate expansion project where my team broke down the processes involved for expanding Lulu Lemon into the Columbian market.
MKT 3999
Marketing Positioning Strategy
A deep dive into the strategies and thought processes involved in marketing a product to various markets/consumers. The attached coursework example is a groupwork project where my team mocked up a new product for Japan's largest donut chain, Mister Donut, and positioned it to a new market outside of the stores current target market segment.